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Variable rate planting study to help farmers

A soybean and small grain crop production specialist with Ohio State University is working with farmers to determine the optimum planting rate for different soil types.

Laura Lindsey says she hopes the study will help farmers create management zones and select a planting rate that will lead to better farming.

“Some farmers create management zone based on elevation, some on organic matter, some on soil type, and others use a combination of factors,” she says. “So we want to see what the best method to create a zone is.”

She tells Brownfield the research will also help answer farmers’ questions about yield benefits and how to save on seed cost.

“For farmers who haven’t invested in the equipment yet, we hope they can make some good decisions based on this research,” she says.

She says the study will continue next growing season with five different farmers.

Audio: Laura Lindsey, Ohio State University