Tag Archives: air seeder

Bourgault Metering Guidelines for Nodulator® Solid Core Granules

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Granular inoculants including solid core granules typically have low application rates in addition to a low bulk density. This makes granular inoculants different than many other products applied through an air seeder. We have compiled the following metering guidelines from Bourgault to assist growers when applying solid core granules:

Bourgault 2000, 3000, 4000 series tanks
• These models use a quick change sprocket to vary the speed of the auger and the rate – if the operator is not able to set the rate low enough with the sprocket that they have – reduce the “cultivator sizing sprocket” this will slow the overall speed of the main drive and reduce the application rate.

Bourgault 5000,6000 series tanks (variable speed transmission)
• When conducting an initial calibration a transmission setting of between 13 and 26 in low range is appropriate. Actual setting will depend on application rate of product.
• If the operator is at the lowest end of the setting (below 10) after inputting calibration number from initial calibration, increase the drive ratio on the range sprockets to again reduce the speed the auger can be turned therefore requiring transmission to be set at a higher speed. Optimal transmission setting is between 30-50 however between 15 and 85 is acceptable for smooth operation.

Bourgault 7000 series tanks (hydraulic drive)
• The calibration number for the low output auger for solid core granules is 0.065 lbs per revolution.
• These units have the PDM Pro metering augers that have a UHMW flighting and UHMW lined housing – an ultra-low rate auger will be available in this configuration allowing for low rates to be easily obtained.

For further information, contact your local Bourgault dealer.

CNH (Flexicoil) Roller Selection for Granular Inoculants

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Granular inoculants are not directly listed on the CNH meter roller selection chart. As a result, growers must find the most similar
product(s) and use that roller selection as a starting point. When using a granular inoculant the standard recommendation is that the extra-fine, low clearance roller should be used based on the most similar product listed on the chart – canola – also uses this roller.

If growers are having difficulty metering low enough with the extra-fine, low clearance roller, changing to the extra-fine segmented roller may help. This roller is not a standard roller but is available through your local dealer (part # 22737). Keep in mind, you must pay close attention to their air velocities to avoid blow by (don’t exceed 2500 air velocity for tanks with inoculants).

For further information, contact your local CNH dealer.

Revised Seed Plate Recommendation from Morris for Nodulator® Brand Solid Core Inoculants

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Growers using any Morris 8000 series air seeder to apply Nodulator® Solid Core Granules (Nodulator® XL Solid Core Granules for peas and lentils as well as Nodulator® Solid Core Granules for chickpeas) should be aware that there has been a revision to the recommended seed plate setting for these granules.  The correct seed plate recommendation is MEDIUM and NOT the FINE.  If you have the newer plastic seed plates vs the older stainless steel version, the correct plastic seed plate to use will be orange in color.

Air Carts manufactured in 2011 and later indicate the correct setting.  Air carts manufactured in years prior to 2011 will not have the revised metering setting on the sticker on the side of the cart.  Please see most recent metering chart for Nodulator® Solid Core Granules below.

Morris 8000 Revised Chart

Nodulator® XL Solid Core granules have an application rate that is based per linear row foot rather than a static lbs/acre.  Depending on your row spacing, it may be more appropriate to use a 45 tooth sprocket vs a 40 tooth sprocket to operate within a more normal range.

Size distribution of different granular inoculants

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What affects flowability of granular products? Physical characteristics of the granules, like size, shape, angularity, surface texture, surface coating and hardness will all affect flow properties. External factors such as container environment, transportation and storage conditions, vibration and perhaps most importantly, humidity, will compound the problem. Particles that are larger and all of similar size tend to compact less than a mix of particle sizes.  Think of the inoculant granules like a sandy soil compared to a clay loam soil.  The sandy soil with large particles of similar size generally has less compaction issues than a clay loam soil that is composed of smaller particles and particles of all different sizes.

The video shows the size profile of two common granular inoculant formulations used in Western Canada.  The solid core formulation has a higher percentage of the particles in the large category with very little in the small and dust segment as compared to the industry standard peat crumble.

Why is this important as a grower? We know that variable sized particles pack together very tightly that may cause ‘bridging’ reducing or even stopping product flow in our airseeder inoculant compartment. Having a product that is composed of granules of similar size and low dust will help reduce bridging in adverse environmental conditions.

