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Soil Strength in the Seed Zone of Several Planting Systems
Author(s) -
Stephens L. E.,
Johnson R. R.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1993.03615995005700020031x
Subject(s) - penetrometer , soil compaction , compaction , environmental science , sowing , soil water , tillage , soil type , agronomy , soil science , geology , geotechnical engineering , biology
The growth in conservation tillage has placed new demands on the performance of planting systems. Newer openers designed to provide adequate compaction of soil around seeds in hard, dry soils can produce excessive compaction in wet soils. Occasionally, concern is raised whether openers are creating compaction in the seed zone. Soil bin tests were used to measure soil strength in the seed zone created by planting systems used on hoe drills, seeding tillers, row crop planters, and no‐till drills to assess possible soil compaction problems. Each system was operated throughout the range of its adjustments. A multiple‐cone penetrometer measured soil strength before and after operation to create contour maps showing the ratio of after/before soil strength. Most tests used soil with an initial cone penetrometer soil strength index of 350 kPa. All openers reduced soil strength in an area extending from the surface to 15 to 30 mm below the seed, with no evidence of compaction. Closing systems provided selectable levels of soil reconsolidation. The system on the row crop planter could provide soil strength in the seed zone ranging from 30 to nearly 200% of the original soil strength by using its adjustments and standard accessories. We conclude that openers do not cause compaction. Closing system options, especially on no‐till openers, can create a range of soil strengths in the seed zone, but must be set to avoid compaction in susceptible soil conditions.