CROP SCENE INVESTIGATION – 34

Five of the row units on Karl’s six-row planter had developed an inch and a half gap between the gauge wheel and the frame. This loose assembly allowed dirt to get into these gaps and caused the gauge wheels to lift on five of the units during planting.

Pioneer Hi-Bred agronomist Scott Fife explains that the lifting motion caused the five affected row units to have a different planting depth than the row unit that worked properly.

The unaffected unit planted seeds at the proper depth, allowing plants to grow more vigorously and to almost double the early-season height of the other five rows.

Better Farming - December 2011