Row spacing influences crop establishment, canopy development and competition for resources throughout the growing season. To better understand how row spacing in canola and wheat affects crop performance, Väderstad conducted a canola and wheat row spacing trial near Crossfield, Alberta, Canada. The trial evaluated how different row spacings influenced crop development and yield under the growing conditions experienced in 2025.
Row spacing influences how crops utilise light, moisture and nutrients throughout the growing season. It also affects canopy development and the crop's ability to compete with weeds.
As herbicide resistance becomes increasingly important in many cropping systems, row spacing can play a role in supporting cultural weed control strategies. Narrower row spacing may contribute to faster canopy closure, reducing the opportunity for weeds to establish.
Different crops can respond differently to row spacing. The trial focused on three practical questions:
The row spacing trial was conducted through a collaboration between Väderstad, Gatez Farms, Crop Intelligence and TLC Agronomics near Crossfield, Alberta, Canada. The trial was seeded on 12 May 2025.
Two canola trial fields, referred to as F1 and P3, were included in the trial. Wheat was evaluated in a separate trial field.
The trial evaluated crop performance at different row spacings using Seed Hawk drilling equipment and Twin-Wing seed knife technology. Crop Intelligence provided weather stations and soil moisture sensors to monitor moisture levels in one canola trial field and in the wheat trial field throughout the season.
The trial compared:
Both row spacings were evaluated in canola and wheat. Wheat was evaluated using two seeding rates, 20 and 27 seeds/ft², to assess the combined effect of row spacing and plant population.
The growing season started with dry conditions that persisted until mid-June. Substantial rainfall during June and July created favourable conditions for crop growth and supported strong crop development through to harvest.
The canola and wheat row spacing trial demonstrated that crop response to row spacing differed between crop types. Canola achieved its highest yields at 12-inch spacing, while wheat achieved its highest yield at 10-inch spacing. The results also suggested that wider spacing benefited canola crop architecture, while narrower spacing improved canopy closure in wheat.
Researchers concluded that crop architecture and canopy development may have contributed to the differing responses observed in the two crops.
The canola trials indicated a yield advantage with 12-inch row spacing in both trial fields.
Field |
Row spacing |
Yield |
|
F1
|
12 inch
|
76.5 bu/ac
|
|
F1
|
10 inch
|
75.1 bu/ac
|
|
P3
|
12 inch
|
66.4 bu/ac
|
|
P3
|
10 inch
|
64.6 bu/ac
|
The report suggests that the wider spacing may have benefited the growth habit of canola plants by providing additional space for canopy development.
The wheat trial showed a yield advantage at 10-inch row spacing.
Row spacing |
Seeding rate |
Yield |
|
12 inch
|
20 seeds/ft²
|
82.6 bu/ac
|
|
12 inch
|
27 seeds/ft²
|
80.2 bu/ac
|
|
10 inch
|
20 seeds/ft²
|
84.5 bu/ac
|
|
10 inch
|
27 seeds/ft²
|
82.7 bu/ac
|
The report attributes the stronger performance at 10-inch spacing to improved canopy closure associated with narrower row spacing.
The results suggest that row spacing affected the two crops differently.
Canola benefited from the wider spacing tested in the trial, while wheat achieved greater yield response with narrower spacing. These findings highlight the importance of adapting row spacing strategies according to crop type and production goals.
The findings show that there is no single row spacing strategy that delivers the highest performance across all crops.
In this trial, canola achieved the strongest results at 12-inch spacing, while wheat performed best at 10-inch spacing. This demonstrates how crop characteristics and canopy development can influence the optimum row spacing choice.
The trial also highlights the importance of evaluating row spacing as part of a broader establishment strategy that includes seeding rate, crop type, moisture conditions and weed management objectives.
The Seed Hawk air drill provides the most precise seeding technology on the market. Delivering unmatched seed and fertiliser placement in one pass, it is perfect for all soil conditions. The Seed Hawk Air Drill comes in widths ranging from 12,2 m (40’) to 25,6 m (84’). Seed Hawk Air Drills can be configurated for 254 mm (10”) or 305 mm (12”) row spacing.
To bring the highest level of technology and precision to your farm, Väderstad has developed the Precision Delivery line of air carts, featuring the PD 910, Väderstad’s largest and newest tow-between air seeder with a total capacity of 32,068 liters. With a wide range of innovative features such as Acres to Empty, In-field Calibration, and Fit to Field, the iCon Wireless Control system provides you with more detailed real-time information, increased automation, more customisable data, and optimised prescription mapping.
Seed and fertiliser represent a significant investment in crop production. Optimising seeding rates is therefore an important step in maximising yield potential while reducing unnecessary input costs. To better understand how different plant populations influence crop performance, Väderstad conducted a canola and wheat seeding rate trial near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, using Seed Hawk air seeders. The study evaluated how different seeding rates affected crop establishment and yield under the growing conditions experienced in 2025.
Soil compaction can restrict root development and limit crop performance. To better understand how compaction tillage and prescription tillage technology can be used to manage soil compaction more precisely, Väderstad conducted a compaction tillage study near Davidson, Saskatchewan, Canada. The study combined compaction mapping, automated depth control and a Wil-Rich 357 Inline Ripper to evaluate site-specific tillage under practical field conditions.
Straw distribution plays an important role in tillage performance. Disc type, disc configuration and working speed can all influence how crop residues are redistributed during cultivation. To better understand these effects, Väderstad conducted a field study under practical field conditions in Germany.
Lentils are characterised by limited competitiveness against weeds and relatively few herbicide options. At the same time, dense crop stands can increase the risk of disease development under favourable conditions. To better understand how seeding rate influences crop establishment, crop competitiveness and yield, Väderstad conducted a lentil seeding rate trial near Rosetown, Saskatchewan, Canada, using Seed Hawk air seeders. The trial evaluated how different plant populations performed under the growing conditions experienced in 2025.
