Matching Seed to Soil: How it all Works

Plant breeders with whom I work estimate that 75% of seed varieties fall short of their yield potential because they’re planted in the wrong soil. Despite today’s amazing seed technology, a hybrid planted in the wrong soil wastes a good portion of the seed’s value. So when we begin talking with a farmer about using our Seed2Soil consulting program, we make sure he or she knows there are no shortcuts.

First, we clearly explain our consulting program and ask if it fits within our customer’s decision-making process and timetable. Next, we review the customers crop management practices to identify the exact hybrid features providing the best chance for success. Then we identify soil types and how they might impact seed performance. We want to pinpoint the seed features that best match soil characteristics. After than we write a crop recommendation suggesting the specific seed variety for each field. Finally we meet with the farmer again for a pre-planting review, making sure nothing’s been overlooked.

Unfortunately, many farmers don’t have the time needed to invest in developing a plan to place products in each field relative to soil types and crop management practices. Admittedly, if they do make an effort, it’s often done at the  last minute with little opportunity for analysis.

Unlike others, Latham’s Seed2Soil program is thorough, detailed and not quick. But in the words of author and artist William A. Foster, “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” My thoughts exactly!