High cost-effectiveness, versatility and convenience are the key advantages of the new Duplex Seed drilling process available on Pöttinger Aerosem PCS seed drill models.
With Duplex Seeding, silage and corn maize is planted in double rows. In addition to increasing yield by up to 10 per cent, it also increases output during drilling thanks to the higher driving speed. As a result, Duplex Seed is a real economical alternative to conventional precision seed drilling. The maize can be planted flexibly with a companion crop or with direct fertilisation. The double row is also suitable for corn maize harvesting.
The Aerosem PCS Duplex Seed drills offer the highest level of convenience with one machine for cereals and maize thanks to its ability to change quickly between seed types. Further key advantages include direct control of the seed flow as well as monitoring of each maize row.
In 2015, the University for Soil Sciences in Vienna tested the Pöttinger Aerosem PCS Duplex Seed concept and confirmed its efficiency: the increase in yield recorded with silage maize was 11 per cent and corn maize eight per cent higher. In 2016, large-scale tests were performed in Hungary, Austria, Germany and France. The results provided unequivocal proof, with Duplex Seeding producing a significant increase in yield at all locations.
In addition, it delivers an increase in performance of about 25 per cent during planting thanks to the higher driving speed of up to 10km/hr, with an increased hectare output of almost 2ha/hr with four double rows (working width 3.0m). All the while with the highest level of precision because the seed metering system is running at half the normal speed.
Double-row drilling with the Aerosem also provides better erosion protection because it doesn’t leave behind additional wheel marks.
The Pöttinger Aerosem is a true all-rounder for corn maize, silage maize, grass companion crop and fertiliser. The Aerosem ADD with Duplex Seed features double rows of offset plants with a spacing of 12.5cm. The row spacing between each set of double rows is 75cm, so they’re easy to harvest using a standard maize header.
Converting between drilling cereals and planting maize is done in no time: simply fold over the partition and fit the firming rollers and slot formers. Change the number of seeds per square metre directly at the operator terminal: just tap in the number of seeds per hectare or seeds per square metre. No need to touch the drive chain. Each row of maize is reliably monitored directly at the coulter and centrally using the level indicator at both ends of the maize hopper.
In terms of plant cultivation, the effects of double-row planting are extremely positive. Planting maize this way creates the perfect distribution density conditions: more light, more water and more nutrients. Because there is 30 per cent more space between the seeds – and therefore 70 per cent more space available for each plant – the roots can spread out in the soil much more easily.
The individual maize plants then display less competitive growth behaviour. The roots spread into the free areas. Using a side strip of fertiliser actively encourages the roots to grow outwards. Moreover, the whole maize crop can absorb more sunlight because the plants do not shade each other as much as in a conventional formation. Increased photosynthesis is the result.
Thanks to the wider spacing, the maturing phase is optimised with potential for less dampness – especially with corn maize.
Compared to single rows, there’s also less erosion risk thanks to improved plant distribution density. Ground shade is also improved with double rows, reducing water losses, suppressing late weeds and promoting rapid row integration. Field tests have shown 10 per cent better shade up until the end of young plant development (EC 19).
Model overview
The following models are available with Duplex Seed:
- Aerosem 3002 PCS Duplex Seed 4/75 (no un-tilled surface)
- Aerosem 3502 PCS Duplex Seed 5/75 (12.5 cm un-tilled surface left and right)
- Aerosem 4002 PCS Duplex Seed 5/75 (12.5 cm overlap left and right)
For more information visit: www.poettinger.at.
