Seed rate meaning, effect on yield and factors that affects it

Seed rate

It is the number of seeds required for a unit area of land to grow a crop successfully

Effects of seed rate on crop yield

Increasing the seed rate increases crop yield per unit area up a maximum due to increase in the number of plants per unit area that produces. After the optimal seed rate yield decreases due overcrowding and high competition for space, water, carbon dioxide and light.

Factors that affect seed rate

• Size of seed/plant: higher number of seeds/plants are required per unit areas compared to big seeds and plants
• Desired population
• Seed purity/ percentage of pure seeds within a selected seed batch
• Row spacing, the closer the rows the higher the seed rate
• seed placement, the closure the seed holes the higher the seed rate
• planter calibration, the faster and the higher the seeds are planted the higher the seed rate
• Germination rate: high percentages of seeds that germinate ensures higher number of plants per unit area of land
• Seed treatment (e.g. priming, coating) increase the percentage germination and hence higher plant establishment.
• Planting at recommended depth increase the percentage germination and hence higher plant density.

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Dr. Bbosa Science