Precision sowing tech delivers greater yields

Innovative prevision seeding technology in the DeltaRow process on the Lemken Azurit 10 has enabled greater yield, thanks to more water, nutrients and light, the manufacturer says.

The Lemken Azurit 10 redefines precision sowing – instead of a single row, the seed is sown in a triangular pattern. The improved distribution of the plants in the field ensures better utilisation of resources and thus leads to higher yields, Lemken says.

The DeltaRow consists of two partial rows that are offset from each other at a distance of 12.5cm. The synchronisation of the partial rows ensures exact placement in a triangular formation. Compared to a single row, the DeltaRow offers a 70% space advantage and therefore more water, nutrients and light for each plant. The fertiliser is placed within the DeltaRow in the root zone.

On sites at risk of erosion, the method offers a clear advantage compared to single rows thanks to more intensive rooting of the soil and improved plant spacing. With optimised plant growth, additional yields of up to 8% can be achieved, Lemken reckons.

The crops can be harvested using conventional technology. Both forage harvesters and combine harvesters can be used.

Thanks to the DeltaRow concept, the optimised stand space ensures:

• Optimum utilisation of the under-root fertiliser
• More nutrients, water and light for the individual plant
• Rapid row closure during juvenile development
• Better weed suppression capacity in juvenile development
• Better root growth and biomass development.

“Ingenious” tool sequence

The Lemken Azurit 10 is available as an eight-row precision planter with different row spacings.

Sowing sets the course for a successful harvest, Lemken says. The “ingenious” tool sequence of the Lemken Azurit 10 is the key prerequisite for precision sowing. In the first work step, clearing stars remove stones, clods and harvest residues from the seed furrow. They can be adjusted in height using a perforated grid or removed completely if required.

Once the seed furrow has been cleared, mineral or liquid fertiliser is placed centrally underneath the DeltaRow using a fertiliser coulter (up to 250kg coulter pressure). Under-root fertilisation supports optimum plant growth.

The closer the row spacing, the greater the advantage of DeltaRow fertiliser placement. This is because the Azurit supplies 16 partial rows of maize with eight rows of fertiliser: less fertiliser can therefore be used more effectively. The fertiliser coulters place their bands to a maximum depth of 15cm, which must be reconsolidated before the next working step.

On the Azurit 10, this is done by a trapeze packer segment. In front of the seed coulters, it not only ensures the pre-consolidation of both part rows, but also reliably closes the furrow above the fertiliser band. This ensures capillary water ascent and thus rapid and more even emergence of the plants. This works well in practice and can be clearly recognised by the central wedge of soil between the two partial rows.

Revolutionising seed placement and singulation

During subsequent sowing, a solid rubber depth control roller between the two coulters bears the weight of the sowing unit. Two double disc coulters place the seed precisely on the reconsolidated seed horizon in the DeltaRow formation. Even at high working speeds, the Azurit 10 delivers outstanding singulation quality, Lemken says. This is made possible by the low peripheral speeds of the singulation discs.

Two perforated discs arranged offset to each other separate the seed. The fixed connection between the two seed discs guarantees synchronisation within the DeltaRow. Each singling unit is driven by a separate electric motor and only stores a small amount of seed. Seed replenishment is sensor-controlled and automatic from the central hopper. An auger metering system feeds the seed from there into the air flow and then to the singling units.

The seed is conveyed from the singling unit via a shot channel to the seed groove by the existing overpressure. The seed groove is formed by double disc coulters. The outer disc of the double disc coulters is set at an angle, while the inner disc runs straight along the soil wedge of the trapeze packer roller. Between the disc coulters, the shooting channel ends in front of a catcher roller, which presses the seeds down and prevents them from rolling in the furrow. The seed is fixed exactly at the desired position on the seed horizon. Two optical sensors monitor the singulation accuracy.

Seed embedding is completed with the ground cover. Different types of levellers ensure that the seed is covered with soil and pressed down. If, for example, pressure rollers are used, these press vertically onto the seed row. This space advantage for the plant means that a higher yield can be achieved with the same crop density. The DeltaRow method also enables tramline switching with the same number of plants.

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