On the gain by spreading seeds; a statistical analysis of sowing experiments

An attempt is made to quantify the reduction in zero‐plot frequency which is obtained by better spreading of seeds than what is common. There is presented a simple method based on the mixed binomial model to calculate from experimental data zero‐group frequencies for any number of seeds per spot less than the number in the real experiment. A model describing how the zero‐group frequency depends on the number of spots per plot and number of seeds per spot is developed.