2026 John Deere AG H550F

Air Seeding Equipment

Full Seed Ahead

When time's short and there's plenty of ground to cover, know you can seed with confidence. John Deere offers a complete line of everything you need—in the sizes you want—to seed for success. From air drills and air carts to fertilizer attachments and box drills, that all includes the precision ag technology to help you maximize your productivity so you can seed smart with accuracy you can measure.

The John Deere C-Series Air Carts

Simple. Concise. Innovative.

• Seed up to eight times1 more precisely with the new AccuRate™ stainless steel electric meters.
• Industry-exclusive EZCal™ system that saves time and steps by sending calibration numbers automatically to the cab display.
• Calibrate from the cab with ActiveCal and improve seeding confidence and productivity with tank scales.
• Fully integrated, intelligent plug-and-play seeding solution.

You wanted bigger. We delivered.

More capacity means less tendering—and less tendering means you can finish faster. That's why we're creating even bigger air carts. Like the C1100T, with a capacity of 1,100 bushels and a 105-bushel Flex Tank for even greater versatility.

EZLift System

The C1100T features an EZLift System that allows you to load bulk bags directly into tanks 1, 2, and 3. The hydraulically powered arm can lift up to 2,400 lb (1,088 kg), and a large storage platform can hold an extra bulk bag or seed pallet.

• Eliminates the need for additional tractors, picker trucks, or telehandlers in the field, reducing field logistics.
• Direct bulk bag unloading into tanks 1, 2, and 3 speeds up refilling and maximizes uptime.
• On-cart side storage platform keeps an extra bulk bag or pallet of seed within reach, ensuring uninterrupted tendering.

New 105-bu Flex Tank

A new 105-bu (3,700.1-L) Flex Tank provides space for 55 more bushels (1,938.2 more liters) than previous models, giving you more versatility in your tank mixes. Instead of using your Flex Tank for just canola or inoculant, you can fill it with extra fertilizer, wheat, and more. Lower and upper fill locations make it easy to empty bags. And a new platform – when used with the EZLift System – allows you to untie an extra seed bag between your waist and shoulder.

New 12-in (30.5-cm) Conveyor with 
Stainless Steel Hopper

We made the C1100T conveyor 17% longer, giving it a lower angle of repose for higher fill rates. And a stainless steel hopper makes it more corrosion resistant.

C-Series Tank Scales

Boost your seeding confidence with tank scales – now available on all C-Series Air Carts. Individual scales positioned on each tank tell you how many acres you have left until empty. With the G5e Cart Side Display, you can view tank scale data and pressures while you fill product. Plus, with ActiveCal, you can recalibrate any time while seeding from the cab.

RelativeFlow™ Blockage Sensors

Enjoy peace of mind knowing seed is being distributed accurately. RelativeFlow™ Blockage Sensors help ensure uniform distribution, and are now available on all air seeding tools.

• Get alerts when blockages or reductions occur.
• Avoid the hassles and costs of reseeding because of run blockages, or retaining seed and fertilizer.
• Save time by not having to leave the tractor to check for blockages.

Quick Change Blade (ProSeries™ Enhancement)

Change blades faster to save time, and reduce labor costs. Quick Change Blades are available on all no-till air seeding tools.

• Replace blades easily before, during or after seeding season.
• Reduce change time by up to 45%2.
• Minimize labor needed for manual blade changes.

TruSet™ In-Cab Downforce

Be confident in your seed and fertilizer placement as you control downforce without ever having to leave the cab. You can view and adjust downforce settings on your Generation 4 Display.

• Improve seed-to-soil contact.
• Achieve uniform emergence across varying soil conditions.
• Reduce downtime by not leaving the cab to adjust downforce manually.

Fast and Easy Calibrations

EZCal™ makes calibration fast and easy, and helps you:

• Reduce operator error and shorten the learning curve for new operators.
• Eliminate the need for calibration bags and save more than 100 walking steps.3

Plus, tank scales with ActiveCal™ allow calibration from your cab, so you can:

• Monitor individual tank weight.

