In 2022, for the maximum use of each seed and each granule of added fertilizer, the main thing will be the correct adjustment of the chosen dose. Then Both the previous calculation and the check of the work of the dispensers are the tasks that must first be specified.

The first step is to determine the sowing density. For example, consider a crop of 80 kg / ha of seeds. Then do a field test.

According to the distance between the rows, which will be sown, it is necessary to calculate the number of seeds / m2 to be unloaded. For example, at a distance of 19 cm between rows should be 1.52 grams of seeds per linear meter. So, when checking for seed work, multiply by 1.52 the number of meters of equipment (tractor + seed) passed during the field test. If the test is conducted on a lot of 10 linear meters, 15.2 grams should be collected in the discharge of each dispenser.

It is necessary to take samples from all dispensers, calculate the average rate of the machine and evaluate which and how much deviation of the seed samples thus obtained deviates to the desired value.

In the obtained sample it is necessary to check the percentage and possible mechanical damage of the broken grain by means of the embryo capacity. It can happen that the dispensers damage the seeds and this will later affect the actual density of the plants obtained.

No more than 6 or 7% difference between dispensers should be taken in the field test samples. If higher values ​​are observed, they should be revised, mainly in view of their conservation and depreciation status. It usually happens that the wearing is not uniform and this is where the above differences appear. A difference of 10% means that the row will be sown at 88 kg / ha (according to the example), which determines the non-uniform yield.

The same check applies to fertilizer dispensers if possible. The increased value of the granule forces, compared to other years, must be very finite at this stage; One gram can not be missed.

Sowing bodies

Depending on the moisture content of the lot, the implantation of wheat and other winter grains should ensure that the seeds are placed in the correct location. Achieving exposure to as low soil moisture as possible, to ensure the possibility of successful emergence, will be a prerequisite for lots that did not receive abundant rain in the days prior to implantation.

In a sowing train, the first thing that needs to be adjusted will be the seed person (in most cases a turbo). The principle of its operation is based on the removal of soil above the planting line and not on the depth sought for the seeds themselves, especially those lots that are very tight in terms of water access.

The water in the profile grows capillary. The work of the knife breaks this capillary and, for this reason, if the soil is removed under the seeds, it will only be able to use the moisture around it to detect and will depend on further precipitation.

A common practice used by sowing equipment operators is to cut a person in half of its diameter to break any hardness in the soil. However, this practice is counterproductive to the normal germination of seeds. The plowing should be consistent above them, so that the water rising in the profile does so only as much as is necessary; Thus reducing evaporation.

For plots in which quite heavy rains have fallen, the above is not so important; However, the working depth of the knife determines the cut of the fabric. At greater depths, the angle between the edge of the knife and the ground is greater and the cutting ability is less; Therefore, it is also not productive to dig the knife too deeply. In addition, there is the fact that due to the effect of the contact wheel, the seeds can be placed too deep as there is no resistance.

On the other hand, in these conditions where the soil has a firmer surface layer, it is necessary to choose the appropriate blade: it is recommended that it be the largest diameter, so that it rolls with less effort (less wear and less fuel consumption) and less waves (19- 23), so that it is very well removed from the soil, always above the planting line.

Good soil removal will also be very beneficial for fur loose discs as they will make it easier for the fur to open and consolidate, preventing the discs from rising due to soil resistance due to changes in planting depth.

On the other hand, individuals with small waves (for example, 19 waves) are more susceptible to pit exposure due to the larger “scoop effect”, especially when the optimum speed is exceeded because they cover a large part of the soil. For this reason, the speed of work must be very careful. However, as a great advantage, these few waves give it a larger working width (14 mm) and significantly improve the volume of bile ducts.

It is extremely important that the gingival discs are in excellent condition, with both discs in intimate contact at the meeting place. If this is not the case, the dry surface soil will try to penetrate between the discs and form a carpet of dry and loose soil at the bottom of the gallbladder, preventing the seeds from falling, which will settle in a dry state and cut the capillary of the water.

Also, discs with excessive collision light will result in the shape of the lower part of the groove instead of the required “V” similar to “W”. A well-contacted seed at the bottom of the “V” shaped stem allows 70% of the seed surface to enter the soil and therefore can absorb water quickly. On the other hand, if the stem has a “W” shape, the seed-soil contact will be less and only 15% of its surface will be able to be soaked with rising water, which will delay its germination and emergence.

In practical terms, this can be confirmed by running the nail machine, with the raised wheels on the wheel, checking the shape of the fur bottom. If the groove is a perfect “V”, it will be possible to work without any problems. On the other hand, if what appears is a “W”, this indicates excessive separation between the discs. One of the most common causes of this deficiency is excessive wear on the bearing.

Loading of bodies

The kilograms loaded on each body affect the effective sowing depth. Loads on very wet soils should be removed to avoid compaction of the trunk walls; In this condition it is easier to penetrate the soil with both a knife and a double disc.

Conversely, in soils with very dry surfaces, the load should be high to secure the body to the nail and also to prevent rotation that generates very superficial discharge of seeds or outside the stem.

The load also depends on the number of rods on the surface. The seed should have elements in contact with the seed, preferably wheels. Their work is key to achieving intimate contact between seeds and soil and ensuring water absorption.

To achieve high rates of uniformity of emergence, many add a machine equipped with a certain system that allows the load to be adjusted automatically, regardless of body position. Is pneumatic-hydraulic and pure pneumatic.

Cover wheels

Finally, it is necessary to analyze the configuration and adjustment of the stem cover wheels. For drier lots it will be convenient to have toothed or axial discs attached to the wheels, which plow the soil (so that they cut the capillary above the planting line and provide more water for the seeds) and loosen the soil. Groove for effective coverage.

The discs should be on the outside of the wheels to prevent the seeds from settling, which will spoil the long-awaited intimate contact between them and the ground. The angle of the wheels should be practically parallel to avoid the formation of a ridge above the stem. In areas that have received a very good contribution of water, the discs may not cut; Enough with smooth wheels that gently press the sides of the stem.

The author is responsible for AZ-Group’s agricultural machinery