ADAPTAGRI · HELP DESK
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QGood practicesIn drought, should I sow more densely or more thinly?
It depends on the main risk in the field — drought or weeds.
When moisture is limited, an overly dense crop increases competition between plants for water. Sole trader "Agro – Svetlozar Dichevski" (Varna) moved from fixed to flexible seeding rates based on soil moisture and the expected weather, combined with drought-tolerant varieties and hybrids. The result: better root development, more even stands, more stable yields in drought and lower seed costs.
When the field is heavily infested with weeds (for example wild oat), a denser crop suppresses weeds — in wheat, a 50% higher seeding rate almost halves weed infestation.
| Situation | Direction |
|---|---|
| Dry autumn, little soil moisture, clean field | Lower rate, drought-tolerant variety |
| Good moisture, heavily infested field | Higher rate, strongly tillering variety |
| Sowing after the optimal date | Higher rate to compensate for weaker tillering |
The decision is made field by field: check soil moisture before sowing, consider the forecast and the preceding crop, and keep a log so you can compare results over the years.
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Material: Good practice 5; Training Module 1, sections 1.3 and 6.2; Brochure 1.