SUPPLEMENTARY SEEDER RANGE ADDS VERSATILITY TO KUHN PNEUMATIC DRILLS

By Kuhn

KUHN has introduced a range of supplementary seeders that can be fitted to its Venta, Espro and Aurock pneumatic drills to facilitate progressive practices such as companion cropping or apply fertilisers, granular herbicides or slug pellets whilst drilling.

The smallest model in the SH seeder range is the SH 1120, with a 110 litre hopper. In this case, air from the drills main fan is used to direct product into the venturi to enable it to be applied with seed from the main tank.

The larger SH 1540, SH 2560 and SH 4080 models, with 150, 250 and 400 litre hopper capacities respectively, are equipped with their own electrically driven fans and apply product via splash plates behind the main seeding lines.

All models use KUHNs Helica volumetric seed metering system, as used successfully on their range of mechanical drills, to maximise the accuracy of output. Application rates are controlled through the ISOBUS system in relation to the forward speed of the tractor.

The SH seeders are an effective way of adding great versatility to KUHN pneumatic drills, says KUHN UK Product Specialist Ed Worts. With the main drill sowing seed in the usual way, the SH seeder can be used to sow a secondary seed, such as a companion crop used to suppress weeds, add soil fertility or act as a pest deterrent, for example.

The SH seeder can also be used to apply starter fertiliser, slug pellets or a granular herbicide such as Avadex, such is its versatility and adaptability.

In the case of the Espro RC and Aurock RC, which have split hoppers as standard, the SH seeder adds a third application possibility. This allows a variety of applications to suit individual requirements and reduces the need for expensive seed mixtures.

On the larger SH 1540, SH 2560 and SH 4080 models, application rates between 2.2kg/ha and 130kg/ha can be accurately achieved alongside the application from the main drill.

The paucity of soil depth has also been the primary factor in changes in cropping. Historically Cirencester Park Farms Ltds land was in a typical Cotswold rotation: winter wheat, winter barley, oilseed rape. But for the past four years the arable ground, currently 1832ha, has been farmed in three rotations. Growing conserved fodder for a neighbouring dairy farm influences one programme, the land down to a winter wheat, maize (141ha), winter wheat, oilseed rape cycle.

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