Seeding rate of sunflower in Ukraine

Plant density is a factor that determines the yield of sunflower. For a satisfactory harvesting result, it is necessary to adhere to the seeding rate. Each hybrid has certain requirements, the observance of which contributes to the optimal growth and development of high quality plants. Certain varieties react in their own way to changing norms, for example, thickening, which is due to the unique genetic nature and special adaptation to environmental conditions.

The recommended seeding volume in most cases is 40–80 thousand units per hectare. The planting density should be 35–65 thousand per hectare. The final result is significantly influenced by the type of soil and other features of the growing area.

Formula for determining the norm

The density of the sunflower is calculated as follows: running meters / row spacing. For example, 10,000 (1 ha) / 0.7 (common parameter) = 14 286. After that, the number of plants in a row is counted, the length of which is 14.28 m. This number is taken from the example. The result reflects the number of plants per hectare. However, keep in mind that field germination under unfavorable environmental conditions is 20–25% lower than laboratory germination.

Important: during harrowing, up to 15% of plants die, and the same number during inter-row cultivation. Considering the above, the optimal seeding rate is increased by 20–40%. It is possible to reduce costs through the use of modern agricultural technologies and equipment, and seeds should be bought only from producers and official distributors (not through numerous intermediaries).

Is it necessary to carry out a test cultivation and how to do it

When you receive your shipment of seeds, read the label carefully. It is better to take the manufacturer's recommendations into account for obtaining high yields. After studying the information, we recommend conducting a test germination, which will allow you to see the strength of plant growth. This will require 4 trays with lids or sheets of glass / plastic, filter paper and a dark, warm place. Sunflower seeds are germinated at a temperature of 20 to 30 ° C.

Test technology stages:
1. Placing paper in trays after pre-wetting with water.
2. Distribution of seeds (100 seeds per container).
3. Covering the blanks with several layers of moistened filter paper.
Do not use too much water, drain excess water. However, during the entire germination period, the paper should be damp.

The energy of growth is assessed on the 3rd day, after 2–5 days the state of the inoculum in all trays is analyzed. Count the number of germinated seeds in each batch, add up all the numbers and divide by 4.

Example: (97 + 92 + 95 + 94) / 4 = 94.5%.

Important: on the eve of the test, the seeds are heated for 10 days at a temperature of +30 ° C. After the experiment, do not rush to throw away the containers that you used, and the documents for the goods, as well as the leftovers until the next season. We recommend drawing up sowing certificates in the fields. If you find substandard seeds or when plants are splitting in different fields, file a claim with the supplier. To do this, you need documents for the goods, which were previously advised to save at least a year.

Features of sowing in hot regions

Under arid climatic conditions, the norms are reduced to 25-40 thousand / 1 ha, they are also corrected when growing:
• in the steppe zone - from 40,000 to 80,000;
• under irrigation conditions - from 80,000 to 100,000;
• in the forest-steppe - from 80,000 to 100,000.
When working with seeds of low-growing and fast-ripening sunflower hybrids, the rates are reduced to 80,000.

Useful: well-known breeding companies sell already pickled material, packaged in PE bags. One sowing unit is designed for an average of 2.5 hectares. It contains about 150,000 seeds.