Chafer: New systems to promote OSR establishment

Chafer Machinery launched two new systems for aiding oilseed rape establishment for this autumn at Cereals 2009.
The company’s applicator division, Horstine Farmery, has developed the first system, which is an oilseed rape seed and slug pellet applicator mounted on the frame of a subsoiler or cultivator. A 240-litre split stainless steel tank allows for both seed and pellets to be applied simultaneously.
“Combining two operations in one pass has significant cost saving implications as well as increasing the accuracy of slug pellet application, which is becoming increasingly important,” Chafer’s commercial manager, Rob Starkey, said.
Flexibility of the system allows oilseed rape seed and slug pellets to be broadcast or placed in rows behind the subsoiling leg. Both products are metered individually to each outlet across the width of the cultivator guaranteeing accuracy. Various metering unit combinations are available with up to sixteen outlets.
Electronically controlled ground speed related metering units give a constant application rate of both products regardless of forward speed and without the need for a landwheel drive.

The new Twin Air system from Chafer.

 

Chafer’s second system being launched is a liquid fertiliser band sprayer ideal for mounting onto a subsoiler or front linkage, which can be used to help rape establish more effectively.
Fertiliser is applied in front of each subsoiling leg while oilseed rape seed is dropped in bands behind it. It has a stainless steel cultivator mounted spray bar with filter and electronic shutoff facility.
“Applying fertiliser in narrow bands right next to the seed puts the nutrients in the area where it is needed most and gets the crop off to great start,” Mr Starkey said. “This will allow growers to significantly reduce fertiliser rates as well as demonstrate compliance with NVZ regulation. By not feeding the weeds between the rows will also reduce competition for nutrients and therefore potentially cut back on herbicide use.”
The 1,000-litre front- or implement-mounted fibreglass tank comes with a hydraulically driven pump for fast filling and spraying, or an electrically driven pump for spraying only, all of which is controlled from the cab.

For more information visit: www.cropsprayers.com.

The spray nozzles on the Chafer Quickstart liquid fertiliser system.