ArrowTube is designed to improve emergence consistency by controlling something most planters overlook — seed orientation.
Precision Planting has introduced a new approach to improving crop emergence with its latest innovation, ArrowTube.
As growers head into planting season, uniform emergence remains one of the most critical factors influencing yield potential.
While previous technologies have addressed elements such as downforce and seed trench closure, new research highlights another important factor—seed orientation in the soil.
PTx’s Caleb Stuber explained to Farms.com that how the corn kernel lands in the furrow directly impacts early plant development.
When a seed is positioned with the tip facing downward, the root (radicle) can grow straight into the soil while the shoot (coleoptile) moves upward efficiently.
Improper orientation, however, can force the plant to expend extra energy adjusting its growth path, potentially leading to uneven emergence across the field.
ArrowTube is designed to solve this challenge by controlling seed orientation during delivery.
The system uses a combination of acceleration and friction at the top of the tube to align each seed before it travels downward.
A helical-shaped tube then applies centrifugal force to maintain that alignment as the seed moves toward the soil.
At the base, ArrowTube creates a small sub-furrow within the main trench, allowing the seed to land in a stable, upright position. This precise placement supports consistent germination and early growth.
By combining accurate spacing with controlled orientation, ArrowTube represents a significant advancement in planting technology, helping farmers achieve more uniform stands and improved crop performance.
For more information, visit precisionplanting.com.