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 penetrate the sidewall, they will not build the necessary brace root system. Moreover, such conditions of the root will make the plant fall after some time during the season. 

The quality of the grain is equally important for attaining a higher yeild. Only if the quality of the grain will be good, it ensures that the grain stays longer in the grain bin monitoring system.

How to resolve the issue of sidewall compaction?

Sidewall compaction is one major issue that is faced by the farmers due to several factors ranging from unfavorable weather conditions, wet and muddy soil, no-till conditions, etc. Although, there are several brands and varieties of standard closing wheels available in the market with spike wheels.  However, not all closing wheels are suitable for the planters and they do come with their own cons. 

One of the advanced closing wheels is the Germinator Closing Wheels that is not made from traditional rubber or plastic. Instead, it is made from high-grade steel where the spikes are placed at an optimum distance.  This results in proper closing of the seed furrow while maintaining the adequate distance between each seed ‘V’.

What is the Germinator Closing Wheels?

Germinator Closing Wheels are manufactured from high-grade steel that is designed to provide consistent germination and emergence from the seeds. The spikes of these closing wheels are non-aggressive and not blunt.  The spikes of Germinator Closing Wheels are firm and offer both crushing actions of the sidewalls as well as firming of the soil around the seed.  They are perfect for breaking the soil around the seed while ensuring that not much pressure is applied to the soil. At the same time, the spikes are able to close the furrow and allow the moisture to penetrate better.

When compared to the other blunt spiked closing wheels that have aggressive spikes, the traditional closing wheels apply more down pressure and increase the risk of sidewall compaction.

How effective are the Germinator Closing Wheels?

Coming to the benefits of the Germinator Closing Wheels, the steel body of the Germinator closing wheels delivers the following benefits:

Consistent Germination and Emergence

The Germinator Closing Wheels are successful in closing the seed ‘V’ in a similar manner. Every single seed is covered to ensure that all the seeds grow consistently at the same time. Therefore, at the time of harvesting all the grains are fully ripe and of similar quality and length.

Higher Yield Potential

While other standard closing wheels may not lead every seed to germinate and emerge at the same time, there are chances that some seeds even fail to germinate and grow.  As a result, there is a reduction in the yield. On the other hand, Germinator Closing wheels are your safe bet that generates higher yield potential.

Reduced sidewall compaction

The major advantage of Germinator Closing Wheels is that they reduce the risk of sidewall compaction and air pockets while the down pressure is also reduced. As a result, the seed is not tightly compacted and the brace roots system is built properly.

Farm Shop Mfg is the OEM of Germinator Closing Wheels, located in the USA. They use the highest quality steel in the manufacturing of Germinator Closing Wheels.  The range of products offered by Farm Shop Mfg. is not limited to Germinator only, they also manufacture a wide range of products for grain bin monitoring systems such as alarm systems, temperature probes, automation fan control systems, etc.