Overplanting Calculator
Determine how many extra seeds to plant based on expected survival percentage.
Inputs
How It Works
Required Rate = Target ÷ (Survival ÷ 100)
Overplanting = Required Rate − Target
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Overplanting Calculator FAQ
Why should I overplant?
Not all seeds survive due to soil conditions, pests, and weather. Overplanting ensures your final stand meets your target.
What survival percentage should I use?
Many growers assume 85–95% survival depending on seed quality and field conditions.
Understanding Overplanting in Crop Production
Overplanting compensates for expected losses between planting and emergence. Factors such as cold soil, crusting, insects, and planter performance can reduce final stand counts. By adjusting planting rate upward based on expected survival percentage, growers protect yield potential.
For example, to achieve 32,000 plants per acre with 90% survival, approximately 35,556 seeds per acre must be planted. The extra seed accounts for non-emergent plants and early-season losses.