Seed Hawk - Performance and Agronomy Handbook - Fertilizer Rates and Placement - Seeding Rates - Roller Selection

Oct 12, 2026

Seed Hawk Performance and Agronomy Handbook explains how to optimize agronomic performance of the Seed Hawk drill by adjusting machine settings as crop, soil, and fertilizer conditions change across farms and growing seasons. It outlines soil testing and consultation with an agrologist to select fertilizer rates, fertilizer types, and placement strategies. The handbook covers Seed Bed Utilization (SBU) and safe application considerations, seeding rate calibration using lbs/ac and conversions from TKW, and factors affecting seedling survivability.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages28

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Fertilizer Rates and Placement

Seeding Rates

Roller Selection

Seed Hawk # Performance and Agronomy Handbook Seed Hawk Performance and Agronomy Handbook The purpose of this handbook is to demonstrate anddiscuss the various methods of optimizing the agronomicperformance of the Seed Hawk drill. Parameters of agronomy change frequently when itAs agronomic parameters change between every farm,comes to crops,soils and fertilizer;therefore,it isfrom one growing season to another and within theimportant to adjust machine settings as necessary tosame year,it is important to note that the discussionsdeliver maximum agronomic performance.This isin this document are meant to be suggestions only.Itachieved by precision product metering and placementis important to consult with a licensed professionalwhich results in a quick,evenly growing crop to facilitateagrologist regarding specific decisions relating tostrong yields and quality at harvest.Consistent cropagronomic stewardship in a farming operation.performance,by way of improved agronomic direction,that delivers greater return on investment to thegrowerand improved risk management on the farm. ## Fertilizer Rates and Placement Nutrients are one of the most critical components of plantgrowth and optimizing both the rate and type of fertilizerapplied specific to the crop and soil conditions is animportant step in crop success. To determine how much nutrients are required to achievedesired yield goals,it is important to conduct soil testingto examine nutrient levels present in the soil as well asyield potential.Soil testing typically takes place in coolerweather prior to the following growing season. Once the soil test results are known,consult withan agrologist to determine the ideal course of actionregarding fertilizer rates,type of fertilizer to use andideal placement.Soil types,crop to be planted andmoisture levels both at seeding time and expected duringthe season are some of the factors to be considered. When determining fertilizer rates and placement options,it is important to consider the Seed BedUtilization (SBU)of the toolbar which is determined by the row spacing of the fertilizer openersand the width of the opener itself.Below is an SBU chart related to the various knife and rowspacing options available on the Seed Hawk drill: | Knife | 10”Spacing | 12”Spacing | | --- | --- | --- | | Single Side band | 5% | 4% | | Inline Side Band | 6% | 5% | Twin-Wing 8% N/A The SBU of the toolbar directly affects how much fertilizer can be safely applied with the seed,as does the type of fertilizer being used.Different fertilizer formulations have different levelsof toxicity,and it is important to consider this as well as soil moisture levels at seeding time.Interms of safe rates of fertilizer with the fertilizer knife,these factors as well as the distance fromthe seed row are considered and the various options of seed knives available are discussed in theKnife Selection section. ## Seeding Rates Along with moisture and nutrients,plant stand is a keycomponent of yield potential. Along with moisture and nutrients,plant stand is a keycomponent of yield potential.The first step in producinganideal plant stand that maximizes use of soil waterand fertilizer is determining seeding rate.Ideally,thegoal is to produce as many plants as required to achievemaximum yield while limiting the amount of competitionbetween plants for resources including sunlight.Thedesired number of plants will change from year to yearbased on soil moisture levels;growing seasons withsufficient moisture amounts are able to provide enoughwater for higher seeding rates while seasons with limitedprecipitation require a reduced plant stand to reduceplant competition for scarce moisture. Seeding rate with Seed Hawk drills is calibrated inpounds per acre(Ibs/ac),however it is important toconsider seeding rate in seeds and plants per area whichis typically per square foot.When a drill is set to aspecific seeding rate in lbs/ac,the actual num

FAQs

Why must machine settings be adjusted for each farm and growing season?

Agronomic parameters such as crops, soils, and fertilizer vary between farms and over time, so settings must be updated to deliver maximum agronomic performance.

How are fertilizer rates and placement decisions determined?

Soil testing identifies existing nutrient levels and yield potential, then an agrologist guides fertilizer rates, fertilizer type, and ideal placement based on soil and crop conditions, including SBU considerations.

What calibration and roller guidance applies when using the Fenix III metering system?

Seed Hawk provides multiple roller options for different applications. If a different roller is used for the same application, perform a static calibration to confirm the correct product rate; for monoammonium phosphate rates above 60 lbs/ac, use the grey 120 cc roller for accurate metering.

Oct 12, 2026

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