Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

How does plant population relate to seeding rate?

1. Plant population is always less than seeding rate

2. Plant population is always equal to seeding rate

3. Plant population is always more than seeding rate

4. Plant population has no relation to seeding rate

The correct answer is: Plant population is always less than seeding rate

The correct understanding of how plant population relates to seeding rate lies in the various factors that can impact the survival and growth of seedlings after seeding. Seeding rate refers to the number of seeds planted per unit area, while plant population is the number of plants that are actually established and survive to a certain stage of development. Typically, the plant population is less than the seeding rate due to several factors, including seed germination rates, soil conditions, pest pressures, diseases, and competition among the seeds themselves. Not all seeds will germinate, and even those that do may not survive due to environmental stresses or other factors. Therefore, it's common for the final plant population to be lower than the initial seeding rate. Understanding this relationship is essential for growers, as it helps them determine appropriate seeding rates to achieve desired plant populations for optimal yield. By managing seeding rates with the expectation that not all seeds will produce viable plants, farmers can work towards ensuring that enough plants survive for effective crop production while minimizing waste.