High cost effectiveness, versatility and convenience are the key advantages of Pottinger’s new Duplex seed drilling process claim the company. The drill is available on its Aerosem PCS seed drill models.
With the Duplex seed process, silage and corn maize is planted in double rows which Pottinger says increases yields by up to 10 per cent and increases output during drilling because of the higher driving speed. Marketed as an economical alternative to conventional precision seed drilling, maize can be planted flexibly with a companion crop or with direct fertilisation. The double row is also suitable for corn maize harvesting.
The Aerosem PCS Duplex seed drills are convenient drills for cereals and maize because its quick and easy to change between seed types. Further advantages include direct control of the seed flow as well as monitoring of each maize row.
A higher driving speed of up to 10 kph increases performance by 25 per cent during planting with an increased hectare output of almost 2 hectares per hour with 4 dounle rows (working width 3.0 metres), while the seed metering system is running at half the normal speed.
Double-row drilling with the Aerosem also provides better erosion protection because there are no additional wheel marks.
The Aerosem Add with Duplex seed features double rows of offset plants with a spacing of 12.5 cm. The row spacing between each set of double rows is 75 cm, so they are easy to harvest using a standard maize header.
To convert between drilling cereals and maize planting you simply fold over the partition and fit the firming rollers and slot formers. Change the number of seeds per square metre directly at the operator terminal by tapping in the number of seeds per hectare or seeds per square metre. There is no need to touch the drive chain, each row of maize is monitored directly at the coulter and centrally using the level indicator at both ends of the maize hopper.
In terms of plant cultivation, the effects of double row planting are extremely positive. Planting maize in a double row creates the perfect distribution density conditions: more light, more water and more nutrients. Because there is 30 percent more space between the seeds and therefore 70 percent more space available for each plant, the roots can spread out in the soil much more easily. The individual maize plants then display less competitive growth behaviour. The roots spread into the free areas. Using a side strip of fertiliser actively encourages the roots to grow outwards. Moreover, the whole maize crop can absorb more sunlight because the plants do not shade each other as much as in a conventional formation. Increased photosynthesis is the result.
