Reducing canola seed damage from metering and air distribution systems

Project Summary

Tests were conducted using air cart/metering and distribution systems from Conserva-Pak, Bourgault and New Holland to quantify canola seed damage from the metering/air distribution system.

Test variable included two canola varieties (hybrid and open pollinated), two ground speeds at 5mph and 6mph (8km/hr and 9.7km/hr, respectively) and four air speeds. Seed samples (for laboratory analysis) were taken before testing, after metering, and at the open outlets.

Overall seed damage (physical and germination) due to metering and distribution was less than 10% with no measurable effect from ground or air speed.

The hybrid variety was more susceptible to damage compared to the open pollinated variety.

The seed damage caused by the air distribution system was also low.