Stainless Steel Electric Meters

AccuRate™ individually controlled stainless steel electric meters are corrosion-resistant, reduce maintenance costs, and provide the following benefits

• Higher-Resolution Prescriptions: Adjust the speed and volume of product at a primary level by controlling the meter, allowing up to 8x more precision.4
• Curve Compensation: Adjusts meter rates to match tool speed on the inside and outside of a turn, ensuring the applied product rate remains consistent across the tool.
• SectionCommand™ Pro: Shuts off each meter individually

ProSeries™ Opener Aftermarket Parts

Improve seed-to-soil contact, depth consistency, germination and uniform emergence with ProSeries™ Opener

Go from good to great with the ProSeries™ Opener Aftermarket Parts from John Deere. Upgrade your 90 Series Opener with six state-of-the-art parts to improve seed-to-soil contact, depth consistency, germination and uniform emergence.

Farm Even Better

Maximize the full potential of your field.

Build Your Own

Build and price seeding equipment to fit your needs.

Introducing the Tips Notebook

A compilation of tips, ideas and collective wisdom about how to get all kinds of jobs done around your place. This is where you'll find the how-do-I-do-that answers you're looking for, all in one place. It's loaded with easy-to-understand instructions, videos, and links to product information.

Compare End-Wheel Grain Drills

An easy, mid-priced way to seed into conventional tillage.
· 8 to 13 ft. (2.5 to 4.0 m) working widths
· Drill cereal grains, legumes and forage crops
· Standard hydraulic lift cylinder raises and lowers the openers
· Optional combination seed/fertilizer box available

Compare Frontier Conservation Seeders

Renovate pastures or landscape roadsides with a Conservation Seeder. It makes quick work of any type of seeding, from native prairie grasses to large legumes.
· Work at speeds up to 7 mph (11.2 kph)
· Full-width coverage to prevent "pinstripe" effect
· Reinforced nylon or cast-iron rear cultipacker rings
· Includes various combinations of standard large-grain, native grass, small-seed legume, and stainless-steel fertilizer boxes
· iMatch™ and Quick-Coupler compatible (iMatchTM compatible CS1360 only)

Compare Frontier Overseeders

Get the lush, green turf you demand with a Frontier™ Overseeder that allows placement of grass seed without reworking your lawn.
· High-precision metering seed cups
· Flow adjustment chart and lever
· iMatch™ compatible

Compare Frontier Broadcast Spreaders

Cover a lot of ground in a hurry with a Broadcast Spreader. These spreaders distribute seed, lime, or fertilizer in an area up to 49 ft. (14.9 m) wide.
· Wide variety of sizes from 3.5 to 10.6 cu. ft. (0.1 to 0.3 m3)
· Non-corrosive polyethylene seamless hopper (SS20 and SS30 Series only)
· Two pull-type models available (SS1022B and SS1035B)
· Optional weather cover and remote gate control (SS10 and SS20 Series only)

Compare Frontier Pendular Spreaders

A precision Pendular Spreader provides uniform spreading, even if materials have different weights, sizes, and textures.
· Broad range of sizes, from 9.0 to 42.4 cu. ft. (0.25 to 1.20 m3)
· Durable reinforced fiberglass hopper
· Optional hydraulic control and sand/salt spout

Air Hoe Drill

• See the flow of seed & fertilizer from the cab with RelativeFlow™ blockage monitoring
• Quick Change Blade enhancement of the ProSeries™ Opener reduces change time by 45%1
• Choice of ground-engaging openers
• AutoTrac™ compatibility

Features may include: 

The Total Seeding Solution – experience the John Deere advantage

John Deere has the seeding solutions that go above expectations with a complete line of everything needed in small grains. Offering a variety of openers for your chosen practice in a variety of configurations and sizes. All with integrated technology throughout the seeding train allows for effortless setup and seamless documentation.

