Accurate singulation and seed placement are critical to maximizing corn yield. A planter that is properly maintained and set up will help optimize accuracy but changing field conditions and seed sizes will require in-field adjustments. To help farmers optimize planter performance we have compiled these recommendations from several equipment manufacturers.

Vacuum Settings

One of the most important in-field adjustments influencing singulation is planter vacuum.

  • Seed size and weight varies by hybrid, but any seed can be planted accurately when adjusted properly. In general:
    • Doubles are caused by too much vacuum.
    • Skips are caused by too little vacuum.
  • Advanced seed monitors improve the ease of real-time vacuum adjustment. Manufacturer-recommended vacuum settings can be found in Table 2.

Seed Lubricant

Most planter manufacturers recommend using a seed lubricant like talc or graphite. 

  • Add the recommended talc/graphite in layers when loading to ensure even coverage. Manufacturerrecommended seed lubricants are listed in Table 1.
    • Talc is good at attracting moisture and prevents clumping or bridging due to moisture. It also provides some dry lubrication.
    • Graphite helps with metal-on-metal meter components. Graphite also helps to prevent clumping due to static electricity buildup in the plastic center fill hoses due to its conductivity.

Seed Storage Prior to Planting

Another important factor to ensure accurate and troublefree planting is weather and seed storage conditions. While it is always important to store seed in a dry place, high humidity can affect flowability at planting.

  •   In humid conditions, additional talc is required to help dry seed and minimize bridging and flowability problems.
  •   The most severe issues occur when planting occurs in warm, humid conditions when the seed is still cool. In these conditions, condensation can form on the seed, creating flowability problems. Steps to acclimate seed in these conditions will help minimize issues.
    • Staging seed in a heated shop or in warm sunshine helps warm seed and prevent condensation or evaporate any condensation that has formed.
    • In severe instances additional talc helps but too much can create bread dough. In these severe cases graphite is required to improve flowability.