How to check seed depth

Step 1. Start 100 feet or more behind where you stopped the seeder or walk over to the previously seeded pass. You want to check seed depth where the drill would have been moving at full speed. That way the seed measurement will accurately reflect what the drill is doing.

Step 2. Use a seed depth tool (shown in the photo) to slowly scrape away soil until you reach the bottom of the seed row furrow or where the opener normally places the seed.

Step 3. Find the seed. Make sure it’s being placed at the bottom of the seed furrow. If it’s bouncing out, the operator may have to slow the fan speed or slow the seeding speed to place seed where it should be.

Step 4. Rest the tip of the seed depth tool at the place you found the seed. Eyeball the depth of soil directly over the area you found the seed. For canola, research shows that you’ll get faster emergence and higher seedling survival when seed has 0.5 to 1 inch of soil over top.

Step 5. Check a number of rows. Make sure the drill achieves the same depth across its whole width and front to back.