Does row spacing make a difference?

23 October 2001



Does row spacing make a difference?

Is there any advantage or disadvantage from sowing wheat in the standard 4in rows, 5in rows, as used by the Simba Freeflow, or the new Moore Unidrills 6.5in?

I would have no concerns about row width up to around the 9in mark.

I think it does start to become more important if you start using ultra low seed rates, where precision drilling can benefit. Also band-sowing has been shown to give a slight (2%) yield increase (all are difficult to spot on the combine!).

I would be more concerned about what particular soil types you are looking to run the drill on, along with your rotation and straw disposal method.

From:Steve Townsend