A new skid unit model of the Nitro-Jet liquid fertiliser applicator, designed to be fitted onto any make or model of cultivator, was launched by Opico at Lamma 2010. Using the Nitro-Jet system when till-seeding oilseed rape, saves time, money, fertiliser and boosts crop establishment.
“Last year we launched a range of Nitro-Jet models designed to be fitted onto He-VA subsoilers,” Opico’s managing director, James Woolway, said. “Following enquiries from users of a multitude of other makes of cultivation equipment, we have now developed the Nitro-Jet Skid Unit with a multi-fitting base plate.
“Every till-seeding operation can now, in just one pass, cultivate, sow seed, and place fertiliser exactly where it is needed to boost crop establishment. In OSR trials, applying fertiliser in this way, so that nutrients are immediately available to the emerging plants, has increased yields by up to 5%.”
The Nitro-Jet skid unit is available as a 600-, 800- or 1,000-litre liquid tank, which includes agitation to prevent the liquid fertiliser mix from settling, a 400-lit/min pump, and comes standard with self-fill. Ground-speed-related variable-rate control is provided by an RDS Spray Master 200 in-cab controller that is based on a pressure control system. This gives the operator the ability to adjust application rates on the move, and ensures that the rate is maintained as the forward-speed varies.
A Nitro-Jet skid unit with a 1,000-litre tank and the RDS control system has a retail price of £9,462.
“Using the Nitro-Jet system, liquid fertiliser is applied in a precise band via narrow flat fan nozzles that are positioned behind each subsoiler leg,” Mr Woolway added. “This allows reductions in application rates as nitrogen is only applied down the rows and not in-between where establishing plants are unable to utilise it – a key benefit given the tightening of NVZ regulations and the price of nitrogen. Also, since the fertiliser is mixed with soil before seed placement, it is not concentrated enough to cause seedling scorch.
“As with the till-seeding technique itself, precision nitrogen application in bands, where it is used efficiently by the crop, is showing significant cost savings as well as growth benefits to the plant. Granular or prilled fertiliser can be applied using our Ferticast system, and while this is practical on smaller machines, liquid fertiliser is frequently the preferred option for large acreages, hence the development of the Nitro-Jet range.”
For more information visit: www.opico.co.uk.
