Efficient farming has several steps; we first looked at Ploughing on October 23. Now, we’ll look at precision in planting. Seed drilling, a crucial aspect of modern agricultural practices, has evolved with advanced tools and equipment to optimise crop growth and yield. Drilling seeds is an essential step in crop cultivation for any farmer, whether experienced or just starting. Properly drilling seeds sets the foundation for a successful harvest, ensuring even spacing, accurate depth, and optimal plant growth conditions. This blog will walk you through the essential technologies we use and tips to drill seeds effectively on your farmland.
A.R. Richards Ltd Tractor drilling a field
Tools and Equipment
Here’s a list of the equipment we utilise in our Agricultural Contracting for efficiency and productivity:
Vaderstad Tempo
The Vaderstad Tempo is a versatile planter with an open frame design, allowing easy row spacing adjustment to suit different seed types. It can switch from planting sugar beet with a 500mm row spacing to maize with a 750mm row spacing and oilseed rape with a 450mm row spacing without any hassle. This adaptability not only increases productivity but also reduces costs.
Kuhn
Venta
A.R. Richards Ltd John Deere Tractor with Kuhn Drilling Equipment
The Kuhn Venta 100 range of pneumatic seed drill combinations offers a working width of 4.00 meters and a generous hopper capacity of 850 litres. These drills are designed for ease of use, are compatible with 120-hp tractors, and are managed with an ISOBUS terminal. Whether using HRB 302, HRB 303, HR 304, or HR 3004 power harrows, the Venta series provides a seamless seeding solution with options for different coulters.
Espro
The Khun Espro min-till drill specialises in drilling cereal crops like barley, wheat, oats, and grass into lightly tilled or untilled ground. Its six independent working sections ensure uniform crop emergence in various conditions, whether on ploughed or min-tilled land, direct seeding, or working with residues.
Opico Grass Drill
Designed to rejuvenate existing grass or establish new pastures, the Opico Grass Master is a high-output grass harrow and seeder combination. It features:
- Ultimate Contour Following: The harrow and levelling board adapt to uneven ground, applying even pressure across the working width.
- Flexible Bed: Tine beds follow land contours, ensuring adequate coverage and self-cleaning.
- Spring Tines: Penetrate hard ground, remove thatch, and aerate the soil.
- Adjustable Tine Angle: Ten settings for angle adjustment based on ground conditions.
- Hydraulic Folding System: Folds up to 2.8m for easy transportation.
Inter-Row Drill
The Inter-Row Drill is ideal for drilling grass seed or cover crops between rows of maize, minimising soil erosion and compaction. It offers flexibility to sow cereals and pulses in no-till or min-till systems across a 6-meter working width. Key features include:
- Double Disc Opener: Ensures optimal seed-to-soil contact and moisture retention.
- Spring Tensioner: Adjusts downward pressure for each coulter.
- Benefits: Provides grazing or forage, improves soil structure, and prevents erosion.
Techniques and Best Practices
As with all stages of farming, there are certain things to look for and recognise within each stage. For drilling, this is what we recommend looking out for.
Soil Temperatures
Aiming for optimal soil temperatures at drilling depth is crucial for seed germination:
- Light Land: Aim for 8⁰C soil temperature.
- Heavy Clay Land: Aim for 12⁰C soil temperature.
Hands holding soil
Weed Control
Effective weed control is essential for crop health, especially during the first six weeks after sowing. Making sure you kill the weeds before they impact crop performance is crucial. There can be heavy competition for nutrients and moisture, which can be incredibly damaging to growing crops. There are two ways to deal with it:
- Pre-Emergence: Residual herbicides are sprayed onto the seedbed after planting maize to eliminate any weeds that might grow alongside the crop, providing it with a competitive advantage.
- Post-Emergence: To control the second flush of weeds and ensure optimal yield, it is recommended that a second herbicide spray be applied when the crop has one to three leaves.
Safety Precautions and Maintenance
For more information on health and safety in the farming industry, thoroughly read through the details on the HSE website.
Things to consider with drilling for health and safety is:
- Farm Vehicles
- Machinery – Safe Use
- Work at Height
- Electricity
- Workplace Safety & Welfare
- Training & Skills
- Follow safety guidelines for operating seed drills, including proper hitching, speed management, and maintenance checks.
We will be able to help and manage most of the health & safety ourselves when you use our Agricultural Contracting services, but there will be some parts we will need your assistance with.
Benefits of Advanced Seed Drilling Techniques
Implementing advanced seed drilling techniques offers several benefits for farmers:
- Improved Productivity: Efficient seed placement and spacing lead to uniform crop emergence and higher yields.
- Cost Reduction: Precision drilling reduces seed wastage and lowers operational costs.
- Soil Health: Proper seed-to-soil contact and weed control contribute to healthier soil and improved crop health.
- Environmental Impact: Reduced soil erosion, efficient use of resources like water and fertiliser, and cover cropping contribute to sustainable farming practices.
- Time Savings: Advanced drills and equipment allow for faster and more efficient planting, saving valuable time during busy seasons.
Mastering seed drilling techniques involves a combination of advanced equipment, precise adjustments, and adherence to best practices. By implementing these tools and methods, A.R. Richards Ltd can achieve efficient planting, optimal crop emergence, and improved yields. As farming continues to evolve, staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and practices in seed drilling is essential for sustainable and successful agricultural operations.
With A.R. Richards Ltd, our team of experts uses cutting-edge equipment to ensure that your agricultural operations run smoothly and efficiently. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting, our drilling services are tailored to meet your needs.
Give us a call or drop us an email today to see how we can help!
