Sowing efficiency of two seeding machines with different metering devices and distribution systems: a comparison using soybean, Glycine max (L) Merr.

Abstract

Argentina has experienced changes in its agricultural production, moving from traditional practices which greatly disturbed soils towards systems that reduce soilworking. Direct seeding is a good example of the latter. Seeding machines have improved significantly in recent years, incorporating new technical and functional features. Two seeding systems are used in soybean cultivation: the traditional method which relies on planters equipped and drills (which plant in rows). The second option allows the use of a single seeding machine for wheat-soybean rotation and is the object of growing market interest. The aim of this study was to compare two direct seeding machines representative of these systems. The following variables were recorded: a) the "treatment" received by the seed (as determined by seed viability), b) the relationship between plants grown and seeds planted per row, c) the uniformity of plant distribution per linear meter of furrow, and d) yield per linear meter of furrow plus yield as kg ha-1 at harvest. The trial was performed in 12 randomly selected plots at Nogoyá (Entre Ríos, Argentina), which for the last six years had been direct-seeded. The results obtained were compared using the Tukey test (significance set at p<0.05). Significant differences were found in favour of the planter with respect to "reatment" received by the seed, the quantity of viable seed distributed, sowing efficiency and yield per linear meter of furrow.