PERFECT SOWING
STRATEGIC THINKING IS ESSENTIAL "The harvest is only as good as the seeding", this saying reflects that a good start is crucial for success. Thorough careful soil preparation, precise sowing and well-coordinated plant protection strategies form the basis for high yields, environmental responsibility and sustainable profitability.
Fertilising and Crop Care The "Law of the Minimum" described by Liebig is important but also the timing of nutrients availability. In order to improve a good germination and development of the young plant an application already with the sowing at the right place in one pass can be beneficial. The crop care should be as less and as precise as possible. Crop rotation/Biodiversity To optimize nutrients in the soil, and combat pest and weed pressure a wider crop rotation is one factor to consider. Crops should be rotated on at least a three to four year cycle. Crop rotation practices can result in increased soil carbon content through high crop cover periods, reduced frequency and tillage intensity, humus formation and a higher biodiversity. Crop rotation is of great benefit to both farmers and the environment.
Sowing time The time of sowing varies from type of seeds, location, soil and weather conditions and based finally on the experience of the farmer. Risk may include fungicide infection, a higher weed pressure, water availability, temperature, hours of sunshine, higher amount of seeds and a shorter growing season. Finally, it is important to establisch a strong and competitive crop population. Soil preparation, structure and fertility Target is a weatherproof seedbed to avoid erosion or capping effects after rain falls. Reduced passes and wheeling and less soil disturbance plus a good seed- to-soil contact receive a strong root development, an optimal nutrient supply competitiveness against weeds. Humus, a key factor, increases the biological activity of soil life and has a favourable influence on the pore distribution of the soil and binding of CO 2 . This improves air circulation, heat balance and water storage capacity.
Sowing rate and row spacing Unfavourable soil and tillage conditions increase the seed rate at the respective sowing date. The sowing rate calculation table (kg/ha) takes into account all significant influencing and "loss factors" for the required sowing rate. Individually, it depends on location (weed type, weed resistant, moisture etc.), type of crop and sowing technology (coulter type, spacing etc.). Knowledge of these influencing factors enables an adapted seed rate calculation. The row spacing has an important influence on both seeding technology (staggered coulter or in one line) and the weed control technology (mechanical, chemical, thermical or all in combination). Sowing depth The sowing depth depends on crop and soil condition. The higher the soil moisture or the amount of precipitation, the shallower the sowing depth can be chosen. Important is the achievement to get access to capillary water.
KVERNELAND E-DRILL
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