Sowing Control - LEMKEN Saphir 8 AutoLoad Operating Instructions Manual

5.5

Sowing control

Calibration test sampling simulates sowing on the field; however, certain influenc-
ing factors which can affect the seed rate are not taken into account. Poorly
cleaned seeds and subsequent abrasion (e.g. broken-off awns when sowing bar-
ley and encrustations when sowing rape) can change the seed rate.
The use of liquid seed treatment products can mean that seed flow properties are
different during calibration test sampling to during work.
Once a sowing distance of around 500 m has been reached, the operating state
remains more or less the same.
In particular when used in conjunction with soil-working implements, the seed drill
can be subject to shaking, which normally increases the seed rate.
If one or more of these known factors occurs, calibration test sampling should be
repeated on the field once a distance of around 500 m has been sown.
The most precise way of checking is a test drive. To do this, you measure off a
distance of 100 m and travel along the measured path at the usual working speed.
The seed is captured in the calibration trays as it falls through the opening in the
drainage gates.
The captured quantity must be multiplied by the factors shown below in accor-
dance with the width of the seed drill in order to determine the seed rate in kg/ha.
Saphir Weighed quantity
250
300
400
38
E.g 4950 g
E.g 5940 g
E.g 7920 g
Multiplier
40
33,33
25
Commissioning
Seed rate kg/ha
198
198
198