International Journal of Life Science and Agriculture Research

This study aimed to clarify the effect of planting speeds and depths on the mechanical and field performance indicators of a corn crop (Zea mays L.) using a precision planter operating with vacuum pressure. The field experiment was conducted at the autumn season of 2024-2025 in Bashiqa district, 12 km Northeast of Mosul, Ninawa, Iraq. The precision planter (ÖZDUMAN) was evaluated in this study. The soil was characterised as silty clay with detailed texture. The Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) split-plot was used in the analysis of the data. The experiment concentrated to investigate the effects two main factors, which were planting speeds at three levels (2.6, 4.5, and 2.6 km h-1), and planting depth (3 and 5 cm) on the efficiency of furrow opener operation (%), planting depth deviation (cm), seed distribution uniformity (%), and some other field indicators represented by kernel weight (kg.m-2), plant density (plant m-2), and total grain yield (ton.ha-1). The results showed that the interaction between slow speed and the second depth (5 cm) recorded the best values in seed distribution uniformity (97%), furrow opener operation efficiency (97%), and total grain yield (11.23 ton.ha-1). Meanwhile, the interaction between high speed and the depth of 3 cm recorded the best value in the dry weight of kernels (3.899 kg.m-2). Significant differences were also observed in both tested depths and all speeds used in the experiment in plant density (P<0.05). The lowest values in planting depth deviation were at the first depth with the first speed (0.14%). 

Precision agriculture, grain yield, seeding uniformity

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