Setting up a John Deere seeding train is quick and easy with the plug and play technology. All data and technology operate through the Gen 4 display and ultimately up to John Deere Operation Center™ that can be viewed from anywhere at any time. Not only does the complete John Deere seeding solution all operate through one display but it eliminates the difficulty and time-consuming tasks of setting up extra displays and harnesses.

With a complete John Deere seeding solution, there are multiple different onboard and offboard technologies shown below that improve the overall seeding production step. Many of these technologies are exclusive to John Deere. Each of these technologies bring different customer value that overall lead to the ultimate John Deere seeding solution!

Improve confidence and while reducing maintenance with the new AccuRate™ metering system

• Combination of stainless steel and composite materials ensure an entire corrosion resistant system
• Individual electric meters allowing for more precise seeding
  • Up to 8x more accurate prescriptions with high fidelity prescription
  • Start and stop each meter with SectionCommand™ Pro
  • Accurately meter the correct amount of product on a curve with curve compensation

Calibrate faster and easier than ever before with EZCal™

• Easily calibrate from the side of the cart with the click of a few buttons 45% faster than the leading competitor
• Automatically weigh product and update MDV values eliminating potential user error

ActiveCal™ display Calibrate more frequently from the seat of the cab with ActiveCal™

• Calibrate the meters from the cab utilizing the tank scales
• Improved confidence that the correct seeding rates are being met

Save input cost with SectionCommand™Pro

• Control seed and fertilizer output by starting and stopping each individual meter section
• Eliminate skips and overlaps leading to reduced inputs and higher yields

On the go, quick adjust downforce with TruSet™ from the cab

• Adjust downforce pressure to improve uniform emergence
• Set presets to quickly adjust from field to field

Monitor blockage row by row from the cab with RelativeFlow™

• Seed with confidence while monitoring each row
• Detect blockage early and know exactly where it is

AutoTrac™ Implement Guidance and AutoTrac Turn Automation

• Make every operator an experienced operator
• Precisely placed implements for more accurate seeding, less operator fatigue, and more productivity
• Hands-free turns within field headlands (with AutoTrac Turn Automation enabled)

Operation Center Mobile

• View your data on the go; remotely monitor job quality, productivity, machine performance, and quickly make informed decisions
• Manage and monitor from anywhere at any time with near real-time field and machine updates

John Deere Operation Center™

• Setup and manage your farm operations: equipment, team, fields, and crop inputs
• Plan work in advance to increase job quality and efficiency with Work Planner
• Map based prescriptions can be used with variable rates
• Analyze this season’s results to improve next season’s crops

Connected Support

• Expert Alerts proactively notifies your dealer of any issues
• Remote display access allows for easy on the go support

Color-coded hydraulic hose handles

These color-coded aluminum hydraulic hose handles make connecting hydraulic hoses from the air seeder and air cart to the correct Selective Control Valve (SCV) on the tractor easier than before. The anti-slip makes it easy to grip the hose and connect or disconnect from the back of the tractor. Each color is laser engraved with the John Deere logo and extend/retract icons to ensure proper matching to the proper function.

• Easily identify function of each hose
• Consistently match hose handles colors to rear couplers on tractor
• Easy to grip for connecting or disconnecting to the SCV
• Base equipment on all trailing air carts
• Base equipment on all seeding tools

Flexible frame allows for consistent seed depth

Seed depth uniformity

Producers are more attuned to the importance of seed depth than ever before. A uniform-looking field is not the only goal; yield is too. Proven yield penalties across the world range from 5 percent to 25 percent, depending on depth variance.

The H500 and H500F feature diagonal mainframes and wing flexing – helping openers maintain their depth over uneven terrain.

The life requirement of these robust machines is four times longer than previous models. That is why the John Deere seeding group has built even more durability into the H500 and H500F Air Hoe Drills. 

An advanced and rigorous testing program has proven the machine durability to the extent that John Deere now offers a three-year frame warranty with each H500 and H500F that rolls out of the factory.

