France
April 28, 2011

Partition seeds/fertilizers
AGRISEM International has launched its new front hopper DSF 1600/2200. This hopper was designed to meet the new environmental rules. With a partition, it can localize the fertilisation while seeding crops. Similarly, we can use it to seed a specific or variety mix when using the two compartments of the hopper.

Mechanical or Electrical drive
The DSF 1600/2200 is available in mechanical or electrical version. The stainless distributions of the two compartments are completely independent. With the mechanical model the flow is proportional to progression with a large sun wheel. The two distributions are then controlled by a set of gears (same system as precision drills). On the electrical model, radar measures the speed. Two electrical engines conduct directly the distribution of each compartment.

Stainless distribution
Designed to work at high speeds, the stainless steel distribution is widely dimensioned, which allows high flow rates of fertilisers and seeds. A homogeneous dosing for every kind of seeding is possible up to 18 km/h. whereas the fluting enables the transfer of large flows, the spurs can also deliver lower flows, like those requested by oil seed rape.

Unique visibility
The plunging design of the hopper was thought to offer unique visibility. Its plunging style optimizes the loading height at its maximum. The front gangway and the low height of the hopper provide unequalled ease of use. Furthermore you can fully open the hopper since a tarpaulin covers the entire width. Loading is also easy because you can come very near to load with a big bag. There is no risk of damaging a steel sheet vertically opened.

Users evidence
The Godineau brothers grow nearly 800ha in the south of Maine et Loire (France). These farmers have chosen to work with a Combiplow since 1998. They also work with a Disc-O-Sem 7.5m and another 6m. The two brothers have made the investment of a compartmented front hopper of 1600 litres, with two electric engines to handle the distributions. The hopper is used all through the year. Indeed it is also good to seed crops with placement fertilisation, to seed cover crops and for crop establishment in spring.

In case of seeding maize or sunflower, the front hopper is used with a precision drill of 11 rows, to inject fertilisers. The starter fertilisation is made in two forms: micro pellets (left in photo) and granules (right). The micro pellets fertilisation is placed directly in contact with the seed to be rapidly available for the plant after germination, because dissolved with soil moisture. The granule part takes longer to be dissolved, and will be available for the plant afterwards, when the micro pellets will have less effect.

Website: http://www.agrisem.com

Published: April 28, 2011