PLOT PLANTER

Testing of large number of hybrids requires planters with specially constructed seed metering devices. The planter shown right allows for planting individual seed packets for each hybrid. Plots can be planted in 2 or 4 row plot configurations. Plots are 22 feet long with a 3-foot alley between plots.

SPRAY AND CULTIVATE

A mounted sprayer and an adjustable four-row cultivator make it possible to maintain the plots at the different locations. Weed control and side dressing are both possible with one machine.

TWO-ROW HARVESTER

Grain harvesting is done with a two-row combine designed for plot harvest, but closely copying the workings of the larger combines used on farms. The two center rows of each four-row are harvested with 22 feet of row taken for yield. 

GRAIN GAGE SYSTEM

All research plots are measured by the Grain Gage system pictured right. The grain cycles through the system via peumatically controlled gates at the base of each chamber. The first chamber determines the volume for each measurement taken, the second chamber determines moisture while the third chamber measures each sub-sample for plot weight and test weight. At the end of each plot, moisture and test weight are averaged over the number of cycles and plot weights are totaled. This data is then stored in the memory of the Harvest Master Data System. This complete system allows for a one-person operation havesting almost four plots per minute.