2025 John Deere P540

The Total Seeding Solution – experience the John Deere advantage

John Deere has the seeding solutions that go above expectations with a complete line of everything needed in small grains. Offering a variety of openers for your chosen practice in a variety of configurations and sizes. All with integrated technology throughout the seeding train allows for effortless setup and seamless documentation.

Setting up a John Deere seeding train is quick and easy with the plug and play technology. All data and technology operate through the Gen 4 display and ultimately up to John Deere Operation Center™ that can be viewed from anywhere at any time. Not only does the complete John Deere seeding solution all operate through one display but it eliminates the difficulty and time-consuming tasks of setting up extra displays and harnesses.

With a complete John Deere seeding solution, there are multiple different onboard and offboard technologies shown below that improve the overall seeding production step. Many of these technologies are exclusive to John Deere. Each of these technologies bring different customer value that overall lead to the ultimate John Deere seeding solution!

Improve confidence and while reducing maintenance with the new AccuRate™ metering system

• Combination of stainless steel and composite materials ensure an entire corrosion resistant system
• Individual electric meters allowing for more precise seeding
  • Up to 8x more accurate prescriptions with high fidelity prescription
  • Start and stop each meter with SectionCommand™ Pro
  • Accurately meter the correct amount of product on a curve with curve compensation

Calibrate faster and easier than ever before with EZCal™

• Easily calibrate from the side of the cart with the click of a few buttons 45% faster than the leading competitor

• Automatically weigh product and update MDV values eliminating potential user error

ActiveCal™ display Calibrate more frequently from the seat of the cab with ActiveCal™

• Calibrate the meters from the cab utilizing the tank scales

• Improved confidence that the correct seeding rates are being met

Save input cost with SectionCommand™Pro

• Control seed and fertilizer output by starting and stopping each individual meter section

• Eliminate skips and overlaps leading to reduced inputs and higher yields

On the go, quick adjust downforce with TruSet™ from the cab

• Adjust downforce pressure to improve uniform emergence

• Set presets to quickly adjust from field to field

Monitor blockage row by row from the cab with RelativeFlow™

• Seed with confidence while monitoring each row

• Detect blockage early and know exactly where it is

AutoTrac™ Implement Guidance and AutoTrac Turn Automation

• Make every operator an experienced operator

• Precisely placed implements for more accurate seeding, less operator fatigue, and more productivity
• Hands-free turns within field headlands (with AutoTrac Turn Automation enabled)

John Deere Operation Center™

• Setup and manage your farm operations: equipment, team, fields, and crop inputs

• Plan work in advance to increase job quality and efficiency with Work Planner
• Map based prescriptions can be used with variable rates
• Analyze this season’s results to improve next season’s crops

Operation Center Mobile

• View your data on the go; remotely monitor job quality, productivity, machine performance, and quickly make informed decisions

• Manage and monitor from anywhere at any time with near real-time field and machine updates

Connected Support

• Expert Alerts proactively notifies your dealer of any issues

• Remote display access allows for easy on the go support

Color-coded hydraulic hose handles

These color-coded aluminum hydraulic hose handles make connecting hydraulic hoses from the air seeder and air cart to the correct Selective Control Valve (SCV) on the tractor easier than before. The anti-slip makes it easy to grip the hose and connect or disconnect from the back of the tractor. Each color is laser engraved with the John Deere logo and extend/retract icons to ensure proper matching to the proper function.

• Easily identify function of each hose
• Consistently match hose handles colors to rear couplers on tractor
• Easy to grip for connecting or disconnecting to the SCV
• Base equipment on all trailing air carts
• Base equipment on all seeding tools

Confidence in rates from row to row with RelativeFlow™ Blockage sensing

With RelativeFlow Blockage sensing, operators can see the flow of both seed and fertilizer from inside the tractor cab. Sensors on all secondary hoses monitor the relative product flow row to row, giving you a better view of the flow rate of both seed and fertilizer from the cart to the opener from inside your tractor cab. This technology can help you identify any problems before a potential blockage occurs.

RelativeFlow Blockage is available in all run configurations on the following models (all widths):

• H500
• H500F
• P500
• P600
• N500
• N500F
• N500C
• 730LL

RelativeFlow Blockage is compatible with hydraulic drive carts: model year 2014 and newer 1910, all 19,381.5-L (550-bu) 1910 Carts, and C650 and C850 Air Carts.

Below are the Gen 4 display screens for the blockage monitoring system. For complete details and information, see the owner’s manual.

Blockage alarm delays can be set up by clicking on the advanced settings button from the blockage set-up screen.

• A blockage delay is how long a blockage should occur before an alarm is sounded.
• The blockage alarm reminder is how often the alarm should sound when a blockage occurs.
• The meter on delay is the time from when the meter is turned on until the blockage sensor should start monitoring for blockage.
• The meter off delay is the time from when the meter is turned off until the blockage sensor should start monitoring to verify no flow.

For more detailed information, see the owner’s manual.

Air tools with RelativeFlow Blockage are not compatible with 1910 air carts with ground drive.

Variety of fertilizer placement

Whether using dry, liquid, or anhydrous ammonia, the John Deere P500 opener has the options that fit the application needs.

