Well, this has been quite the year for farmers! First there was the late spring which delayed seeding and now a harvest that for many farmers will be extended into spring. Hopefully, by the time this issue is out, most everyone will have their harvest in the bins.
As we head into our winter extension program, we will be once again conducting our "Kitchen Table" style farmer meetings. These meetings allow for two-way communication between farmers and ourselves, as well as benefiting from each others experiences. Although the topics and concerns brought by farmers at these meetings are very diverse, some common questions come up at nearly every meeting. A very common question is "What opener should I be using to direct seed?" This can be a very difficult question to address with the farmer and there are no simple answers. Unfortunately, the perfect opener that works in every soil type and moisture condition has not yet arrived on the market. Therefore, the farmer has to make his selection on openers based on several factors.
The first thing in narrowing down the selection is deciding whether to single or double shoot. If the nitrogen being applied does not exceed the recommended safe rates then single shoot openers like a knife, spoon, spreader tips, etc. may be a good option. Single shoot openers are generally less expensive than dual shoot openers and require less draft. However, if the amount of nitrogen that will be applied with the seed exceeds the recommended safe levels, then double shoot openers should definitely be considered. Sidebanding and paired row type openers keep the fertilizer and seed separated so seedling damage from the nitrogen is virtually eliminated. Dual shoot openers also avoid extended maturity problems which can occur when high nitrogen levels are applied with the seed. Utilizing mid-row banding coulters or deep banding the nitrogen in the fall are also options that will affect opener selection. There are now seeding machines specifically designed to use mid-row banding coulters.
The soil texture will also have an influence on opener selection. The opener design will need to be different depending on if you are seeding on heavy clay or a sandy soil. Several manufacturers have tips or openers specifically designed for certain soil types like heavy clays. Make sure that the opener you chose are designed to work in those conditions.
Row spacing can also influence opener selection. Although low disturbance openers combined with wide row spacing can have a positive effect in reducing certain weed populations, it can cause problems if you don't straight combine. However, a wide row spacing improves residue clearance.
Cost is a factor as well. Dual shoot openers are more expensive than single shoot types. However, after the capital investment, usually only replacement wear parts need to be replaced.
Whatever opener you choose, make sure that accurate seed placement will be achieved. Ensure that the packer width matches the opener and provides adequate seed to soil contact. Remember, the opener is only one component of the whole direct seeding system. For direct seeding to be successful, the whole system needs to be implemented. Going only half way will not bring about the rewards and benefits that can be realized from low disturbance direct seeding.
If you need more information, please contact your nearest Regional Conservationist. We can provide more information and there is also the Farmers Helping Farmers Database service that we provide from our offices as well.