Cropping
Higher yield and
increased capacity
with double rows
Pöttinger has launched its new Duplex Seed drill
that plants seeds in double rows and is reported
to lead to increase in yields
Duplex Seed plants silage and corn maize in
double rows, which is claimed to increase yield
by up to 10 per cent and increase output during
drilling thanks to the higher driving speed.
Duplex Seed is presented by the company as an
economical alternative to conventional precision
seed drilling.
e seed drill model also has the ability to change
quickly between seed types thereby offering the
exibility of using one seed drill for cereals and
maize. Further key advantages include direct
control of the seed ow as well as monitoring of
each maize row.
In terms of plant cultivation, the comapny
describe the effects of double row planting as
positive. Planting maize in a double row creates
the perfect distribution density conditions: more
light, more water and more nutrients. Because
there is 30 per cent more space between the seeds
and therefore 70 per cent more space available
for each plant, the roots can spread out in the soil
much more easily. e individual maize plants
then display less competitive growth behaviour.
e 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. Double-row drilling
with also provides better erosion protection
because it does not leave behind additional wheel
marks.
In addition, it delivers an increase in
performance of around +25 per cent during
planting thanks to the higher driving speed of up
to 10 km/h with an increased hectare output of
almost two hectares per hour with four double
[email protected]
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rows (working width 3.0 m), the company said.
November - December 2016
[48] FARMERS
REVIEW AFRICA
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