Robust ball joints connect strong fore-aft tubes to 100-mm x 100-mm (4-in. x 4-in.) rank tubes, which are joined to one another by pivoting rank connectors. Both the mainframe and wing sections share this durable construction that enables the frame to flex diagonally, relieving stress on solid frame members and avoiding frame failures.

Seed smart with confidence that the H500 and H500F will endure the field conditions.

Control the depth of seeding with TouchSet™

Setting depth is one of the most critical adjustments an operator will make to a seeding tool. John Deere understands every operator needs dependable, repeatable depth control that is easily adjustable. That is why John Deere provides a choice of two depth control options on the H500 and H500F.

Mechanical depth shims are repeatable and reliable

Often-heard are comments from producers who say they prefer the positive mechanical depth control offered by the 1820. This popular concept is base equipment on the H500 and H550 air hoe drills. 

 

Two indexed depth shim packs on the mainframe are not only easy to set, but reduce the number of adjustment sites over previous designs by up to 60 percent.

Less time adjusting means more time seeding.

TouchSet™ depth control

Changing field conditions such as moisture levels and soil types can make setting depth a challenge.  TouchSet depth control makes adjusting depth in response to changing field conditions easy and profitable. On 8R and 9R Series tractors, the operator uses selective control valve (SCV) #1 and the SCV TouchSet control panel to perform all the depth control functions from the seat. Considering yield penalties of 5 percent due to seeding 2.5 cm (1 in.) too deep or too shallow, the convenience of in-cab adjustment pays nicely.

How does it work? The operator uses the TouchSet (SCV setup panel) to set or change the operator depth.

• With the implement nine-pin connector connected to the tractor, start the tractor; a P will appear in the window of the control panel under SCV #1.

• The remote sensor located on the rockshaft monitors position of the implement.

• After operating depth is measured at the ground engaging tool and the desired depth obtained, press the lower set button on the control panel. That depth is now set.

• On-the-go depth changes can be made by touching the set button to select a new depth.

• Implement raise height selection uses the upper set button on the control panel to preset the distance the implement is raised above the operating depth.

Preset the raise height to:

• Take out wheel tracks on headlands

• Limit raise height for waterway crossings

• Manual depth override capacity

A remote position sensor (1) is located at the rear of the drill; electronically monitors the positions of the implement.

An electrical connector is used for easy hookup of TouchSet depth control sensor on the implement to the tractor system (8R Tractor illustrated).

TruPosition™ standards are consistent seed depth and row spacing

TruPosition 250-kg (550-lb) trip force

Unmoved

That is how John Deere's TruPosition standard may be described. When the seed depth consistency and row spacing integrity are top concerns, this low-maintenance design will not compromise.

This can translate to a more than 5 percent yield increase by maintaining seed depth in tough ground conditions. The no-bolt design means avoiding maintenance costs and damaging downtime down the road.

It has a 51-degree shank.

Harrow

Seed depth consistency is a function of initial seed placement below the soil surface and displacement of soil over the seed row. When soil throw from the openers is great enough to cover up neighboring seed rows, a harrow is recommended to level the seedbed and equalize displaced soil over all seed rows prior to packing.

Equipping an H500 with the optional two-bar harrow helps level the seedbed before packing, ensuring an even distribution of soil over all seed rows. Adjustments include both vertical and tine-pitch, allowing the operator to set the harrow for the level of aggressiveness needed to level the seedbed.

1. Disturbed soil packed over seed row with 14-cm (5.5-in.) semi-pneumatic packer.
2. 25.4 cm (10 in.)
3. Tilled soil
4. Seed-placed phosphorus
5. Seed-placed nitrogen
6. Seed
7. 17.8 cm (7 in.)
8. Seed floor created by sweep

The seeding profile behind an H500 equipped with a harrow and sweeps will look similar to the image on the left. A flat seed floor with seed distributed over 50 percent of the row spacing for 25.4-cm (10-in.) configurations using the Perma-Loc™ boot and sweep.

