The Importance of Standard Closing Wheels in Eliminating Sidewall Compaction
Sidewall Compaction as created by the double-disc openers attached to the planters makes it difficult for the standard closing wheels to close the seed furrow properly irrespective of the soil type and conditions. When the temperature is low and the texture of the soil is wet, the standard closing wheels generally smear the soil on top of the seeds. This is done without breaking the sidewall compaction as generated by the double-disc openers. Whereas, during the hot windy days, if the seeds are planted in the wet soil, the seed furrow often cracks back and opens up. As a result, the seed is exposed and fails to germinate. However, if the seed ‘V’ or the furrow is not closed by the standard closing wheels , there are chances that sometimes the sidewalls of the seed furrow remain intact and compacted but causes the roots of the plants to penetrate the sidewalls instead. This is not a favorable situation for the development of the roots. This is because if the roots will not pen...