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| Jim,
Let's not forget that uniform seed depth also requires cutting a furrow that is of consistent width to allow all the kernels to get to the bottom, so the amount of blade flex becomes a major factor. Wear on the edges of the seed tube guard greatly affects this. With zero blade flex, the furrow shape has a flat spot on the bottom that is ~ 5/16" wide -- so a corn kernel can easily get to the bottom of the furrow. Zero blade flex may be overkill, but try to keep blade flex to a minimum so that you have a consistent furrow shape and consistent *effective* depth (where the seeds come to rest).
Consistent depth is only part of the equation for uniform emergence. You also need sufficient seed firming on *all* the seeds -- and by far the best way to do this is at the seed's location (e.g., using a Keeton) rather than squashing all the soil from the surface downward. Packing the soil over the seed only slows soil warming and delays emergence because the soil is more dense. | |
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Corn planting depth question....how much does it matter?
