Spot-accurate fertiliser application:
Now also synchronised between the seeds and for all Precea models

The FertiSpot system ensures spot-accurate application of the fertiliser under the seed. Owing to the legal requirements for a reduction in the permitted amount of fertiliser used, the challenge lies in using fertiliser more and more efficiently. This has compelled AMAZONE to further develop the FertiSpot system. AMAZONE will be showing FertiSpot at Agritechnica 2023 with the additional option of synchronised fertiliser placement between the seeds.

AMAZONE introduced the FertiSpot system in 2019 with placement of the fertiliser under the plant. The system uses the fertiliser as efficiently as possible, especially in maize sowing. As a result of the increase in the use of precision sowing for other crops, AMAZONE has further developed the FertiSpot system. The new development provides synchronised placement of the fertiliser portions between the seeds with the result that the system enables high concentrations of fertiliser while protecting sensitive crops from burning. In particular, this offers advantages in other crops such as sugar beet. Application between the seeds benefits all crops, especially in very dry soil conditions. If the fertiliser is placed too close to the seeds, it will deprive the plants of the necessary moisture, meaning that the seeds could dry out or have an insufficient supply of water.

Structure of FertiSpot with granular fertiliser

The Precea precision air seeder with FertiSpot for granular fertiliser placement has a fertiliser hopper with fertiliser metering just like the traditional precision air seeder. The metering regulates the desired application rate per hectare. This can be varied using application maps. In conjunction with individual row shut-off, the fertiliser can be switched off across each row in wedge-shaped fields and tapering headlands via Section Control.

 
The mineral fertiliser is transferred from the fertiliser metering system to the FertiSpot fertiliser portioning unit. The fertiliser flow, which continuously enters the portioning unit, is combined by a high-speed portioning rotor. It leaves the unit as a portion and is delivered to the fertiliser coulter. The control of the portioning unit and delivery of the seed are synchronised. Control is provided via the Precea ISOBUS control system. The further development of FertiSpot means that the fertiliser can now be delivered both as a portion directly under the plant and as a portion between the seeds. The tractor driver can enter the precise location of the spot via the ISOBUS control system. The fertiliser depot can be offset with the enhanced FertiSpot metering. The tractor driver can enter the precise location of the spot under the seed or as a possible offset between two seeds via the ISOBUS control system. Furthermore, band application is also possible with FertiSpot. The special design allows application rates of up to 250 kg of fertiliser per hectare depending on the machine specification and irrespective of the fertiliser type.

Better utilisation of the fertiliser by the plant

Targeted placement of the fertiliser in the area of the seed leads to clearly improved nutrient utilisation, since the availability to the plant increases. The higher availability provided by spot application allows for a reduction in the total amount of fertiliser applied per hectare. Investigations carried out by the Technical University of Cologne predict fertiliser savings of 25% with the same yield level.
In addition to the positive effects on environmental protection, there are further advantages for operational and work management. Direct cost savings from the reduced amounts of fertiliser required per hectare are accompanied by additional savings due to the higher work rates while sowing, since refill stops are reduced by 25 %. In regions with a large animal stock levels, mineral fertiliser can be saved and the farm manure can be put to more effective use.

The high saving in fertiliser not only provides considerable added value for the farmer, but contractors also save time and money, since they can increase output as a result of the reduced amount of downtime for fertiliser filling. The environment also benefits from the reduced and more efficient use of fertiliser.
The further development of the FertiSpot system enables it to be used in various crops. The variable application between the seeds means that the fertiliser can also be placed as a deposit for sensitive crops. Crops which are sensitive to fertiliser, such as rape or sugar beet, can therefore be optimally supplied with a reduced amount of fertiliser. 

• FertiSpot allows the amount of fertiliser to be significantly reduced and the environment is protected
• Benefits of the reduced amount of fertiliser:
  • Farmer: lower fertiliser costs
  • Contractor: higher output due to shorter turn-round times

Cultivator drill for large-scale farms and contractors 

AMAZONE has extended its large area seed drill range with the new Cirrus 9004-2C Grand trailed cultivator drill. The machine is offered in a working width of 9 m and a row spacing of 16.6 cm. 

At first glance, the seed drill stands out due to its striking design. This is largely determined by the large seed hopper and the distinctive distributor head.

Designed for solving current and future challenges in agriculture, the machine is characterised by its precise, flexible and efficient operation. Due to its easy adaptability to various field management concepts, it opens the door to future arable farming. 

Solutions for an efficient method of cultivation

As standard, the Cirrus 9004-2C Grand is equipped with a twin-chamber hopper, which is split in a ratio of 60 : 40. The total hopper capacity, which is optimised for big bags and has sufficient overcapacity, is 5,750 l. The overcapacity means that it can be filled when convenient. The hopper can always accommodate the entire contents of a big bag, even with large residual amounts. This simplifies seed logistics, since the time of filling can be selected more flexibly. 

The twin-chamber hopper enables the separate metering of different types of seeds or fertiliser. The two hopper chambers can be filled with just one material, if required, for maximum output. Exact distribution is guaranteed by the pressurised hopper system with its high-performance conveying system. Up to 400 kg/ha can be efficiently applied at a working speed of 15 km/h. Furthermore, the low power requirement of the blower fan underlines the enormous efficiency of the machine. A TwinTerminal can be used for the simple and precise calibration of the metering unit.

The loading reach can be considerably reduced by half-side folding during loading, in order to enable the machine to be loaded via smaller telescopic loaders. 

