Planting depth study in Maize
Study Contact: Benard Ngwene, AGCO Agronomist, Africa.
Benard.ngwene@agcocorp.com
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of the study was to demonstrate the effect of planting depth on maize grain yield
STUDY DESIGN:
During the 2018/2019 cropping season, maize yield was compared at different planting depths (2.5, 4, 7, and 9 cm) using the MF 9812 precision planter at the AGCO future farm in Zambia.
RESULTS:
Overall grain yield was lower than average due to very low precipitation in this region during the 2018/2019 cropping season. Planting at 7 cm deep resulted in the overall highest yield (6.2 tons/ha) (Figure 1). Comparable yields (about 7% lower) were obtained at the 4 and 9 cm planting depths, whereas planting at 2.5 cm deep resulted in the lowest yield (about 10% lover).
Adequate soil moisture is critical for rapid and uniform seed germination, along with root establishment. Therefore, farmers should always aim to plant seeds where moisture is present. In this trial, according to the yield results, 7 cm was the optimal planting depth. Although there was also adequate moisture at 9 cm deep, the seedlings require more energy to reach the surface.