December 2019

Abstract

An appropriate sowing process is one of the steps that need immediate attention in crop sciences, because it may compromise the profitability of crops. An effective sowing process requires correctly spaced seedlings with the right depth in order to obtain an appropriate and uniform stand. In this context, statistical control is an option that allows evaluation of the agricultural process. Our objective in this study was to evaluate the quality of maize sowing as a function of planting density and working speeds. The statistical design used was based on the methodology of statistical quality control, corresponding to 4 seed dispensers from different manufacturers denoted DA, DB, DC, and DD with two speeds for each (V1 = 7.0 km h-1 and V2 = 11.5 km h-1). Data were collected from 10 replicates for each of the 4 seed dispensers, totaling 40 samples, at each working speed. The following parameters were evaluated: Sowing depth, longitudinal distribution of seedlings, initial and final plant population, and corn grain yield for the hybrid 30F35YH variety. The statistical process control offers an interesting and reliable mean of evaluating the quality of the sowing process. The seed dispenser, DC, exhibited a better quality of sowing as compared to others. The highest percentage of normal spacing was observed at the lower displacement speed for the seed dispensers, DB, DC, and DD. These seed dispensers also showed higher productivity as compared to other seed dispensers.