Small soybean seeds

Apr 1, 2004 12:00 PM

The soybean seeds in your planter this spring will be smaller than the soybean seeds from the past few years. The hot, dry weather in August 2003 resulted in a reduction in number of seeds, seed fill, seed size and yield, according to John Harker, NK Brand of Syngenta Seeds. The smaller seeds should not affect the 2004 crop if growers properly adjust their planter meters, Harker says. Today's planters can accurately plant a wide range of seed sizes. Growers should set, adjust and test the planter metering units to achieve the correct drop and population per acre. Growers also should make field adjustments as needed when planting. Growers may contact the planter manufacturers for specific planter recommendations based on seed size.