It is said to be more cost-effective, convenient and versatile the new cultivation system is used for reduced cultivation seedbed preparation.
The new system will be available for Pottinger’s Terrasem seed drills, and is compatible for models with direct fertilisation.
The new design differs from the rest in that it has a wavy profile angled in the direction of travel. This is instead of standard cutting disc scalloped versions.
The new design saves diesel from cultivating across the drill as each disc now runs directly in from of seeding coulters. The disc puts soil across from untouched ground between coulters and this in turn covers any weed seedlings that may compete with crops.
It is being coined a “low-disturbance machine” by the company, and it will allow farmers to either drill into ploughing and cultivations or as a direct drill into untouched lands either.
The company say deep cultivation equipment should not be used and have said reduced cultivation methods are the way forward.
They say this new Wave disc does not penetrate the lower levels of the soil therefor not damaging its structure. This also means it does not move the soil to the side, preventing smearing.
It cultivates the soil in water saving strips, with only 50mm band either side of seed slots being disturbed.
The company also say sufficient tilth is left for plants to develop during their germination stage.
The company say this new machine also offers big advantages to farmers in areas where there is a resistance to pesticides. They claim this low disturbance method helps bring rows under control during spring planting even in areas of extreme herbicide resistance.
In Autumn Planting it also offers benefits, with the system enabling a later planting date. The minimised soil movement leaves no cavities or clods in the cultivated area, creating poor germination conditions for weeds, especially light dependent germinating weeds like black grass, wild oats and brome.
Because there are no cavities or clods, the possibility for slugs to breed is greatly reduced, hence protecting crops.
Significant tractor power can be saved thanks to this new system of cultivation. All that’s required is narrow loosening in 45mm wide strips. Using a row spacing of 12.5cm, only around 36% of the entire surface is cultivated, while at 16.7cm row spacing it is only 27%.
The Wave Discs have a diameter of 510mm and are available with row spacings of 12.5cm or 16.7cm, which ensure improved clearance and blockage-free work. The working depth is adjusted by a hydraulic system. This makes it easier to regulate the depth in each zone.
Prices for the new Terrasems start at around €80,000 for the three-metre machine. There Is also no extra cost by picking the Wave Disc rather than a standard arrangement.
Future Farming: We take a look at the new Disc cultivation system From Pottinger.
- 27.05.2017
- 1792
This is the new wave disc cultivation system unveiled by Pottinger at their recent press event, we take a look at what makes it different.
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