Ground-engaging openers provide benefits of low-disturbance seeding

Knife bodies and points

Many producers enjoy the moisture-saving benefits of low-disturbance seeding. To make it easier for them to reap the rewards of low-disturbance seeding, factory-installed knife bodies are available for H500 and H500F Drills.

The knife bodies are available in 2.5 cm (1 in.) or 10.2 cm (4 in.) spread points. 

Use the 2.5-cm (1-in.) point for low disturbance or, if a wider spread pattern is desired to increase seedbed utilization, use the 10.2-cm (4-in.) point. The points can be quickly changed with a single roll-pin fastening system and feature carbide tips to ensure long life. 

The knife bodies also feature a positive hose retention system with provisions for a hose clamp to hold the hose in place.

These knife bodies may not perform as designed in wet, sticky soil conditions.

NOTE: Points and roll pins are not included. Points and roll pins are available through Service Parts.

Perma-Loc™ spoons and sweeps

Perma-Loc spoons and sweeps from John Deere offer reduced maintenance because the Perma-Loc design enables a change-out up to five times faster than traditional bolt-on components.

They also offer cost savings because with Perma-Loc spoons and sweeps, there is no more purchasing hardware each time spoons are changed out. This can save $309 USD list price when changing out the spoons on a 18.3-m (60-ft) tool with 19-cm (7.5-in.) spacing. 

Save time and money and seed smart with John Deere Perma-Loc spoons or sweeps.

Shown is the 10.2-cm (4-in.) Perma-Loc spoon; 7.6-cm (3-in.) spoons are also available. 

Spoons are not included in base price and must be ordered separately. 

Below is the seedbed profile that can be expected if using a 10.2-cm (4-in.) spoon in conventional tillage with the H500F Separate Fertilizer Placement (SFP). 

1. Tilled soil
2. Disturbed soil packed over seed row
3. 25.4 cm (10 in.)
4. Separate fertilizer placement nitrogen
5. 10.2 cm (4 in.)
6. 50.8 cm (20 in.)
7. Seed
8. Seed-placed phosphorus

1. Disturbed soil packed over seed row with 14-cm (5.5-in.) semi-pneumatic packer
2. 25.4 cm (10 in.)
3. Tilled soil
4. Seed-placed phosphorus
5. Seed-placed nitrogen
6. Seed
7. 17.8 cm (7 in.)
8. Seed floor created by sweep

Perma-Loc removal tool

This handy Perma-Loc removal tool should be ordered for each drill ordered with Perma-Loc components.

Be at ease with Separate Fertilizer Placement (SFP)

Fertilizer inputs can represent 30 percent to 35 percent of the cost in small grain and oil seed production. It is no wonder farmers are concerned about nitrogen losses from gas escape, volatilization and leaching.

One opener combines four key processes to minimize nutrient losses through precise nutrient placement at seeding. John Deere’s SFP disc opener features:

• Active hydraulic downforce
• Depth gauging at the opener
• Ultra-low soil and residue disturbance
• Positive closing system

All of these lock in dry, liquid, or gas forms of nitrogen.

There is no more worrying about pre-season nitrogen loss due to denitrification and leaching. Operators can forget about volatilization of top-dress applications, and maybe most notably, endure a day of seeding without the burning nasal passages that accompany poor anhydrous ammonia retention.

SFP opener with 5-degree angle

Key features of the opener include:

• Depth gauging at the opener with 11.4-cm (4.5-in.) or 7.6-cm (3-in.) semi-pneumatic gauge wheels
• Depth adjustments are in 6 mm (1/4 in.) increments from 1.3-cm (1/2-in.) to 9-cm (3-1/2-in.) deep
• 5-degree operating angle creates a narrow trench and minimizes soil disturbance
• Close-coupled closing wheel assembly for quick trench closure and maximum fertilizer retention
  • NOTE: Closing wheels are base equipment on anhydrous openers and optional on liquid and dry openers. Closing wheels are recommended.
• Extended-wear (chrome alloy) fertilizer boots
• Sealed, non-greaseable bearings

Fertilizer tubes

There are four choices of interchangeable fertilizer tubes:

