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How to Calibrate Plotmaster™ Seeders
To determine the seeding rate for any type seed when using the Plotmaster™ seeder, you need to
know two things: a) seed coverage area and b) the amount of seed used to cover this area.
To determine the seeding rate you must do the following:
Weigh a small amount of the seed (in pounds) you wish to plant. Place the small amount
of seed that you weighed into seeder hopper, open the seed gate until the first seed falls
out (open until the first largest seed falls out if it is a seed blend). Note this seed setting
for future reference. Turn on seeder motor, Plant seed at the desired depth using a
constant speed (usually between 4- 8 mph). Once all the seed has been dispensed out of
your seeder you must now determine the distance (in feet) that you covered (planted) with
that amount of seed. You must also measure the planting width (in feet) of the
Plotmaster™ seeder
Use the following formulas to determine the seeding rate:
Seeding Rate = Amount of Seed (lbs)
Coverage Area (acres)
Coverage Area = Distance Covered (feet) x Planting Width (feet)
43,560 (square feet in one acre)
Example:
You are using the Plotmaster™ 600 has a 5-foot planting width (without grain drill attach-
ment). You weigh 3 pounds of seed and place it in the seeder. You open the seed gate until
first seed comes out (ex. setting #5 on the seeder). You travel at the constant speed of 4 mph
for a distance of 700 feet before the 3 pounds of seed is completely dispensed. What is your
seeding rate?
Coverage Area = Distance Covered (feet) x Planting Width (feet) = 700 feet x 5 feet
43,560 (square feet in one acre) 43,560
Coverage Area = .08 acres
Seeding Rate = Amount of Seed (lbs) = 3 lbs = 37.5 lbs per acre Coverage
Area (acres) .08 acres
Note: You can increase your seeding rate by increasing the opening or seed setting on your
seeder (ex. going from setting #5 to setting #6) or by decreasing your speed of travel (ex. going
from 4 mph to 3 mph).
You can decrease your seeding rate by decreasing the opening or seed setting on your seeder (ex.
going from setting #5 to setting #4) or by increasing your speed of travel (ex. going from 4 mph
to 5 mph).
Each time you change the type of seed used, seeder settings and/or your speed of travel, you will
change your seeding rate. Therefore, you must recalculate your seeding rate each time you
change seed types, seeder settings and/or speed of travel.