Using Density Meter and Fluted-Feed Seed Charts

1. NOTE: Rates per hectare (acre) are determined by adjusting seed index to settings shown on rate charts in this section.

   
   N35976-UN-21JUL89

   A - Density Meter

   Rates on seed charts are based on a standard density of seed being used. Use density meter (A) to find actual seed density so seeding rate can be more accurately chosen from rate charts.

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2. Fill meter bucket with material, tap lightly, level material across top, balance on knife edge and take reading.

3. If actual density differs from standard density (found on “Standard Density Chart”, use the following formula to calculate a conversion factor that will be applied to desired seeding rate:

   STANDARD DENSITY (from density chart) ÷ ACTUAL DENSITY (from density meter) = CONVERSION FACTOR

4. Multiply desired seeding rate by conversion factor, find new value on rate chart and adjust seed index to match this new rate.

Standard Density Chart
Grain	kg/bu (lb/bu)	kg/m3	lb/ft3
Wheat	27 (60)	774	48.2
Barley	22 (48)	619	38.6
Oats	15 (32)	413	25.7
Rye	25 (56)	722	45.0
Peas	27 (60)	774	48.2
Soybeans and Navy Beans	27 (60)	774	48.2
Buckwheat	24 (52)	671	41.6
Sorghum	23 (50)	645	40.0
Crested Wheat Grass	10 (21)	271	16.8
Alfalfa	27 (60)	774	48.2
Millet	23 (50)	645	40.0
Flax	25 (56)	722	44.8
Sudan Grass	23 (50)	645	40.0

EXAMPLE: Using 15 cm (6-in.) Rate Chart:

• Seed—Wheat
• Desired seeding rate—90 kg/hectare (81 lb/acre)
• Standard density for wheat from chart—773 kg/m³ (48.2 lb/ft³)
• Actual density from density meter—721 kg/m³ (45 lb/ft³)

Calculating conversion factor using formula:

773 kg/m³ ÷ 721 kg/m³ = 1.07

(48.2 lb/ft³) ÷ (45 lb/ft³) = 1.07

Multiplying desired seeding rate by conversion factor:

90 kg/hectare x 1.07 = 96.3 kg/hectare

(81 lb/acre) x 1.07 = (87 lb/acre)

Locating closest value to 90 kg/hectare (87 lb/acre) on 15 cm (6 in.) rate chart indicates a meter setting of 16.

For further accuracy, see CHECKING QUANTITIES DRILLED in this section.