1. What is the Seed Rate Calculator?

The Seed Rate Calculator helps determine the optimal amount of seed to plant per hectare based on your target plant population, seed size (TGW), and expected survival rate. This ensures proper plant density for maximum yield potential.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the seed rate formula:

Where:

• Target Population — Desired number of plants per hectare
• TGW — Thousand Grain Weight in grams (weight of 1000 seeds)
• Survival — Expected percentage of seeds that will establish as plants

Explanation: The calculation accounts for both the physical size of the seeds (TGW) and the expected field establishment rate to determine the precise seeding rate needed.

3. Importance of Seed Rate Calculation

Details: Proper seed rate calculation is crucial for optimizing plant population, maximizing yield potential, and minimizing seed waste. It ensures adequate plant spacing for optimal growth while avoiding overcrowding.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your target plant population (plants/ha), the TGW of your seed lot (g), and your expected survival rate (%). All values must be positive numbers (survival rate between 0-100%).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical survival rate?
A: Survival rates typically range from 70-90% depending on seed quality, soil conditions, and planting method.

Q2: How do I determine TGW?
A: TGW is provided by your seed supplier or can be measured by counting and weighing 1000 seeds.

Q3: What are typical target populations?
A: Target populations vary by crop - wheat might be 200-350 plants/m² (2-3.5 million/ha), while canola might be 50-80 plants/m².

Q4: Should I adjust for seed treatment weight?
A: The calculator uses pure seed weight. If using treated seed, consult your supplier for weight adjustments.

Q5: How does row spacing affect this calculation?
A: The calculator provides kg/ha rate. You'll need additional calculations to convert this to seeds/meter based on your row spacing.