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Automated Seeding Rate Selector¹

There are instances when crop production could be enhanced if the plant population was changed within the field to correspond with changes in water or nutrient availability. Therefore, a device for changing seeding rates during planting operations was designed and tested. The device reported allows for three seeding rates, but the number could be changed to meet specific needs. The rate is changed by simply dialing an electric switch which engages the respective electromagnetic clutches. There is no need to stop or slow the planter to make the desired change. while the need that led to the equipment was to reduce plant densities down the field to correspond with decreased amounts of irrigation water, there are many other potential uses. Plant population studies could be more easily and precisely implemented. The concept could also be used to change fertilizer or pesticide rates in instances where the materials are applied by chain- or belt-driven assemblies. The device can be readily constructed at moderate cost.

Key Words: Plant populations • Plant densities • Equipment • Planters • Sorghum bicolor L. Moench

² Soil scientist and laboratory director, Conservation and Production Research Lab., ARS, USDA, P.O. Drawer 10, Bushland, TX 79012

Received for publication June 21, 1982.