Orthman, manufacturer of intelligent farm implements for knife-edge farming practices, such as strip cultivation and fertilisation, is also a leader in innovative agricultural methods where their implements are in action in agriculture.

Brian Nieuwoudt, regional manager of Orthman, told farmer visitors to NAMPO exactly how the Orthman range of implements – and specifically those for fertilising – can improve their farming practice.

The Orthman XD 1tRIPr strip cultivator with fertiliser application options

The Orthman XD 1tRIPr is a fast and versatile all-rounder which executes a number of tasks in one movement over the land, saving on fuel and leaving a clean, even, plant-ready seedbed for the farmer. Accurate fertiliser application is a must for successful cropping; that is why the Orthman fertiliser container – unique in the world – is so popular.

The fertiliser applicator thinks for the farmer

Each row has its own section control with an electric motor. The farmer can apply two different types of fertiliser simultaneously as the implement has two 4-ton fertiliser tanks – one for liquid and one for pellet fertilisers. It also has an electronic application map, which means it will apply fertiliser in variable quantities according to the needs of each section of the soil.

The operator calibrates the implement without any problems right there on the land. It can apply the fertiliser in either 8 or 16 rows. Should the farmer prefer it, the fertiliser applicator can be fitted with clogging sensors which will indicate if one row may not be receiving the required amount of fertiliser.

More about strip cultivation

The strips of the XD 1tRIPr cultivator are tilled between 300 and 350 mm deep and the placing of fertiliser is from 200 mm to the top. The Orthman has its own satellite receiver and can also set itself for further finer tuning. Should the tractor dare to leave the determined path, the Orthman can, with its steerable wheels underneath the fertiliser tanks, re-direct itself to ensure that the strips are made where they should be. Every tooth unit has an adjustable breakaway action with automatic reset. Row units are mounted on the beam with parallel shackles to ensure that the correct depth is kept continuously.

The planters on which the strip cultivator is connected, are not always of the same height, thus Orthman also manufacture the connecting units to allow the machines to adapt to each other.

The Orthman HD Carrier

Die Orthman HD Carrier is also regarded as a good option if you want to apply fertiliser simultaneously and trouble-free with planting.

The machine was launched last September. It has a pellet fertiliser tank with a capacity of 3,5-tons which can be mounted easily on any planter. Application tempo controls ensure that each row receives its correct measure of fertiliser. It is also perfect for farmers who have short lands because the turning width with the machine is much narrower.

 “The machine is so well-known and popular that we sold ten of them on the first NAMPO Show day, says Brian Nieuwoudt, regional manager of Orthman. They also offered farmers a discount on orders for the machine that were confirmed before the end of May.

Get more information about the Orthman range of fuel saving equipment from Brian Nieuwoudt on 076-283-0766 or 011-396-1629, or email a message to bnieuwoudt@orthman.com . Alternatively make use of dealers such as AFGRI, Senwes, GWK and JDi. Also visit the website www.orthman.com.