The purpose of this study is to examine how planting depth impacts plant population, emergence and yield.

2018 Southern Illinois Wheat Planting Depth Study

Most data that can be found on optimal planting depths for wheat usually suggests planting at 1 to 1.5 in. At this depth, the plants have adequate room to develop crown roots and grow without risk of heaving from freeze and thaw cycles. However, depending on how the wheat is seeded, achieving those optimum planting depths is not always possible. In this study, we used a planter to accurately and consistently achieve the desired planting depth.

Early on, we did not observe much difference between the planting depths after emergence. However, some noticeable differences were evident after breaking winter dormancy and on through flag leaf emergence. The 0.5 in. depth was shorter and looked visibly thinner than any of the other planting depths. The most consistent and uniform stand came from the 1.5 in. and 2 in. depths.

The 1 in. depth ended up with the highest yield. We feel that without much freeze and thaw cycle impact, with the ground being abnormally dry this spring, the shallower depths were able to avoid potential injury and led to our two best yielding depths. Also, because the planter had consistency in seed placement, the difference between them was not extreme. That said, all it takes is a harsh winter, and this data set would look entirely different. Paying attention to the little things like planting depth can make a significant impact on your bottom line!

 Feekes 1: 2 oz. PowerFlex® HL Feekes 7: 0.9 oz. Harmony® Extra SG | 

 Feekes 10.5.1: 1.28 oz. Warrior II, Escalate® | 

2021 Iowa Soybean SINGULATION STUDY 15 IN. ROWS

2021 Iowa Soybean POPULATION STUDY FOLIAR RESPONSE

Planting Depth Study

Use whenever the name of a PFR Study mentions Population, Planting Date, Planting Depth, Planting Speed, Planting Film, Singulation, Talc, Row Width, Soil Amendment, Pre-Emerge, Pre-Emergent, Delayed Planting, Crop Rotation, Water Management, Tire Pressure, Strip Cropping, Herbicide Additive, and/or Maturity.