Effects of different sowing speeds and soil compaction levels on distribution uniformity of seeds, germination and yield of maize

In this study, the effects of different sowing speeds and seed row compaction levels on soil physical properties, seed germination, sowing performance and yield of maize were investigated. Tractor was used in three different speeds which of 1.5 m.s-1, 2 m.s-1 and 3 m.s-1 (V1, V2, V3) to sowing. Self-weight of tractor was used to compact intra-rows and being made passing in different numbers, compaction levels were adjusted as C0 (control plots), C1 (one pass) and C2 (two passes). Obtained results shown that, as the compaction level on the sowing rows increased, soil moisture content and seed germination increased. The best seed germination and soil moisture content values were found at the plots that two passes applied. Effect of sowing speed was found important on germination. The best results in terms of germination and sowing performance were obtained at 1.5 m.s-1 sowing speed and C2 compaciton level. Yield values increased with increasing soil compaction level.