paired row vs steath side row

[gsanocki]

I have a 5000 with 7.2 spacing only 2.5 packers and double paired row boots, I am not real happy with the paired row (partly due to my narrow packers and part due to the wings being worn a bit) My dealer suggested I go back to the single side shoot and move my packers over more towards the seed row( we suspect my drill was originally set up this way). I like the looks of the single better than the paired row, I feel it will close the fertilizer row better and not have as much seed fertilizer mixing, My dealer also says I should be able to move faster with the single side shoot. I would like to here from any one that have tryed both, or has a magical way to widen my packers . Thanks Gary Elkridge Farms Eaglesham Alta

[slinger]

I passed on your question to our seeding equipment expert here at the Alberta Farm Machinery Research Centre (AFMRC), and here is his response: 'In your situation I would recommend the sideband system as opposed to the paired row. With the 7.2 inch spacing there is no need to use a paired row. If you had a 10 or 12 inch spacing, I would recommend a paired row opener. The AFMRC has had good results with both the sideband and the paired row openers. The sideband does have less soil disturbance than the paired row, but I would not recommend seeding too much faster. If you want to seed significantly faster, a disk opener would be recommended. Flexi-coil recommends the sideband to work in a wider variety of soils.' If you have more questions, or would like more information, please contact Lawrence Papworth at the AFMRC, (403) 329-1212 or by email: lawrence.papworth@agric.gov.ab.ca

[rosco]

We run a 5000 air drill. It came originally with paired row seed boots and 3.5 v-steel packers on 9' centers. We ran those seed boots for 3 years but were not pleased with the separation once the boot became worn. We then went to single side band seed boots for two reasons: better separation and the ability to run anhydrous as a Nitrogen source. We have found that these seed boots wear better, do a smoother job, and allow us to travel a bit faster. We did move the packers slightly to pack the seed in but still leave the furrow over the fertilizer band. We have not started using anhydrous because we arn't convinced that we can get away from harming the seed.

[rosco]

One caution. Make sure you install an equal number of left and right hand single side band seed openers to prevent side draft. Also remember, increasing speed also increases wear on the seed boots.