Using profile soil electrical conductivity survey data to predict wheat establishment rates in the United Kingdom

There are an increasing number of farmers who have the capability to automatically control their seeding rate when drilling. A common way to produce a variable seed plan is to start with a soil electrical conductivity (EC) survey. It is well established that electrical conductivity is related to soil texture and previous studies, mainly on growing corn, have been based on higher conductivity values being associated with higher fertility areas and therefore able to support higher plant populations. However, soil texture is also related to seed bed quality and the inference is that there is a relationship between soil conductivity and seedbed quality, which is a measure of plant emergence and establishment after planting. The aim of the study was to assess if using EC maps was a sensible basis for assessing seedbed quality and therefore for changing seed rates. Results showed that rates of plant establishment varied between management zones created by EC scanning. Estimate establishment percentages based on profile soil electrical conductivity zones were also accurate and this led to plant populations being closer to target levels across the whole field when their variances were taken into consideration.