Seed Hawk TOOLBAR 2008 - Manual (Page 47)

OPERATION
This double drop tube (Fig. 20) can be used
when
applying starter liquid phosphate blend down
in the seed row. I may also be used on the
fertilizer knife when seeding peas through the
fertilizer knife and applying a liquid starter
phosphate blend with the peas. This option
is not a standard option. Contact your dealer
for more information.
Fig. 20
Double Extrusion drop tube shown
CROP RESIDUE CONSIDERATIONS
Seeding into fields with heavy residue is challenging, but residue cover is essential to
the success of a zero-till cropping system. Ideally, the straw height from the previous
year will be less than or equal to the width of the Seed Hawk Drill row spacing.
For optimum results, the combine should chop the straw and spread the straw and
chaff evenly across the entire swath width. The fertilizer and seed knives will catch
and drag small amounts of crop residue while seeding. Some small clumps of straw
may be deposited along the seed row making the finished seed bed appear rough.
IMPORTANT: Avoid harrowing after seeding with the Seed Hawk Drill.
Harrowing after seeding can drastically alter seed depth. Although tempting
to harrow to smooth out straw clumps, these clumps will smooth out over
time and exposure to the weather.
Increased humidity will reduce the ease with which the straw will flow around the
knives. Increased humidity near the soil surface is more common during the first few
years of zero-till. This is due to lower soil porosity and infiltration rates. With time, the
soil porosity and infiltration rates will rise, and the humidity will decrease.
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