Research

Background

This project will compare solid-seeded oilseed sunflower to row-planted oilseed sunflower over two field seasons. Different plant populations will be targeted since the theory is an air seeder lacks the advantage of singulation, would be inefficient at low plant populations and would require a higher planting rate in order to match the yield of a planter. An oil-type sunflower will be planted at three target plant populations (18,000 & 22,000 & 26,000 plants/ac) and in narrow (<12”, solid seeded), mid (15”) and wide (30”) rows.

Objectives

1. To evaluate solid seeding vs mid and wide row spacing in oilseed sunflower production
2. To evaluate plant populations in solid seeded, mid and wide row spacing