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.
Seed and fertiliser are among the largest annual input costs on many farms. Achieving an optimum plant stand is an important part of maximising crop growth and yield potential. The goal is to establish enough plants to utilise available resources efficiently while avoiding unnecessary competition between neighbouring plants.
Precision seed metering and accurate seed placement play an important role in creating an even plant stand. Consistent spacing between plants and uniform seed depth help support crop emergence and development.
Different crop species respond differently to plant population. The trial focused on three practical questions:
The canola and wheat seeding rate trial was conducted in collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
The trial was established using a Seed Hawk 60-12 equipped with a PD 680 TBT Air Cart and a Single Side Band (SSB) seed knife configuration.
Seeding took place on 13 May 2025.
Three canola seeding rates were evaluated:
Three wheat seeding rates were evaluated:
The season began with dry conditions at seeding, followed by substantial rainfall beginning in June and continuing through much of the growing season.
Researchers observed little difference in canola maturity between seeding rates. In wheat, the lower seeding rates took longer to mature because of tiller development during the season, particularly after rainfall increased.
The canola and wheat seeding rate trial showed a yield advantage for the lowest seeding rates in both crops. According to the trial, precise metering and seed placement enabled both crops to achieve strong yield performance while reducing competition between neighbouring plants.
The highest canola yield was achieved at 5 seeds/ft², producing 61.2 bu/ac. Data from the 2025 trial.
Canola seeding rate |
Spring survivability |
Yield |
|
5 seeds/ft²
|
70.4%
|
61.2 bu/ac
|
|
7 seeds/ft²
|
68.5%
|
60.4 bu/ac
|
|
9 seeds/ft²
|
61.8%
|
60.4 bu/ac
|
The highest wheat yield was achieved at 20 seeds/ft², producing 60.7 bu/ac. Data from the 2025 trial.
Wheat seeding rate |
Wheat heads/ft² |
Yield |
|
20 seeds/ft²
|
57.2
|
60.7 bu/ac
|
|
27 seeds/ft²
|
48.6
|
59.3 bu/ac
|
|
35 seeds/ft²
|
47.3
|
59.2 bu/ac
|
The results showed that both canola and wheat achieved their highest yields at the lowest seeding rates evaluated in the study. According to the researchers, reducing inter-plant competition contributed to stronger crop performance, despite the favourable moisture conditions experienced during much of the 2025 growing season.
The findings suggest that increasing plant population does not necessarily increase yield. Under the conditions experienced in 2025, lower seeding rates produced the strongest results in both canola and wheat.
The trial also highlights the importance of precision seed placement. According to the researchers, even plant spacing and consistent product depth helped optimise plant stand and crop performance across both crops.
As with all agronomic decisions, optimum seeding rates should be adapted to local growing conditions, soil type, moisture availability and 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.
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.
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.
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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.
