By Stara
In soybean planting, small deviations can lead to large differences in the final crop yield. Details such as the quality of straw cutting, the correct furrow opening, and the precise seed placement are directly linked to the disc assembly and the planter's settings.
When these elements do not receive due attention, the effect appears in stand failures, competition between plants, and even a reduction in productive potential.
On the other hand, when the operator combines technical knowledge with proper adjustment, each seed is positioned more uniformly and the stand develops in a balanced way.
This is where technology also makes a difference: modern systems make the process more predictable, agile, and precise, minimizing losses and increasing soybean crop productivity.
Each disc has a specific function within the sowing process. From the moment the straw is cut until the final deposition of the seed in the furrow, each piece contributes to the uniformity of the stand and the efficiency of planting.
Understanding this role helps the operator make more accurate adjustments, choose the right components, and avoid productivity losses.
Cutting discs: first interaction with the straw.
In no-till farming, cutting discs clear the way for sowing. Adjusting the spring pressure to the amount of straw is crucial to prevent clogging.
Double discs (furrow openers): furrow opening and stability.
Responsible for opening the furrow to the regulated depth, they ensure that the seeds are well positioned. Stable furrow = uniform emergence.
Dosing discs: correct population
In mechanical systems, choosing holes that match the seed size is essential. In pneumatic systems, there is a specific disc for each crop.
Cutting disc > breaks through the straw
It is the first to come into action, especially in no-till planting systems. It cuts through the mulch covering the soil and opens up space for the furrow opener to operate without obstruction. If it doesn't do this job efficiently, the risk of clogging increases, compromising the entire planting row.
Double discs > open the groove
After cutting, the double discs ensure the uniform opening of the furrow to the regulated depth. It is at this moment that the basis for the correct seed placement is defined. A poorly formed furrow can lead to uneven emergence and affect the final stand;
Metering disc > proper spacing between seeds and uniform planting
The metering disc, or equivalent pneumatic system, is responsible for ensuring the correct spacing between seeds. Its function is to prevent gaps or doubles during distribution, maintaining the planned population per hectare.
The choice cannot be made randomly. Every detail — from the type of soil to the cultivar used — influences the quality of the planting. See what to consider and how to do it:
Soil and straw analysis:
In areas with high straw cover, the use of more aggressive cutting discs is recommended. In compacted soils, it is necessary to adjust the pressure and angle of the furrow openers to ensure good penetration and furrow formation.
Choose the appropriate metering disc for the crop:
In mechanical models, it is essential to follow the hole spacing chart for the metering discs, according to the seed being used. In the pneumatic system (DPS and DPS-E), the metering is done by vacuum, but each crop still has its specific disc.
One example is the Estrela planter, which features DPS-E, ensuring precision and curve compensation.
Weather and speed:
Strong winds dry out the furrows; speeds above 8 km/h compromise deposition.
Compatibility and maintenance:
Keep discs free from wear, cracks, or burrs; follow good preventive maintenance practices.
With the support of Stara technologies, such as the DPS pneumatic doser and the Topper agricultural controller, this work becomes even simpler and more reliable.
Before starting planting, it is essential that the operator review every detail of the planter's settings. This preparation avoids surprises in the field and ensures crop uniformity.
The first step is to adjust the planting depth, which in the case of soybeans should be between 3 and 5 cm. This range ensures that the seed has adequate contact with soil moisture and promotes uniform emergence.
Next, the pressure of the cutting discs needs to be adjusted according to the amount of straw present. Insufficient pressure can leave residue on the furrow, while excessive pressure increases machine wear.
Double discs should be checked to ensure the opening of a stable furrow. A poorly formed furrow can compromise proper seed placement and negatively affect the final stand.
Another essential point is to check the seed population. This calculation depends on the row spacing and must be validated in a test area, according to reference guidelines, such as those from Embrapa.
The working speed also directly influences the result. For soybeans, the ideal range is between 6 and 8 km/h. Very high speeds can compromise uniform deposition and increase fuel consumption.
Finally, perform a general checklist: verify the planter's leveling, component lubrication, any play, and wear on discs and wheels. These simple precautions increase the machine's durability and reduce the risk of field failures.
As Matheus Henrique Baumgratz, Agricultural Engineer and Product Marketing Analyst at Stara, reinforces:
“Regular planting depth, calibrating seeds/fertilizer, and checking disc wear are steps that prevent surprises. With regular maintenance, planting quality becomes apparent.”
Cutting discs are the first to interact with the soil and crop residue. When the usable diameter is reduced, cutting efficiency decreases, increasing the risk of clogging. Cracks or burrs on the edges also indicate the need for replacement, as they compromise the quality of the initial furrow cut.
In the case of double discs, responsible for opening the furrow where the seeds will be deposited, it is important to observe the stability of the operation. If the furrow becomes uneven or the seed placement loses uniformity, it is a sign that the discs are worn out and need to be replaced to maintain planting quality.
In mechanical metering discs, the holes or alveoli must be in perfect condition to ensure accuracy. When the alveoli begin to become oval, the risk of doubles increases; if they begin to close, distribution failures occur.
In these situations, replacement is the only way to ensure the uniformity of the stand again and avoid productivity losses.
Choosing between a planter with a mechanical or pneumatic metering system is one of the most important decisions to ensure precision in soybean planting. Each system has its own characteristics that directly influence the uniformity of distribution and the cost of maintenance.
Matheus Henrique Baumgratz, Agricultural Engineer and Product Marketing Analyst at Stara, emphasizes that the key differentiator lies in the quality of seed distribution:
"The uniformity of seed distribution is what sustains productivity. Pneumatic systems raise this standard, but even in mechanical systems, the correct choice of disc makes all the difference."
Check out a practical comparison:
Stara combines operational simplicity with a high level of embedded technology, offering farmers resources that transform tillage and planting into much more predictable and efficient processes.
The Stara pneumatic seed metering system (DPS), present in models such as the Princesa and Absoluta, uses vacuum to individually target each seed. This ensures high uniformity in distribution, even at higher speeds or under varying field conditions.
The DPS-E, an electric version of the metering device, is present in the Estrela and Eva planters. It maintains the same singularization function, but has the added advantage of curve compensation, which ensures a constant plant population even during maneuvers, preventing gaps or excess seeds in the inner and outer rows.
The Topper 5500 further enhances operator control, offering features such as row-by-row shutoff and variable-rate application. In practice, this prevents seed overlap, saves inputs, and ensures that each area of the field receives exactly what it needs.
Conecta brings the field closer to the factory with remote technical assistance. The operator has real-time support for adjustments, diagnostics, and guidance, without needing to stop the operation.
These solutions, when used together, form a technological ecosystem that reduces waste, increases precision, and enhances the producer's results.
Conclusion
Planter discs are fundamental to soybean planting: cutting, opening, leveling, and metering. The right choice, combined with correct adjustment and Stara technologies, translates into greater uniformity, savings on inputs, and increased productivity.
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With options ranging from 24 to 32 rows, the Plantor, from Crucianelli, arrives in Brazil with a design full of modern systems and advanced technology, focused on producers seeking precision in seeding.
