Automatic Section Control for Planters: Effects on Corn and Soybean Yields.

Farmers are looking for technologies to fine-tune the use of inputs while improving the return on investment. Improved seed utilization efficiency can be achieved for corn (Zea mays L.) and soybeans (Glycine max L.) reducing double-planted areas (DPAs) by utilization of the automatic section control (ASC) technology in planters, a new tool within the precision agriculture discipline. The main scientific research gaps are related to the effect of DPAs on yield at varying yield environments and the proportion of DPA based on farm field size in Southern regions of Brazil. The objectives of this study were to: (a) quantify the yield losses (YLs) from DPA in corn and soybean based on on-farm evaluations; (b) quantify return of investment (ROI) from the use of ASC when considering the following variables: i) DPA_%, ii) economic YL, iii) ratio of corn:soybean in the rotation, and iv) planted area; and (c) estimate the DPA_% using data collected from a survey tool conducted in 128 fields from Brazil. Key outcomes from this study were: (1) corn yield was more proportionally reduced for DPA in low yield environments and primarily due to reductions in grains per ear; (2) soybeans presented similar yields for DPA versus ASC due to compensation between seeds per plant and seed weight; (3) when planted area is only corn, ROI for the ASC technology is faster regardless of the YL and DPA factors; (4) Overall DPA_% was 5.5% from fields evaluated and increasing at a faster rate for irregular field shapes. Use of ASC benefited soybeans via seed savings, while for corn involved both seed savings and the gain on yield, presenting more potential savings for ASC on planters.