Start-up S&dB tests renewed concept planting with tapes

This spring, start-up S&dB is testing the renewed ribbon sowing concept. A total of 5 to 6 hectares will be sown in regions in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. - Photos: Mark Pasveer

This time not just a new machine, but a renewed concept: planting with tapes. Start-up S&dB in Nederweert, the Netherlands, is working on a prototype. A good theory: sowing with exact placement on a hydrophilic ribbon that absorbs moisture. Practice will determine if it delivers the expected higher yield.

The first three weeks after sowing fine seeds such as onions, chicory, or endive are crucial for forming a uniform crop, according to Dutch start-up S&dB. It is important that the seeds germinate simultaneously so that growth progresses evenly. What is needed for this? An exact sowing depth and spacing, and all seeds must have the same amount of moisture available. And that is where S&dB comes in.

Seeds are pre-applied to a hydrophilic (moisture-attracting) tape in a factory. You simply press that tape into the ground at the correct depth. The sowing distance and depth are then accurate.

Moisture supply

What about moisture supply? The hydrophilic tape is pressed vertically into the ground and thus reaches soil moisture before the seed itself. As the name hydrophilic suggests, the tape absorbs this moisture and distributes it along its length. As a result, the seeds should germinate more simultaneously.

Finally, and more on this later: because you press the seed into the ground, it is not necessary to cover the seed furrows with loose soil. Therefore, no loose soil is needed. This means you can sow in non-prepared soil or directly into crop residues and cover crops.

Be aware that the concept of sticking seeds between two carrier materials (such as paper) has existed for many years. However, S&dB has developed a new carrier material (non-woven tape with a film layer), which is stronger and allows for better mechanical sowing.

The seeds are placed about 0.5 centimeters from the edge of the ribbon. A V-shaped disc then presses this ribbon vertically into the ground; the seeds grow on the outside of the ribbon. The ribbon is hydrophilic, which ensures that moisture from the soil is absorbed and distributed along its length. The ribbon is made of cellulose fibers and decomposes in the soil. — The seeds are placed about 0.5 centimeters from the edge of the tape. A V-shaped disc then presses this ribbon vertically into the ground; the seeds grow on the outside of the tape. The tape is hydrophilic, which ensures that moisture from the soil is absorbed and distributed along its length. The tape is made of cellulose fibers and decomposes in the soil.

Does it deliver increased yield?

In theory, S&dB has a compelling story, but practice will determine whether the expected higher yield is achieved. Gerard Otten, co-founder of S&dB, believes that this increased yield is significant but does not want to specify a percentage. The higher yield comes from more kilograms as well as a more uniform quality class of the crop. Other benefits include reduced seed usage and lower diesel and irrigation costs.

The start-up focuses on onions, chicory, and endive, mainly because the company has partnerships with large growers, buyers, or seed suppliers for these crops. This spring, a total of 5 to 6 hectares will be sown in various regions in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. S&dB is using a machine that was developed in collaboration with Dutch mechanization company Nanne Kooiman.

Using ribbon and film layer

S&dB manufactures the tapes themselves. The seeds are placed on a non-woven tape made of cellulose fibers at a sowing distance agreed upon with the customer. This material resembles paper but is stronger, allowing for mechanical sowing. For instance, the seeds are glued to the tape about half a centimeter from the edge and covered with a film layer.

During seeding, the machine presses the tape into the ground with a V-shaped disc, so that the side of the tape protrudes vertically into the ground. The seed then grows on the outside. Because the hydrophilic tape reaches deeper into the ground than the seed itself, moisture from the soil is drawn upward. S&dB is now also exploring the possibilities of incorporating a starter fertilizer onto the tape, and in a later phase, fungicides. The tape, made of cellulose fiber, decomposes in the soil due to soil organisms and disappears in ten to twelve weeks.

S&dB produces the ribbons in the Netherlands. Sowing with ribbons is relatively straightforward. The sowing element consists of a cutting disc, followed by a V-shaped disc that presses the ribbon into the ground. For now, it is necessary to manually press the ribbon into the ground at the beginning of each pass, after which the spool unrolls. At the end of the pass, you have to manually cut the ribbon. In the future, these steps should be automated. — S&dB produces the tapes in the Netherlands. Sowing with tapes is relatively straightforward. The sowing element consists of a cutting disc, followed by a V-shaped disc that presses the tape into the ground. For now, it is necessary to manually press the tape into the ground at the beginning of each pass, after which the spool unrolls. At the end of the pass, you have to manually cut the tape. In the future, these steps should be automated.

For sale in 2027

The machine mainly consists of a frame with four sowing elements and holders for the spools with tapes. Each sowing element comprises a cutting disc followed by a V-shaped wheel that presses the tape into the ground at a speed of 10 to 12 km/h.

From a technical standpoint, the machine is relatively simple: no pneumatics, no hydraulics, and no electrical components. Therefore, seeding can be done with a relatively light tractor. For now, it’s necessary to manually insert the ribbon into the ground at the beginning of each pass, and you have to cut it at the end. The future plan is to automate these steps. Then, there will be 5 kilometers of ribbon on one spool, and the machine will consist of twelve rows.

It’s not there yet. The idea was conceived in 2014 – originally to sow a lawn. S&dB was founded in 2016. It then took several years to find the suitable raw materials and develop a production process to make those ribbons. In 2021, the company sowed for the first time in open-field vegetable cultivation.

The goal is to have the ribbon sowing concept on the market within three years. Otten is not yet willing to disclose the costs per hectare because the pricing will be based on the added value for the farmer, which is currently under investigation. According to Otten, considering the cost price and aiming for higher yield and cost savings, it is realistic that the ribbon sowing principle will be profitable.

Sowing in cover crops

As mentioned, the machine does not require loose soil to cover the seed because it is pressed into the ground. This has the practical consequence that you can sow under slightly moister conditions than normal. Since no pre-treatment is necessary, there is less disturbance in the soil, which reduces weed pressure.

However, it also means that it is possible to sow in crop residues or through cover crops. Otten sees a significant advantage in the latter, especially because it fits within the framework of regenerative agriculture. They are also exploring the possibility this year of combining the technique with drip fertigation in onions.