1. Dry fertilizer tube to be used with 32-mm (1-1/4-in.) secondary fertilizer hose from the 1910 Commodity Cart
2. Liquid fertilizer tube (for 13-mm [1/2-in.] ID hose) – using this tube for anhydrous may cause loss of retention*
3. Dual fertilizer delivery tube – allows for placement of dry or anhydrous. If applying both simultaneously, the operator may need to provide a relief system to relieve air from dry tube for adequate anhydrous retention. Without air relief, the operator will need to adjust air plenum to restrict all airflow to SFP dry tubes when anhydrous is being applied.*
4. Anhydrous tube (for 10-mm [3/8-in.] ID hose)*

* NOTE: Liquid or NH3 Fertilizer metering/delivery system is not provided by the John Deere seeding group.

Opener gauge wheel

11.4-cm x 40.6-cm (4.5-in. x 16-in.) semi-pneumatic wheel gauges depth

• Standard smooth plastic hub for minimal soil disturbance in mellow soils
• Depth can be controlled from 0.6 x 9 cm (1/4 to 3-1/2 in.) in 6-mm (1/4-in.) increments (13 total adjustments)
• Runs on sealed, double row tapered ball bearings

 

7.6-cm x 40.6-cm (3-in. x 16-in.) gauge wheel (optional)

• Less stubble or residue disturbance
• Depth can be controlled from 0.6 to 9 cm (1/4 to 3-1/2 in.) in 6-mm (1/4-in.) increments (13 total adjustments)

Opener furrow closing wheel

2.5-cm x 30.5-cm (1-in. x 12-in.) cast closing wheel follows the press wheel to close furrow, placing soil over seed or fertilizer after the press wheel secures seed in furrow.

• A double-row ball bearing to reduce wear is located in the arm of the closing wheel
• Mounted parallel to the furrow opener, the closing wheel can be adjusted laterally to allow running on top of furrow for sandy or mellow soils or to side of furrow for heavier soils
• Down pressure is adjustable from 12 kg to 19.5 kg (26 lb to 43 lb) (no tools and three adjustments).

Serrated closing wheel

The serrated closing wheel offers an improved closing system when seeding in harder, dryer conditions. The notches on the wheel break up the dryer conditions while offering an improved sealing that will directly promote better germination which supports and increases flowering and even / fuller canopy overall. By sealing off the trench, there is less outgassing of anhydrous, offering a safer environment for the producer. By less outgassing, there is a higher opportunity for increased yields stemming from better germination

Fertilizer options with separate fertilizer placement (SFP)

Separate fertilizer placement offers nutrient placement at a 5 or 7-degree angle

The 5-degree fertilizer opener:

• Is required for liquid and anhydrous (NH3) fertilizers
• Will also apply dry fertilizer  
• Opens a smaller trench than the 7-degree opener
• Is better able to capture anhydrous and liquid fertilizer and seal fertilizers in the soil

Fertilizer tubes

There are four choices of interchangeable fertilizer tubes:

• Dry fertilizer tube to be used with 32-mm (1-1/4-in.) secondary fertilizer hose from the 1910 Cart
• Liquid fertilizer tube (for 13-mm [1/2-in.] i.d. hose)
  • IMPORTANT: Using this tube for anhydrous may cause loss of retention.
• Dual fertilizer delivery tube – allows for placement of dry or anhydrous. If applying both simultaneously, the operator may need to provide a relief system to relieve air from dry tube for adequate anhydrous retention. Without air relief, the operator will need to adjust air plenum to restrict all airflow to SFP dry tubes when anhydrous is being applied
• Anhydrous tube (for 10-mm [3/8-in.] i.d. hose)
  • Liquid or NH3 fertilizer metering/delivery system is not provided by the John Deere Seeding Group.

