In 1998, Xfarm totally changed the cultivation of cereal crops in the South and Western Cape with the launch of a customised planter for conservation farmers. Today, eighteen years later, this concept of placing seed precisely with only one movement through the field, is still the only way for Cape grain farmers to survive successfully; by countering the low growth rate in grain prices with higher yields.

The DBX (DB stands for deep blade) of 1998 has turned around the damage caused by years of intensive tillage, by giving nature the opportunity to repair the damaged soil structure. Limited tillage, just enough to stimulate vertical root growth, together with the preservation of organic material, and managing a crop rotation practice with nitrogen-fixing crops, has improved the soil to such an extent that water retention and the availability In 1998, Xfarm totally changed the cultivation of cereal crops in the South and Western Cape with the launch of a customised planter for conservation farmers.

Today, eighteen years later, this concept of placing seed precisely with only one movement through the field, is still the only way for Cape grain farmers to survive successfully; by countering the low growth rate in grain prices with higher yields. The DBX (DB stands for deep blade) of 1998 has turned around the damage caused by years of intensive tillage, by giving nature the opportunity to repair the damaged soil structure.

Limited tillage, just enough to stimulate vertical root growth, together with the preservation of organic material, and managing a crop rotation practice with nitrogen-fixing crops, has improved the soil to such an extent that water retention and the availability a V-shaped profile 50 mm wide. The V-shaped profile has the ability to compensate automatically for various soil types, whether it be lighter sandy soil or heavy clay soil. It is extremely important to cut through the plant residues covering the surface without folding the stubbles (hairpinning). Mulch from crop residues as well as the remains of new growth, killed with herbicides on the field, is necessary to conserve moisture and to restrict weed germination. To penetrate the mulch effectively so that the seeds are placed in the soil without ending up in the cover material, requires specific techniques.

Apart from the weight and pressure on the planter unit, the decisive factor is the angle at which the discs are positioned in relation to each other; it must be exactly right. A narrow angle causes the least soil disturbance but complicates seed placement, while a wider angle requires more pressure to penetrate the plant residues. To effectuate the necessary weight to the planter units, the planter frame must be heavy. Therefore, the main beam is made of thick steel and filled with concrete. Hydraulic technology is also used to transfer the weight of the commodity unit in which the seed and fertiliser are transported to the planter wings while they follow the contours of the field.

The more the soil is disturbed, the more weed seeds germinate. It is currently one of the biggest obstacles in no-till practices, because incorporated pre-emergence herbicides cannot be used successfully anymore. To accommodate slopes without causing more soil disturbance, double disc openers, mounted in one row, are used. By reducing inter row spacing beyond 200 mm, the plant density in the row can be reduced.

Trails proved that less competition in the rows stimulate plant development, while narrow rows expedited the formation of a canopy to inhibit weed germination. Wide wheels with high flotation tyres were necessary to carry the weight of the planter. The planter was cleverly designed in such a way as to avoid any weight resting on the hydraulic cylinders either during planting or during transport. The only times that the hydraulic cylinders have to carry a load, are when the planter is lifted during turning on the headland, and when it is being folded or unfolded. This design protects the oil seals and extends the life of the cylinders.

For transport, the planter folds to a width not much wider than the wheels of a dual wheeled tractor. A bulk seed tank, two fertiliser tanks and tank for additional products such as fine seeds, slug pellets or chemicals, are mounted onto the chassis to keep the planter going for at least three hours of planting before reloading is required. This increases productivity to make maximum use of the critical time available during the planting season.

Although the planting speed may be marginally higher than that of tined planters, a lower operating speed will cause less soil disturbance. A speed not exceeding 8 to 9 km/h is recommended. It’s already an increase of 30% in hectares planted against the 6 to 7 km/h at which tined planters operate. The real benefit of higher productivity is found in the lower power requirement of only 4 kW per planter unit.

Tractors’ computers revealed that there was no big difference in power requirements when the planter was in the ground planting, or when it was simply being towed. This means that the main need for power is the planter’s weight. The result of this fact is that the planting speed remains relatively constant, and that it is not influenced by soil conditions.

In itself, this is a major contribution to drastically increased productivity. It should be emphasised that this planting method depends entirely on the role of plant roots in cultivation. To ensure successful yields, strict consideration should be given to controlled traffic, cover crops and the total absence of livestock. Soil structure should comply with minimum requirements before no-till can be considered. The state of the soil should remain favourable for vertical root development to benefit from the advantage of improved moisture conservation.

Prepare yourself for the next planting season: Order your NTX from Xfarm now by calling Rinus Willemse on 082-441-7255 / 028-735-2425, or send him an e-mail to: rinus@xfarm.co.za.