Originally shown at Lamma 2017 as a prototype 3.0m machine, fine-tuning, expert input and product development have resulted in the new Evolution drill, which is now available in mounted 3.0m and trailed 4.0m and 5.0m versions.
With flea beetle, blackgrass and slugs making conditions very challenging to establish a strong and viable rape plant, the new rape drill will provide a fully loaded machine that can achieve precision drilling and seed placement, soil and nutrient management and pest control in one pass.
The seed bed is prepared by the low-disturbance, medium-depth subsoiling legs and points that alleviate compaction and improve soil structure, with minimal surface disturbance. This encourages good rooting with resulting early, vigorous spring growth. A V-profile roller then re-consolidates, creating a micro-tilth ready for seed placement.
A front disc works ahead of each leg, slicing through the soil surface to also ensure minimal soil disturbance. This prevents blackgrass seed being brought to the surface.
The well-established He-Va Accu-Disc double-disc coulter enables seed placement to be controlled precisely and consistently to a required depth, ensuring no seed is visible on the surface, providing ideal conditions for germination. The rear wheel then closes and reconsolidates, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact.
Slug pellets can be accurately applied in the same pass as the rape seed is drilled, using He-Va’s twin multi-seeder operated by a single control box, preventing slug damage in the early stages of growth.
An optional Nitro-Band or Nitro-Jet can also be added to put on granular or liquid fertiliser exactly where and when the young plant needs it, giving an initial growth boost pushing the rape seedlings ahead of any pest damage.
“Establishing oilseed rape has been difficult again this year, with flea beetle hammering crops at cotyledon stage. This, combined with blackgrass and slug pressures, is making it very challenging to get a currently profitable crop out the ground,” Opico managing director James Woolway said. “The new Evolution seeder throws all our best technology at the plant, getting it off to a good, strong start and able to withstand any pest pressures.”
Prices for the 3m machine start at £34,952+VAT (correct at January 2018).
For more information visit: www.opico.co.uk.