Differences between Granular Formulations

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The video included demonstrates the difference of flowability of solid core granule and peat crumble granule. We know that products that are round and of similar size flow very easily (think of ball bearings) and products that are irregular shaped and are of many differennt sizes (think of gravel or sticks) flow poorly.  Variable sized particles also pack together very tightly thus reducing or stopping product flow. The lower a pile of product will ‘stand-up’ demonstates it ability flow (like ball bearings).  The higher the pile the poorer the flowibility of the product.

Soybean plantng tips

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Planting is the one thing you as a grower control and getting it right is critical to high yields in soybeans.  So how can I get more yield as a grower while planting soybeans?  It’s too late to talk about early planting advantages, soil temperatures, seed treatments and row widths as those decisions are done.  What can I manage now as I have my seed (treated and inoculated of course!) in the drill or planter and have already started planting?   

Stop and get off the tractor seat and check the following things:

Soil moisture – Ask yourself if you are causing sidewall compaction or setting yourself up for crusting issues or are you increasing soil compaction? If the answer is yes or maybe to any of these questions delay planting or adapt your management to alleviate the problems. When planting into dry soils it is very important to conserve the moisture by using the packer/roller during tillage and right after planting.

Planting depth – I know you checked it when you first went into the field but check it again watching out for compacted areas such as headlands and heavy clay knolls.  It is good practice to plant for a couple of hours then get out of the tractor to stretch your legs, get some fresh air and check the planting depth and do a quick circle check of the tractor and planting unit.   Are you into moisture? The goal is place the seed approx. ½ inch into moisture.  Are you planting too shallow (less than ¾ of an inch) or too deep (more than 2 ½ inches deep)?   Check different areas of the field and different soil types.

Now that you are back in the tractor seat check the forecast (using the phone or radio).  Since you know the soil moisture conditions manage the moisture (should I get the roller to this field by the end of the day or thunderstorm in the forecast tomorrow – let’s wait and see). 

Look at your speed.  How fast are you driving? Slow down – I know the new planters are can do amazing things, the drill can crank out seeds like crazy and the air seeder, well watch it go but at your current speed are you doing a good job of planting or just a fast job.  Most of us plant soybeans way too fast.  Increased speed can affect planting depth (due to planter bounce or planeing) increased seed coat damage and loss of population accuracy to name a few.  This is not a race – adjust your speed.

It’s game time.  Do your best and let Mother Nature take over and give you the best crop ever.  Have a safe planting season.

Maximizing Granular Inoculant Performance in Air Seeders

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Granular inoculant use has increased over the last few years and for good reason.  It is convenient to use with air seeders, maintains excellent performance even under stressful conditions and is safe to use along with seed treatments.  What can you do to maximize granular performance with air seeders?

1)  Maintenance - Prior to seeding, check tank lid seals on every compartment and plastic rollers for signs of wear.  Replace any worn rollers or broken tank seals.

2)  Inoculant Requires Dedicated Tank – Do not mix granular inoculant in combination with seed, granular pesticides or fertilizers in a single tank.  To ensure correct application rates are applied, granular inoculants must be placed in a dedicated tank.

3)  Filling Air Seeder Tank – There are different types of granular inoculant formulations that are available in the marketplace.  Some can be augered into the air seeder tank, while others require the individual bags to be carried up by hand to the tank opening.  Make sure to check your product label for recommended handling.

4)  Amount of Inoculant in Tank – Granular inoculants contains living organisms that require a relatively high moisture content for survival.  These moisture levels are higher than granular pesticides or fertilizers.  It is very important to follow labeled instructions when applying rhizobium-based granular inoculants. To reduce bridging potential, DO NOT fill tank to more than half capacity.  The best approach is to match seed acres to inoculant acres to ensure you are checking inoculant tank every time you load seed.  I know you want to minimize fills ups but this strategy can help to prevent possible issues.

5)  Calibration – Metering charts on the side of your air seeder can be used as a reference point but may only indicate “inoculant” or “brand name” only.  Clay and peat based granules have different bulk densities.  When calibrating your air seeder, make sure to check bulk density of granules on the bag so that you can follow the proper line on rate charts.  It is advised to do a calibration with your inoculant at the start of every season with the bags that you have.

6)  Metering System – Regularly check metering system to ensure proper product flow.  Be especially mindful of checking your tank more often when seeding in high humidity conditions.  It is also advisable to check distributor caps regularly as there could possibly be build up on the underside of the cap.  Remember that environmental conditions may affect product flowability.

7)  Product in Tank Overnight  - Remove any unused granules from the tank at the end of the day. DO NOT allow granules to sit in tank overnight as to avoid moisture migration.

By following these recommendations you can help to maximize your crop yields.  For more information, contact your equipment dealer if you require any assistance.