Key features of the SFP opener are:

• 457.2-mm (18-in.) opener blades operate at 5 degrees, resulting in a narrow trench with less soil disturbance
• Fertilizer tubes are interchangeable among dry, liquid, or anhydrous (NH3)
• Closing wheel assembly is closer to the fertilizer delivery tube; provides increased fertilizer retention
• Serrated closing wheels are base equipment on anhydrous openers and optional on liquid and dry openers
  • NOTE: Closing wheels are recommended when dry soil conditions are common.
• Extended-wear (chrome alloy) fertilizer boots are standard equipment
• Choice of five different gauge wheels
• Depth adjustments in 6-mm (1/4-in.) increments from 13 mm to 89 mm (1/2 in. to 3.5 in.) deep

Opener furrow-closing wheel

The 25-mm x 305-mm (1-in. x 12-in.) cast closing wheel follows the press wheel to close the furrow, placing soil over seed or fertilizer after the press wheel secures the seed in the furrow.

• A double-row ball bearing to reduce wear is located in the arm of the closing wheel
• Mounted parallel to the furrow opener, the closing wheel can be adjusted laterally to allow running on top of the furrow for sandy or mellow soils or to side of the furrow for heavier soils
• Down pressure is adjustable from 11.8 kg to 19.5 kg (26 lb to 43 lb) (no tools and three adjustments)
• A grease fitting in the pivot arm provides free movement for the arm

SFP upgrade kit

SFP scrapers can bolt a sealing wing to the bottom of the improved anhydrous (NH3) retention by reducing outgassing. It is made of steel and has carbide titles brazed to the edges for long life.

• Parts: AA102150 and AA102151

The SFP opener closing arm spring will better hold the notched retention position. When selecting options for anhydrous fertilizer delivery, the SFP opener has a carbide sealing wing. The sealing wing agitates the trench sidewall and helps seal the top of the furrow with soil. This helps facilitate the binding of anhydrous ammonia to the soil, which reduces outgassing, keeps more fertilizer in the ground, and provides a boost to young plants. 

Stabilize nitrogen retention with separate fertilizer placement (SFP)

Fertilizer inputs can represent 30 percent to 35 percent of the cost in small-grain and oil seed production. It is no wonder producers are concerned about nitrogen losses from gas escape, volatilization, and leaching.

Nitrogen loss pathways

1. Manure and crop residues
2. 46-0-0
   82-0-0
   28-0-0 (75 percent)
3. Soil organic N
4. Ammonium NH4+
5. Nitrate NO3+
6. Immobilization
7. Leaching and runoff
8. NO
   N2O
9. N2+
   N20 Denitrification
10. NH3 Volatilization

Nitrogen (N) loss occurs via four key pathways.

1. Volatilization of anhydrous ammonia (NH3) into the atmosphere.
2. Immobilization, or the uptake of nitrogen by microbes breaking down residue.
3. Leaching or runoff of N2 or NO2 (nitrite).
4. Volatilization of N2 or NO2 (nitrite).

Denitrification is the conversion of nitrate (NO3) to nitrite (NO2), and eventually to N2 or N2O (nitrous oxide). These nitrogen forms are not held by the soil complex like NO3 and NH4 and are subject to escape via water.

SFP opener prevents nitrogen loss

The SFP opener features:

• Single-disk blade slices through the soil at a five-degree angle
• Opener is adjusted via active hydraulic-down pressure
• Depth gauging is accomplished at the opener
• Closing wheel ensures fertilizer stays where it is applied

Ultra-low soil, moisture, and residue disturbance, plus the cast closing wheel, are able to lock in dry, liquid or gaseous fertilizer. 

IMPORTANT: Furrow closing wheels are required when applying anhydrous fertilizer.

Plus, application at seeding means no more worrying about pre-season nitrogen loss due to de-nitrification and leaching. Reduce dependence on risky top-dress applications where volatilization and immobilization can significantly reduce crop uptake. Fertilizer can now be applied in the seeding operation with confidence, knowing it is firmly in place where it belongs in the soil.

Apply fertilizer at a safe distance with Separate Fertilizer Placement (SFP)

Researchers observed stand reductions up to 5 percent in wheat and 26 percent in canola (PAMI 738) when nitrogen fertilizer was placed near the seed. Those are the risks and possible consequences for nitrogen application too close to the seed. 

