A companion (undersown) crop can make a significant contribution to reducing erosion. In a series of tests performed by Pöttinger in cooperation with UCL university in Belgium, they perfected the process for achieving the optimum ratio between the companion crop and primary crop seed rates for a perfect balance between reducing soil erosion and increasing yield.
The right application of the companion crop plays a decisive role: it’s essential that the companion crop is drilled at the same time as the maize in a single pass. In addition, the companion crop must be placed using purpose-specific shares so that germination starts as soon as possible. This process is necessary to ensure rapid development of the companion crop. Only then can erosion protection take effect. Broadcasting would leave the companion crop on the surface, delaying germination so that cover is not provided until later.
By the time the first phytosanitary measures are applied to the maize at its six- to eight-leaf stage, the companion crop has become well established and is in a position to withstand such measures. Its rate of growth will be slowed down slightly, but it’ll not be destroyed. The companion crop loses height compared to the maize so that the maize plants can continue to develop unrestricted. Following the row integration of the maize plants, the companion crop is growing at its full rate again and the available light is sufficient to ensure that the companion crop covers and protects the soil.
With PCS (Precision Combi Seeding), the latest development on its Aerosem drill, Pöttinger leads the way in pneumatic seed drills. The company has come up with a unique capability: integrating precision seed drill technology into a standard pneumatic seed drill. The advantages of both worlds have been united in one machine that’s especially suitable for drilling maize.
The drill is fitted with up to 10 individual seed elements for a row spacing of 37.5cm or 75cm (and 12.5cm on the Aerosem ADD). Application-specific fertilisation is also built into this machine. Using the standard metering system with a distributor head add-on, fertilizer can be applied between the seed rows. Of even greater interest here is the grass companion crop option, combined with precision seed drilling, to provide optimum erosion protection. Another step into the future!
The seed hopper is divided into two segments: one for precision seed drilling (there are no individual tanks for each row) and one for fertiliser or the companion crop. Switching between normal drilling and precision drilling is performed by moving the partition between the two segments. A seed level sensor is fitted on both sides.
Everything considered, if a companion crop is planted correctly, it’s a sustainable method that provides clear economic advantages.
For more information visit: www.poettinger.at.
