Planting Row Crops: Determining Planter Down Force Settings

Achieving the optimum planter row unit down force for soil conditions at planting is important for consistent placement of seeds at the recommended depth in the soil. Excessive down force can cause soil compaction zones and reduce actual seeding depth. If insufficient down force is applied, planting depth may be too shallow and seed-to-soil contact may not be adequate for consistent germination and emergence. For more consistent and dependable management of down force, consider using an automated system to help adjust for field variability.

Seed Depth for Row Crops

Planting is the last opportunity to help ensure optimal planting depth, germination and early growth. This is especially critical in no-till situations as it is the only time any soil preparation occurs to provide the desired conditions. For optimal germination conditions, place seeds at a uniform depth with good seed-to-soil contact and uniform seed spacing.¹

Row crop planters, especially those equipped with twin, angled closing (press) wheels work best at seeding depths in the range of two to three inches, in most conditions. The V-shaped seed furrow, formed by the seed opening disks, closes properly when the sidewall is fractured and soil closes around the seed. The angle at which most closing wheels are manufactured results in down pressure forces intersecting at about two inches below the soil surface, providing the required seed-to-soil contact. It is also important that the planter units are operating level, or slightly tail down, to properly close the seed furrow.²

Each crop has an optimum range of seeding depths that can help foster uniform germination, optimum root development, and maximize yield potential. The recommended planting depth for corn seed is typically 1.5 to 2 inches, although research at Purdue University found no statistical differences in final corn population when planting depths ranged from one to three inches.³ For soybean, the typical planting depth is 1 to 1.5 inches, while research in Nebraska indicated that the optimum planting depth was 1.75 inches based on a three year study.^4,5 Shallow planted seed is subject to feeding by animals and birds, and can also result in lodging and rootless corn syndrome. Planting too deep extends time to emergence which can predispose seeds and seedlings to pests and diseases. Consistent seed depth at planting is essential to help achieve uniform seedling emergence. Placing seeds at the recommended depth consistently, seed by seed, and row by row, requires proper down force management of row units during planting. If there is wide variability in soil texture and different residue conditions in the field, improper down force may result in either too much down force in some areas, or not enough in others.

Effects of Improper Planter Down Force

Firm soil conditions on the surface may limit penetration by the seed opening disks, which can make it difficult for the gauge wheels, which control planting depth, to make solid contact with the soil. This situation may result in a shallow planting depth. Excessive down force can cause compaction within the seed furrow, lower the actual seeding depth, and cause problems later in the growing season as roots attempt to grow into compacted areas.

When planting in moist soil conditions, the amount of down force applied can become problematic. Applying too much pressure in wet soils can lead to compaction within the seed furrow that can adversely impact root structure and development (Figures 1 and 2). It is essential to find the right balance of pressure to provide adequate seed-to-soil contact without causing over-compaction.⁶ Applying inadequate down force can result in planting depth that is too shallow and poor seed-to-soil contact.

Determining Optimum Planter Down Force for Row Crops

Finding the optimum down force to help provide the right soil conditions for seeds can be a challenge. Planting conditions are typically less than ideal across a field, which makes it more difficult to provide ideal conditions for seeds.

Down force can be manually adjusted with each planting situation, or by using an automatic down force system. Data from Bayer Crop Science testing in corn and soybean crops indicated that the highest yields were achieved when down force was either set by an automated system or manually set to 125 pounds of pressure or less.⁷ Results also indicated that too much down force can negatively affect yield potential, with a yield penalty in both corn and soybean for down force pressures over 125 pounds. For consistent and dependable management, automated down force systems can help provide adjustments for field variability.

Considerations for Setting Planter Down Force for Your Row Crops

• Using recommended down force pressures at planting can help maximize yield potential compared to excessive down force.
• Determining the ideal down force for a field can be challenging due to varying soil types, tillage systems, and soil moisture content.
• The benefits of automatic down force systems may be more evident in fields with greater variability in soil physical properties.
• Automated down force systems provide appropriate pressure for each seed throughout the field. This is especially convenient because once in the cab of the tractor, the operator has minimal control of down force pressure.
• Consider re-evaluating down force settings after soil moisture content changes from a rain event or irrigation. It is unlikely that one setting would be the best for all conditions.

Sources

¹Karayel, D. and Sarauskis, E. 2011. Effect of downforce on the performance of no-till disc furrow openers for clay-loam and loamy soils. Agricultural Engineering Research Papers, Vol. 43, No. 3:16-24. ISSN 1392-1134.
²Jasa, P. 2019. Avoiding sidewall compaction at planting. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, CROPWATCH. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2019/avoiding-sidewall-compaction-planting/
³Quinn, D. 2022. How deep should corn be planted? Pest & Crop Newsletter. Purdue University Extension. https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/newsletters/pestandcrop/article/how-deep-should-corn-be-planted/
⁴Nielsen, R.L. 2000. Corn growth and development. What goes on from planting to harvest? Purdue University. AGRY-97-07. https://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/pubs/agry-97-07_v1-1.pdf?_ga=2.117591690.204752167.1764869290-1444492618.1764869285
⁵Specht, J., Brhel, J., Glewen, K. and Grassini, P. 2014. Soybean planting depth: Consider planting deeper. CROPWATCH. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/soybean-planting-depth-consider-planting-deeper/
⁶Hanna, H.M. 2009. Planter setup and adjustments for accurate seeding of corn and soybean. Proceedings 2009 Indiana CCA Conference. https://www.agry.purdue.edu/cca/2009/CCA%202009/Proceedings/Hanna%20CCA%20Proceedings%202009-2%20Final%20Version%2011-24.pdf
⁷Effect of planter down force at planting on yield. 2015. Bayer Learning Center Summary, Gothenburg, NE. Technology Development & Agronomy. https://www.cropscience.bayer.us/articles/bayer/effect-planter-down-force-on-planting-yield
Web sources verified: 2/5/2026. 1214_111496