Implementation of precision planting in winter wheat improves seeding uniformity, yield, and grain quality

Abstract Proper placement of seed in a seedbed is crucial for maximizing crop yield potential. However, winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) is typically planted using a low‐precision, conventional spill‐type seed drill. This can result in nonuniform seeding depth and within‐row spacing, leading to poor emergence, root growth, and tillering and, ultimately, to lower yield. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of precision planting compared with drill seeding on winter wheat. Field experiments were conducted at two locations in Michigan during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons to determine how planting method, row spacing (RS; 5‐, 7.5‐, 10‐ and 15‐inch), and seeding rate (SR; ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 million seeds ac −1 ) impact winter wheat seeding uniformity, growth, and yield. In 7.5‐inch RS, precision planting improved yield by 11%–15% compared with drill seeding at two of the 4 site‐years, driven by lower variability in seeding depth and within row spacing. Deoxynivalenol (DON) concentration in grain was also reduced by 36% at 1 site‐year with high disease pressure. All site‐years showed a trend of yield increase with narrower RS, with 5‐inch spacing consistently outyielding other RS, likely due to faster canopy closure. Optimal SR did not show interaction with planting methods or RS at most site‐years, but lower SR was associated with higher DON level. Precision planting in 5‐inch RS provided 3%–29% yield improvements over drill seeding across all site‐years. Overall, the results showed that precision planting in combination with narrow RS can lead to uniform seeding and canopy development, improved yield, and enhanced grain quality.