In mechanized planting, several factors such as machine operation velocity in the field and depth of fertilizer deposition in the soil interfere in the plant stand establishment and crop yield. In this study, corn crop establishment was evaluated using a sowing-fertilizer machine, provided with a perforated horizontal disc device for seed dosage and containing four planting units. The machine was operated using four displacement velocities (3, 6, 9 and 11.2 km/h) and two fertilization depths (5 and 10 cm), on an eutrophic Red Latosol, previously under no-tillage for 12 years. Corn seeding density in the sowing line was affected by the machine displacement velocity and no significant damage to corn seeds passing through the horizontal disk device was observed, even at the higher speeds. Seed spacing in the sowing line was considered excellent, regular or unsatisfactory when the machine operated at 3 km/h, 6-9 km/h and 11.2 km/h, respectively. Displacement velocities up to 6 km/h and deeper soil fertilization, performed at 10 cm depth, provided increased plant and ear stands as well as the highest corn yields.
Zea mays; mechanized planting; planting uniformity