*If not using dry fertilizer tube add-on

**Dry tube required

This picture shows the difference between the anhydrous high top and aqua anhydrous tips pictured in the chart above. On the left, the anhydrous high top has a thicker tube wall (1.3-cm [0.5-in.] outer diameter) than the aqua anhydrous tip, though the inner diameter of both tips are equal. The NH3 knives may also be used in combination with the included dry-delivery tube for those wanting to apply NH3 and dry fertilizers simultaneously in the same fertilizer trench.

Additional information for code 1235: the mud-proof combination of dry-fertilizer tube and tip, code 1235, is available for those applying dry fertilizers only. This is recommended for running in sticky, heavy clay-type soils. However, it works well in all soil types to prevent mud from plugging the fertilizer tube opening. This opener is included as base equipment.

If seeding with dry fertilizer only, this option is highly recommended. The fertilizer exits the tube at a lower point, allowing growers desiring to place fertilizer at shallower depths more consistently.

The lower fertilizer exit point also allows the fertilizer to get to the bottom of the trench when more fertilizer and seed separation is desired, and for those light soils that tend to cave in the trench before the fertilizer is placed.

Fertilizer tubes
1.) AA69266 (1250) - Dry fertilizer
2.) AA69271 (1220/50/55) - Dry fertilizer with NH3 or liquid
3.) AA69272 (1215) - Liquid tube

Row spacing options

The P500 has two cast seed boots available. Depending on a grower’s seed and fertilizer placement preference in different soils or different crops, the P500 can meet the user’s needs. The cast opener was designed with simplicity in mind. One tube is all that is necessary. Switching from single to paired row has never been easier; simply remove the two bolts holding the cast opener in place, remove the opener, and replace with the new opener.

Paired row

With shanks on 30.5-cm (12-in.) spacing, paired rows can be planted with 22.9-cm (9-in.) spacing. Seed is banded in two rows above and to the sides of the furrow. Total tillage in this zone is 7.6-cm (3-in.) wide with about 25 percent seedbed utilization (SBU).

Seed is laid on a 2-cm (0.75-in.) shelf while fertilizer is placed in a 2.5-cm (1-in.) band between and below the two seed rows.

With paired row placement, the crop is able to access the fertilizer when it needs it. The separation is enough to safely keep the seed from burning. The P500 provides a well-prepared seedbed for quick emergence and quicker canopy, which will help eliminate weeds. If the operator is looking to swath wider rows, support the heavy green crop. 

Side banded

If the seeding operation calls for side banding, the P500 is the needed tool. The side-banding seed tube places the seed on a firm bed of soil above and to the side of fertilizer as required. There are 30.5-cm (12-in.) rows across the machine with positive separation between seed and fertilizer up to 11.4 cm (4.5 in.). As the seed germinates and begins to emerge, its roots will be 7.6-cm to 10.2-cm (3-in. to 4-in.) deep and into the nutrient zone.

John Deere recognizes not all seeding conditions are identical and, with the P500, offers solutions to meet seed and fertilizer placement needs.

P500 vs P600? Which one is the right Precision Hoe Drill for you?

When considering a new precision hoe drill from John Deere, it is important to understand the differences between the P500 and the P600. There are key differences in the two openers that are outlined below. Understanding the differences will help the customer have the best performance for their exact situation.

John Deere Seeding cover crop solutions

Why cover crops?
With proper management and the right selection of cover crops, you can slow soil erosion, improve soil health, enhance water availability, suppress weeds, control pests and diseases, increase biodiversity, and reap numerous other benefits for your farm’s health and profitability. Cover crops act as a protective shield for the soil, reducing the impact of heavy rains and wind, which in turn minimizes topsoil loss. They improve soil structure by adding organic matter and fostering beneficial soil microorganisms, which enhances nutrient cycling and retention.

Additionally, cover crops can break up compacted soil layers, improving root penetration and water infiltration. By suppressing weeds, they reduce the need for chemical herbicides, leading to more sustainable farming practices. Cover crops also provide beneficial habitat for insects and pollinators, boosting on-farm biodiversity. Furthermore, they can help in sequestering carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. Overall, integrating cover crops into your farming system can lead to more resilient and productive agricultural landscapes, ultimately enhancing long-term profitability.

What tool works best for you?

The N500C model machines provide extensive crop compatibility, making them an excellent choice for customers looking to seed multiple crops and crop blends using a single tool. These machines can be customized with two unique rollers in multiple sizes to meet the specific needs of each operation. Refer to the crop compatibility link by roller below. Additionally, the N500C is capable of seeding in various soil conditions and residue types. Featuring the Pro-Series No-Till opener, it is designed to handle a wide range of conditions, from heavy residue to lightly worked soils. For more information, see the Sales Manual links below.

Box Drills are an excellent choice for seeding cover crops, offering simplicity and high placement accuracy. Equipped with the Pro-Series No-Till opener, the 1590 Box Drill can handle a variety of conditions, from heavy residue to lightly worked soils. The 455 and BD11 Series Box Drills, featuring a double disk opener, are ideal for tilled seed beds. They also provide wider widths and a range of spacing options. For more information, see the Sales Manual link below.

Already have an Air Seeder?

Any John Deere air cart compatible tools are excellent options for seeding cover crops. Air carts come with multiple tanks, enabling you to combine or blend your cover crop mixes effectively. With a wide range of meter roller options, air carts can be easily tailored to meet your specific cover crop needs and paired with the most suitable tool for the job. For more information, see the Sales Manual links below.