Innovative seeding method increases yields
Michael Richardson is a farmer by conviction. The family has been running the dairy farm in the heart of Lancashire for four generations. His 150 cows are particularly close to his heart. With his 75 hectares of arable land, the farmer grows corn for his dairy cows, among other things. It is important to him to always optimise all processes to create the best conditions for his feed production. After all, the feed supply has been difficult in recent years.
More yield due to more light, air and nutrients
Richardson recently became aware of the Lemken Azurit through a well-known contractor. This machine sows the corn using the innovative DeltaRow method, whereby the standing space distribution of the plants in the field ensures better use of resources such as light, air and nutrients, resulting in higher yields. To get a detailed explanation of the sophisticated technology, Richardson has invited Johannes Kisters from Lemken. He will explain him how exactly the process works and what the advantages are. The product specialist for precision seeding technology clarifies: “The DeltaRow consists of two partial rows, which are arranged offset to each other at a distance of 12.5cm. The synchronization of the partial rows ensures exact placement in a triangular formation. This method offers a stand space advantage of 70% compared to the single row and hence more water, nutrients as well as light for each plant.”
Tests prove up to 4.5% additional yield
According to him, various trials even show that the crops have up to 4.5% more yield, up to 8.2% more energy and 5.4% more gas yield as a result when they have been sown with the Azurit. The fertiliser band is deposited within the DeltaRow in the root zone, which Kister says leads to optimal utilisation of the underfoot fertiliser and rapid row closure during juvenile development. “On sites prone to erosion, the method offers another clear advantage due to more intensively rooted soil compared to single rows.”
Problem-free combination with harvesting technology
From his contractor Richardson knows that the stands can be harvested without problems using conventional technology. Harvesting with both, forage harvesters and combine harvesters is trouble-free. Kisters chimes in: “This applies to row-dependent as well as row-independent harvesting heads. This gives the farmer full flexibility during harvesting.” In addition to corn, soybeans and sunflowers can also be sown using precision seeding technology.
Microgranules promote youth development
With fertiliser efficiency becoming an increasingly important issue, Richardson is considering adding the MicroHub to its precision air seeder. This is a spreading device that allows micro-granules to be applied in close proximity to the seed, which brings various advantages. Kisters explains, “The water-soluble nutrients are available to plants very quickly, which usually leads to particularly good youth development of the plants and is extremely important in cold and dry springs. It also gives them better weed suppression capacity, more intensive root growth and higher biomass development. So, with a comparatively small amount of microgranules, initial plant needs can be met well.”
The exchange with Kisters convinces Richardson of the versatility and efficiency of the Azurit’s performance. In the future, the innovative precision seeding technology in the DeltaRow process will provide the high-quality forage base for the farmer’s dairy cows.