1. What is a Seed per Square Metre Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the number of seeds needed per square meter to achieve a target plant population, accounting for germination rates.

Purpose: It helps farmers, gardeners, and agricultural professionals optimize seed sowing for maximum crop yield.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Seeds per m² — Number of seeds to sow per square meter
• Target Population — Desired number of plants per m²
• Germination Rate — Fraction of seeds expected to germinate (0-1)

Explanation: The target plant population is divided by the expected germination rate to determine how many seeds to sow.

3. Importance of Seed Density Calculation

Details: Proper seed density ensures optimal plant spacing, reduces competition for resources, and maximizes yield potential.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your desired plant population (plants/m²) and expected germination rate (default 0.85). Germination rate must be between 0 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine my germination rate?
A: Conduct a germination test by planting a sample of seeds in controlled conditions and measuring what percentage sprout.

Q2: What's a typical germination rate?
A: Most quality seeds have 80-95% germination (0.8-0.95), but this varies by species and seed age.

Q3: Should I account for seedling mortality?
A: Yes, you may want to increase your target population by 5-10% to account for post-germination losses.

Q4: How does this relate to seeding rate per hectare?
A: Multiply seeds/m² by 10,000 to get seeds per hectare (1 ha = 10,000 m²).

Q5: What if my germination rate is in percentage?
A: Divide the percentage by 100 to convert to decimal (e.g., 85% = 0.85).