Planting technology of the future at EIMA 2022

French manufacturer Monosem showed new planting technology called ASG, Active Seed Guidance. After leaving the seed disc, the seed no longer falls down through a seed pipe, but a kind of “brush belt” transports it to just above the ground.

More precise planting distance

The advantage is that gravity no longer affects the planting. The seeds travel down at a constant speed. This way, Monosem realises an even more precise planting distance. Between 2 and 18 kilometres per hour driving speed, accuracy is now above 98%.

Another novelty by Monosem is Microsmart. The second granulate tank is now integrated into the seed tank. The granules can be deposited in four places, though the user must already choose from two of those options when purchasing.

Previously, the second granulate tank was always mounted separately on the machine, which made the appearance more cluttered.

Ortomec: Planting between paper

Italian manufacturer Ortomec showed a concept with which sowing is done between two layers of paper. This usually concerns crops such as various types of lettuce or basil. It works as follows: the bottom layer of paper – which is based on a cellulose material –  is made a bit thicker. The seed is placed in rows on the thick paper after which the top layer of thinner “toilet” paper is placed over it. Immediately after, water is sprayed on, whether or not combined with a fertiliser or liquid containing trace elements.

The paper with the seeds in between stays in place because sand is applied to the edges. The thinner top layer dissolves in two to five days, enough time to give the seed a quick and clean start due to the cover, without being affected by emerging weeds.

Tthe seed can take root quickly through the thicker underlayer. This is broken down after two to five weeks. The system is to provide fast and easy seed germination without having to worry about weeds.