Seed rate calculation and drill calibration are essential tasks

As tillage farmers face into the autumn sowing season it is essential that the seed drill is set up correctly. Farmers should calibrate the seed drill between different crops, different varieties, different batches and different seed dressings.

All of these factors can have a big impact on how the seed flows to the drill so taking a few minutes to calibrate the drill is well worth it in the long run to ensure even establishment across crops.

Earlier in the year AgriLand met up with Derek Delahunty from Lemken who guided us through the calibration of a new Solitair 9 Lemken drill which had been purchased by M&J contracting in Cloyne, Co. Cork.

Calculating seed rate is the first step

The first thing the farmer needs to do it calculate the seed rate.

It’s then time to prepare the drill. In simple terms this means putting seed into the drill and allowing seed to run into the collection tray to have it in a normal flowing pattern before calibrating.

The tray is then emptied and seed is allowed run into the tray. In the video Derek allows seed to run for 45 seconds.

The tray and the seed are then weighed. The empty tray is weighed and the weight of the seed in the tray is inputted into the control unit in the cab. The drill is then ready to go.