1. Undisturbed soil
2. 25.4 cm (10 in.)
3. Disturbed soil packed over seed row
4. SFP nitrogen
5. 10.2 cm (4 in.)
6. 50.8 cm (20 in.)
7. Seed
8. Seep-placed phosphorus

John Deere seeding group thinks sound nitrogen management should be rewarded. That is why the H500F SFP Air Hoe Drill was designed with the exclusive SFP opener to place nitrogen, potassium and sulfur-based fertilizers separate from the seed. This positive separation of fertilizer and seed eliminates seedling damage caused by some fertilizer forms and application methods.

Understanding distance between seed and fertilizer placement

When seeding with the H500F SFP, the seed opener will have an effect on the distance between the seed and fertilizer. For example, as the diagram above shows, seeding with a 10.2-cm (4-in.) spread places the seed between 20.3 cm (8 in.) and 30.5 cm (12 in.) from the fertilizer in the same furrow.

Reduce transport height

Transporting large machines on public roads can be a little stressful. Passing motorists, mailboxes, overhead lines, and trees can all contribute to potential hazards. 

With so much to focus on, the H500 Air Hoe Drill operator should not have to worry about openers engaging the pavement when lowering a machine to clear an overhead obstacle. 

With the optional transport height reduction feature, the operator does not need to worry. This handy feature can also serve to set the height for storage inside.

How it works

Simply setting the pin in the appropriate hole will stop the machine from lowering when the openers are a safe distance above the pavement. 

The operator can focus on the overhead obstacle and other hazards such as passing motorists near the machine. This can prevent a potentially damaging encounter with the road surface or even an accident.

John Deere Seeding cover crop solutions

Why cover crops?

With proper management and the right selection of cover crops, you can slow soil erosion, improve soil health, enhance water availability, suppress weeds, control pests and diseases, increase biodiversity, and reap numerous other benefits for your farm’s health and profitability. Cover crops act as a protective shield for the soil, reducing the impact of heavy rains and wind, which in turn minimizes topsoil loss. They improve soil structure by adding organic matter and fostering beneficial soil microorganisms, which enhances nutrient cycling and retention.

Additionally, cover crops can break up compacted soil layers, improving root penetration and water infiltration. By suppressing weeds, they reduce the need for chemical herbicides, leading to more sustainable farming practices. Cover crops also provide beneficial habitat for insects and pollinators, boosting on-farm biodiversity. Furthermore, they can help in sequestering carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. Overall, integrating cover crops into your farming system can lead to more resilient and productive agricultural landscapes, ultimately enhancing long-term profitability.

What tool works best for you?

The N500C model machines provide extensive crop compatibility, making them an excellent choice for customers looking to seed multiple crops and crop blends using a single tool. These machines can be customized with two unique rollers in multiple sizes to meet the specific needs of each operation. Refer to the crop compatibility link by roller below. Additionally, the N500C is capable of seeding in various soil conditions and residue types. Featuring the Pro-Series No-Till opener, it is designed to handle a wide range of conditions, from heavy residue to lightly worked soils. For more information, see the Sales Manual links below.

Box Drills are an excellent choice for seeding cover crops, offering simplicity and high placement accuracy. Equipped with the Pro-Series No-Till opener, the 1590 Box Drill can handle a variety of conditions, from heavy residue to lightly worked soils. The 455 and BD11 Series Box Drills, featuring a double disk opener, are ideal for tilled seed beds. They also provide wider widths and a range of spacing options. For more information, see the Sales Manual link below.

Box Drills

Already have an Air Seeder?

Any John Deere air cart compatible tools are excellent options for seeding cover crops. Air carts come with multiple tanks, enabling you to combine or blend your cover crop mixes effectively. With a wide range of meter roller options, air carts can be easily tailored to meet your specific cover crop needs and paired with the most suitable tool for the job. For more information, see the Sales Manual links below.