Wear and tear on a seed drill can have a huge effect on the setting, and with any drill, you never know what you are putting down until you calibrate by hand. It’s also important to check the closing wheels. If they have too much play, seed may not be getting placed deep enough with good coverage, especially in dry ground.

Calibration of equipment by trial and error as you plant several acres can be costly in many ways. Seed lots and species vary in their flowability. To calibrate your seeding equipment right, all you need is a calculator, measuring tape, a small accurate scale, and something to collect seed before it is planted. A postage scale or dietary scale are adequate. It really does not take a lot of time and pays off in the big picture. 

Keep in mind...

• The drill does not have mixtures on the chart.
• Charts on a drill are not as accurate after many acres of use.
• Check with the drill manufacturer to get recommendations.
• Every lot of seed flows different.
• Calibration saves money and pays.

Equipment Needed

• Tape Measure or Wheel
• Seed collection
  • Drill–Sandwich Bag
  • Drop Seeder (Tarp, Half PVC Pipe)
• Postal or Dietary Scale
• Correct Calibration Chart
  • Row spacing and distance must be correct