Soybean response to planting with Precision planter and cone seeder – Liverpool Plains 2013–14

Abstract

Key findings • There was a significant difference in the type of planter on soybean crop establishment (p <0.05 L.S.D. 4.22), the Monosem disc seeder averaged 13 plants/m2 and the cone seeder with the tyne assembly averaging almost double – 25.4 plants/m2. • Sown on 90 cm row spacing, as target × populations increased, the percentage of seed that established progressively declined: achieving 95% establishment at the target population of 10 plants/m2 to 55% of seed (or 27 plants/m2) where 50 plants/m2 were targeted. • Soybean yield was significantly impacted by the type of planter. Overall yield sown with the tyne planter was 2.54 t/ha, the disc planter averaging 2.12 t/ha (p <0.05 L.S.D. 0.14). These differences are largely attributed to the interaction between planter and population, which was not statistically significant. • Crop population impacted significantly on yield. Highest yields were recorded where populations achieved by the tyne planter averaged 23, 31 and 35 plants/m2. Yields were 2.64, 2.73 and 2.87 t/ha respectively (p <0.05 L.S.D. 0.27). • Planting equipment and crop populations had no significant effect on soybean seed quality characteristics like seed size, oil or protein content.