Effects of Seed Drop Height and Tillage System on the Emergence Time and Rate in the Single Seed Planters

This study was conducted to determine the effects of seed drop height and tractor forward speed in different tillage systems on the mean emergence time, emergence rate index, and percentage emergence in single seed planters. The experiments were carried out in the conventional and reduced tillage systems, at seed drop heights of 120, 180, and 240 mm and tractor forward speeds of 1.1, 1.5, and 2.2 m s(-1). Sunflower and maize seeds were used in the study. The results of the study showed that seed drop height significantly affected the mean emergence time, emergence rate index, and percent emergence in both experiments (P<0.05). Also, the tillage system significantly affected the mean emergence time and emergence rate index. The lowest mean emergence time and the highest emergence rate index were 10 d and 0.19 seedlings d(-1) m(-1) in the reduced tillage system for sunflower, respectively. The same parameters were 12 d and 0.37 seedlings d(-1) m(-1) in the reduced tillage system for maize, respectively. As a result, the seeds of sunflower and maize should be sowed in reduced tillage system, 180 mm seed drop height, and 1.1 - 1.5 m s(-1) tractor forward speeds for rapid germination and high percentage emergence.