Fergus Robley

Some farmers have already completed planting, but others are at work in the fields.  All must  ensure of maximum use of ongoing rains.

If you have not already planted to help achieve the full potential of the planter, the following mechanical checks prior to going to the fields will minimise downtime and delays as the critical planting window ends.

Clean the planter:  Check and lubricate all chains and sprockets, grease all the greasing points then check and grease all the bearings.

Ensure all the drive wheels and drivelines are working freely and not rusted or stiff

Also clean and lubricate the seed and fertiliser drives and metering units and replace any defective parts. 

Check the seed and fertiliser tubes are in good condition and are not blocked.

It’s important too to check the disc openers and tynes (if applicable) are all in good condition and replace those that are worn out. This gives accurate seed placement.

You must also understand the recommendations of the seed you have purchased, so you know the recommended planting depth and inter-row spacing and then in conjunction with the manufacturers owner’s manual prepare the calibration of planters for seed and fertiliser placement.

The right plant population per area ensures that whilst competing for nutrients and sunlight, the plants offer each other healthy support for maximum yields. 

The rate of fertiliser plays a key role in achieving a good crop. Accordingly, the granular size of fertiliser plays a role in this and should also be calibrated to meet the desired kilos per acre as recommended by an agronomist, seed and fertiliser supplier. 

The depth of planting will require fine adjustment in the field when you start planting as the soil condition influences this.

By going through these steps before planting, the yield limiting factors will be minimised and the plant will be able to map out a good yield. – The writer is the General Manager, FMD East Africa, the Massey Ferguson distributor.