START RIGHT: Before the seed comes to the field…. BEFORE!
Firm seedbed is essential: run a culti-packer (maybe 2x), steel roller or something to firm soil. If you sink deeper than sole of your shoes, need to pack more. Need seed to soil contact for good germination. Even tin front of brillion or other drills. Obviously no-till is fine the way it is going into older crop residue into soil that has firmed up from previous season.