Seeder setup is key to max canola emergence | Canola School

""Too much fan speed... your risk of cracking goes up," he says, noting that higher velocity increases impact as seed moves through the system."

""You don't want your ground too tight... you just want a nice covering over your seed," he says."

""Speed kills... that's a lesson in life about everything," Nanninga says, noting that higher speeds, especially with hoe openers, throw more soil and create larger trenches."

""The biggest impact comes from getting the fundamentals right - protecting the seed and placing it in a consistent, supportive environment to drive even emergence.""

Uneven canola emergence often results from seeder setup issues, including calibration, airflow, and seed placement. Targeting five to eight plants per square foot is essential, using thousand kernel weight and germination for seeding rates. Fan speed must be managed to prevent seed cracking. Fertilizer placement can also affect emergence, with risks of salt injury from increased fertilizer in the seed row. Consistent seed placement at a depth of half to three-quarters of an inch is critical, and travel speed should be controlled to ensure even coverage.

Read at Realagriculture