1. What is a Seed Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the amount of seed needed per hectare based on target plant population, germination rate, and seed weight.

Purpose: It helps farmers and agricultural professionals determine the optimal seeding rate for their crops.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Seed Rate — Amount of seed needed (kg/ha)
• Target Population — Desired plants per hectare (plants/ha)
• Germination Rate — Fraction of seeds that germinate (0-1)
• Seed Weight — Weight per individual seed (kg)

Explanation: The target population is adjusted for expected germination rate, then multiplied by seed weight to determine total seed mass needed.

3. Importance of Seed Rate Calculation

Details: Proper seed rate calculation ensures optimal plant density, maximizes yield potential, and prevents over-seeding which wastes resources.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the target plant population, germination rate (default 0.9 for 90%), and seed weight (default 0.00002 kg for many cereal crops). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical germination rate?
A: Most quality seeds have 85-95% germination (0.85-0.95). Always check your seed tag for actual rates.

Q2: How do I find seed weight?
A: Weigh 1000 seeds and divide by 1000, or check with your seed supplier for thousand seed weight (TSW) data.

Q3: What affects target population?
A: Crop type, variety, soil conditions, and farming practices all influence ideal plant populations.

Q4: Should I adjust for field conditions?
A: Yes, consider adding 10-20% to account for field mortality factors beyond germination.

Q5: How does row spacing affect this?
A: Row spacing changes plant distribution but not total population. Use our Row Spacing Calculator for precise spacing needs.