Planting density is a feature that uses the number of plants transplanted per zone to provide a more accurate picture of workload and productivity.
When planting density is configured, you can view productivity metrics based on stems worked per hour (stems/h) in addition to the standard working distance per hour (m/h).
Even when working the same area, zones with denser planting require handling more plants. Configuring planting density ensures these differences in workload difficulty are reflected in performance metrics.
Before You Begin
To use planting density, area information for all zones must be entered in Settings → General first. Without area data, cycles cannot be added and planting density cannot be enabled.
Enabling Planting Density
To use planting density, enable it when creating or editing a cycle.
If any zone is missing its area information, new cycles cannot be added. Please enter the area for that zone in Farm Settings → General first.
Entering Planting Density Values
Enter the following two values in the Add Period (period configuration) screen:
Plants/Gutter: The number of plants per gutter
Stems/Plant: The number of stems per plant
Once both values are entered, Ation automatically calculates and displays the following four metrics:
Planting density (plants/area unit)
Stem density (stems/area unit)
Average plant count
Average stem count
When Planting Density Changes Mid-Cycle
If planting density changes during a cycle — for example, due to stem count adjustments — add a new period within the same cycle and enter the updated planting density values separately. Ation recognizes different planting densities per period and applies a weighted average when calculating performance metrics.
When adding a new period, make sure its dates do not overlap with any previously configured period. Edit the existing period's end date first, then add the new period with the updated planting density.
When Planting Density Differs by Zone
To apply a different planting density to a specific zone that differs from the period's default, use the Detail Settings option. For more information, refer to How to Configure Periods.