The key to precision sowing of wheat with reduced seed rates lies in accuracy

When mechanical precision sowing with reduced seed rates is used for the three wheat crops, it can save 5 kg of seed per mu compared with conventional mechanical drilling, save 10 yuan in costs, and increase yield by 50 kg. But to truly achieve this effect, the word "precision" must be emphasized during sowing.

1. Fine seedbed preparation. The wheat field soil is required to be "deep, level, fine, and clean," with the mature soil layer reaching more than 8 cm deep, the surface level with no depressions, clods broken down until there are no "egg clods," and no exposed stubble, waste film, or other debris on the surface. Farmyard manure should be applied heavily all at once before sowing.

2. Carefully selected seed. Choose excellent varieties with strong tillering ability, a high spike-forming rate, many grains per spike, drought resistance and moisture tolerance, lodging resistance, and suitability for growing on fertile or medium-fertility plots. After the seed is cleaned and impurities are removed, carry out seed treatment such as sunning, chemical seed dressing, or coating.

3. Precisely calculate sowing date and sowing rate. For precision sowing with reduced seed rates, the sowing date must be appropriate. In the Huaibei region it is in mid-October, and in the Lixiahe region it is in late October. Too early or too late is unfavorable for forming robust low-position tillers, makes it difficult to form a population advantage, and prevents achieving a yield increase. The sowing rate is generally 3-5 kg per mu. For high 1000-grain weight, late sowing date, and low soil fertility, choose the larger value, with the basic seedling population reaching 70,000-100,000 plants per mu. The sowing depth is usually 3-5 cm, slightly deeper in dry weather.

4. Careful machine operation. The operator must, on the basis of mastering the machine's performance and structure, operate the machine carefully.

(1) Ensure that all parts of the machine are firmly fastened, rotate flexibly, are well lubricated, and have no missing parts.

(2) According to the requirements of the instruction manual, accurately adjust the sowing rate per mu as well as the depth of the rotary tillage, ditching, soil covering, and press wheels, and adjust the levelness of the machine frame suspension and the tightness of the transmission chain to a moderate degree.

(3) Note that the seed box should be filled with at least enough seed to cover the inlet of the seed metering box, so as to ensure smooth seed discharge.

(4) Before sowing on a large area, trial-sow about 20 m, and after testing and confirming that it meets the agronomic requirements, proceed to normal sowing.

(5) During sowing operations, advance straight and at a steady speed; do not go suddenly fast or slow or stop frequently. The raising and lowering of the seeder should be operated while moving forward, otherwise the furrow openers are likely to clog. When reversing or turning, the seeder must be raised. If grass or clay is found tangled on the furrow openers or press wheels, stop the machine promptly and clean it to avoid affecting sowing quality.