How to determine the right amount of seeds using DSS

Imagine being able to maximize the productive potential of your wheat (Triticum aestivum) or barley (Hordeum vulgare) even before the seeds touch the soil.

In a highly competitive agricultural context focused on quality excellence, every agronomic decision deeply impacts yield and the qualitative characteristics of the final product.

In this scenario, technology becomes an indispensable ally, transforming seeding density from a simple empirical choice into a scientifically optimized strategy through tools like DSS.

For agri-food supply chains aiming for high production and quality standards, proper seeding density management is crucial. It’s not just about increasing productivity but also ensuring the environmental and economic sustainability of the crops, optimizing resource use efficiency, and minimizing negative impacts on the agricultural ecosystem.

The DSS developed by Horta S.r.l. offers farmers and agri-food professionals the ability to precisely determine the optimal seeding density for wheat and barley, integrating a multitude of agronomic, physiological, and environmental factors.

In this article, we will delve into the technical aspects that influence seeding density and how Horta's DSS can support informed agronomic decisions, transforming complex data into concrete actions to maximize crop yield, quality, and sustainability.

The Importance of Proper Seeding Density

Seeding density is a crucial agronomic parameter that determines competition between plants, resource absorption efficiency for nutrients, water, and light, and ultimately, the yield and quality of the crop. Optimal management of this parameter can improve soil coverage, reduce weed incidence, and prevent diseases associated with microclimates favorable to pathogen development.

In the case of wheat, an adequate seeding density impacts not only yield but also the technological quality of the grains, particularly protein content and the rheological characteristics of the flour. Excessive density can lead to plants with limited resource availability, reducing protein accumulation in the grains and compromising gluten quality, which is essential for baking properties.

For barley, especially when destined for malting in beer production, seeding density influences grain size, uniformity, and biochemical composition. Overly dense seeding increases competition between plants, reducing kernel size and altering starch content and the enzymatic profile—critical elements for the malting process and the organoleptic characteristics of beer.

How Horta S.r.l.'s DSS Optimizes Seeding Density

Horta S.r.l.'s DSS integrates a wide range of agronomic, physiological, and environmental data to provide precise and personalized recommendations for seeding density.

Through mathematical models and predictive algorithms, the system processes field-specific information, the cultivated variety, and the expected environmental conditions.

To learn more about how Horta's DSS works, we invite you to read the article below.

Key Parameters Considered:

• Varietal Characteristics

The system takes into account tillering capacity, phenological cycle, disease resistance, and adaptability to specific soil and climate conditions for each variety of wheat and barley.

• Seeding Time and Conditions

Data related to the expected seeding date, short- and medium-term weather conditions, soil moisture, and the risk of waterlogging are analyzed.

• Soil Characteristics

The DSS considers soil texture, structure, organic matter content, field capacity, and drainage, which influence germination and seedling emergence.

• Seed Quality

Information on germination percentage, seed vigor, and the thousand-kernel weight specific to the batch being used is integrated.

Through the processing of these data, the DSS provides precise recommendations for optimal seeding density, enabling farmers to adjust their agronomic practices to the specific field conditions and the needs of the cultivated variety.

Advantages of Using DSS in Wheat and Barley Seeding

The adoption of the Decision Support System (DSS) for wheat and barley seeding offers a range of benefits that can significantly transform the efficiency and profitability of crops.

1. First, the DSS allows farmers to make data-driven decisions, reducing the uncertainty associated with environmental and agronomic variables.
2. Another benefit is the optimization of resource use. By accurately determining the exact amount of seed needed per hectare, the DSS prevents waste and optimizes the initial investment. This results in more efficient farm resource management, reducing operating costs and increasing profitability.
3. The improvement in crop quality is another tangible advantage. Optimal seeding density promotes balanced plant development, enhancing the qualitative characteristics of the grains. For wheat, for example, protein content can be increased, which is essential for baking and highly sought after by the milling industry. For malting barley, proper seeding ensures greater kernel uniformity, crucial for malting and producing a high-quality final product.
4. Finally, the use of the DSS contributes to the environmental and economic sustainability of the farm. The efficient use of resources and the reduction of agricultural inputs minimize the environmental impact of cultivation.

If you want to know more about regenerative agriculture, we invite you to watch our video on YouTube!