Symptoms
Seed shape and uniformity are often not considered when choosing the right seed disk for VacuMeter™ planters. However, both can play a large role in seed spacing and population control.
Situation or Problem
Past operators manuals did not include information about the effect of seed shape and uniformity as related to selecting the correct seed disk and vacuum level setting.
Summary
Seed disk selection, talc usage, vacuum level, and ground speed continue to be the largest factors affecting seed spacing and population control. Enhanced operators manual information was developed to aid in correctly identifying the proper seed disk and vacuum level for the seed being planted.
Changes made:
New starting disk recommendations based on seed size, shape, and uniformity
Initial recommendations for vacuum levels for corn seed disks have increased by 1 - 2 inches of water
Small Corn Disk (A43215) recommended as starting disk for a wider range of seed sizes
ProMax 40 Flat disk (A53291) vacuum levels available on the same chart as the cell disk levels
New information regarding the effects of ground conditions, meter speed, and ground speed on VacuMeter performance
This information will appear first in the operators manual for model year 2007 planters, but applies to all John Deere VacuMeter planters. The following are three pages that have been added to the operators manuals for 2007.
