Singulation study in Maize
Study Contact: Benard Ngwene, AGCO Agronomist, Africa.
Benard.ngwene@agcocorp.com
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this study was to show the advantage of good singulation in maize production.
STUDY DESIGN:
During the 2018/2019 cropping season, maize yield was compared in a plot planted with good singulation (99%) to a similar plot planted with poor singulation simulation (about 81%) on the same field 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 maize seeds with good singulation resulted in a 20% increase in grain yield (6.4 t/ha) over the field planted with poor singulation (5.3 t/ha).
The 20% yield increase was attributed to a better distribution of plants, which resulted in more uniform plant growth, less plant-to-plant competition, and improved nutrient uptake.