1. What is the AHDB Seed Rate Calculator?

The AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) Seed Rate Calculator helps farmers determine the optimal seed rate based on target plant population, thousand grain weight (TGW), and expected establishment percentage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the AHDB seed rate equation:

Where:

• \( \text{Target Plants/m²} \) — Desired plant population per square meter
• \( \text{TGW} \) — Thousand grain weight in grams
• \( \text{Establishment Percentage} \) — Expected percentage of seeds that will establish (typically 70-90%)

Explanation: The equation calculates the amount of seed needed per hectare to achieve the target plant population, accounting for seed size and expected establishment rate.

3. Importance of Seed Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate seed rate calculation is crucial for optimizing crop yield, minimizing seed waste, and ensuring proper plant spacing for healthy crop development.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter target plant population in plants/m², TGW in grams, and establishment percentage (default is 80%). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical establishment percentage?
A: Establishment typically ranges from 70-90% depending on soil conditions, seed quality, and drilling method.

Q2: How do I determine TGW?
A: TGW is usually provided by your seed supplier. You can also weigh 1000 seeds to determine it yourself.

Q3: What factors affect establishment percentage?
A: Soil moisture, seedbed quality, drilling depth, seed treatment, and pest pressure all affect establishment.

Q4: Should I adjust for seed germination percentage?
A: Yes, if your seed has less than 100% germination, you should factor this into your establishment percentage.

Q5: How does seed rate vary by crop type?
A: Different crops have different optimal plant populations. Consult crop-specific guidelines for target populations.