Seed Rate Calculator Alberta Agriculture

Alberta Agriculture Seed Rate Equation:

\[ \text{Seed Rate (kg/ha)} = \frac{\text{Target (plants/ha)} \times \text{TGW (g)}}{1000 \times (\text{Germination (\%)} / 100)} \]

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1. What is the Alberta Agriculture Seed Rate Equation?

The Alberta Agriculture Seed Rate equation calculates the optimal seeding rate in kg/ha based on target plant population, thousand grain weight (TGW), and germination percentage. This helps farmers achieve optimal plant stands while minimizing seed costs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Alberta Agriculture equation:

\[ \text{Seed Rate (kg/ha)} = \frac{\text{Target (plants/ha)} \times \text{TGW (g)}}{1000 \times (\text{Germination (\%)} / 100)} \]

Where:

\( \text{Target} \) — Desired plant population per hectare
\( \text{TGW} \) — Thousand grain weight in grams
\( \text{Germination} \) — Germination percentage (0-100%)

Explanation: The equation accounts for both the size of the seeds (TGW) and their viability (germination %) to determine how much seed is needed to achieve the target plant population.

3. Importance of Seed Rate Calculation

Details: Proper seed rate calculation is crucial for optimizing crop yields, minimizing seed costs, and ensuring proper plant spacing for healthy crop development.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter target plant population in plants/ha, TGW in grams, and germination percentage. All values must be positive numbers (germination between 0-100%).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical target plant population?
A: This varies by crop. For wheat, typical targets range from 200-300 plants/m² (2-3 million plants/ha).

Q2: How do I determine TGW?
A: Weigh 1000 seeds from your seed lot and record the weight in grams. Many seed suppliers provide this information.

Q3: Should I use lab germination or field emergence?
A: For most accurate results, use field emergence percentage which accounts for planting conditions. Lab germination typically overestimates field performance.

Q4: How does seed size affect the calculation?
A: Larger seeds (higher TGW) require higher seeding rates in kg/ha to achieve the same plant population as smaller seeds.

Q5: Should I adjust for expected mortality?
A: Yes, if you expect significant mortality from pests, diseases, or poor conditions, you may need to increase your target population accordingly.