Flexibility for versatile farming

In general, the materials metered from both hopper chambers are embedded at one placement depth in the seed furrow by the same conveying system using the single-shoot process. 

In this respect, the new distributor head provides excellent lateral distribution. The single row shut-off ensures high sustainability via a reduction in the use of seed and fertiliser. Extremely vigorous crops develop as a result of the spot-accurate shut-off, especially in the overlap zones, since no areas are double sown. Overlaps are restricted to less than 1 % of the area with this system. 

The distributor head can be easily tailored to any symmetrical and asymmetrical tramline systems as well as track widths and tyre widths via the ISOBUS terminal, in order to create a tramline. Mechanical intervention is not required. 

If single rows are closed, the rotational speed of the metering units is reduced. The excess seed circulates in the seed return, while the air continues to escape towards the sowing coulter. The air pressure in the seed delivery lines therefore remains constant. This prevents seeds from being blown out of the furrow. At the same time, there is always a sufficient quantity of seed in the distributor head. This is charged immediately after the machine has been lowered. Uninterrupted application of the products without pre-metering is guaranteed right down to the last corner of the field.

Precision over the entire width 

Precise depth placement is required for even field emergence. The TwinTeC plus double disc coulter impresses due to the large disc diameter and a coulter pressure of up to 100 kg. The coulters are characterised by their smooth running, even at high forward speeds. The combination of coulter profile and coulter pressure is the key to a consistent quality of work and high productivity.

The electro-hydraulic remote control of the coulter pressure and the sowing depth allows easy adjustment to varying soil conditions. The user-friendly adjustment is provided from the cab via an ISOBUS terminal. Turning crank handles or inserting clips is a thing of the past. The improved adjustment means that changeable soil conditions can be quickly responded to with the positive effect of uniform crops across the full working width. 

Perfect growth conditions for the plants

AMAZONE‘s successful concept of reconsolidation in strips has also been incorporated in the Cirrus 04. The principle is also known as the "sowing insurance" and has been gaining ground since 2004. The Matrix profile tyres only reconsolidate in strips where the seed will subsequently be placed in the soil. The intermediate zones are reconsolidated less heavily. This promotes the optimum gaseous exchange and allows rainwater to quickly permeate into the soil.

The combination of a high tyre diameter and cross ribs on the profile enables a good self-driving effect and makes the machine easy to pull.

The tyre packer is mounted offset, and together with the leading ridge levellers, creates a level seedbed. In addition, the risk of a stone blockage is reduced to a minimum, which has a positive effect on operational reliability.

Changing soil conditions can be quickly responded to via the remotely-adjustable seedbed preparation tools. Large clearances promote a smooth soil flow, in order to create an optimum seedbed on all soils irrespective of the location.

Comfortable on the move

The manoeuvrability of the machine plays a key role in the quick sowing of headlands, wedge-shaped fields as well as small and irregularly shaped fields. The independent suspension allows the Cirrus 9004-2C Grand to be pulled around curves and manoeuvred in field corners with minimal effort. In this respect, each wheel turns independently of the others and can flexibly adjust the running speed and direction with a turning angle of up to 90°. This low-stress turning process protects the machine from excessive load and wear. Furthermore, the soil is prevented from bulldozing when negotiating bends. Consistent seedbed quality and maximum soil structure protection are ensured.

The large volume of the tyre packer wheel provides comfort when driving on the road. Any rocking at 40 km/h is prevented, since the machine runs on only 4 wheels. The high carrying capacity of the wheels allows the middle pair of wheels to be lifted up between the 4 transport wheels. 

A flexible connected implement in combination

If required, the tractor track can be loosened with the wheel mark eradicators which are mounted on an intermediate frame between the drill and tractor. The wheel mark eradicators loosen but do not mix. The soil-engaging parts are hydraulically swivelled up when driving on headlands. The wheel mark eradicator can be used in combination with the leading tyre packer.

Combination with a wide variety of implements for seedbed preparation is also possible, e.g. with a Catros compact disc harrow. 

• Distributor head with individual row shut-off
• Large hopper capacity optimised for big bags
• User-friendly, electro-hydraulic adjustment of the sowing depth and the coulter pressure via ISOBUS terminal
• Strip-wise reconsolidation for higher field emergence and more uniform crops

FT-P 1502 self-contained front tank and Primera DMC universal seed drill

The FT-P 1502 self-contained front tank is the ideal partner for any applications with liquid products. These include a seed drill with liquid fertiliser equipment, a hoe with a band sprayer and many others.

New areas of application for the Primera DMC in combination with the FT-P

The combination of the FT-P with the Primera DMC offers the farmer an even wider range of options for optimum nutrient supply and quick seedling development. Liquid fertilisers can now also be metered directly into the seed furrow by combining the FT-P with the Primera DMC. This improves nutrient availability, especially under dry conditions. Unlike granular fertiliser, it is already in dissolved form and does not have to be made available to the plants by the soil moisture. This aids nutrient efficiency and promotes a vigorous and fast growing crop. Bio-stimulants, micro-nutrients or other liquid products can also be applied directly into the seed furrow as an alternative. 

ISOBUS control for the FT-P and the Primera DMC

The ISOBUS control of both machines makes handling extremely comfortable. The ISOBUS control system means that automatic part-width section control via Section Control and variable rate control via application maps are are extended in full to both machines.

Compact, effective and efficient

The complete implement combination is very compact in spite of the extra hopper because the FT-P is mounted on the front hydraulics of the tractor. The manoeuvrability of the complete implement combination is also not restricted. 

Only low rates have to be directly applied into the seed furrow owing to the high nutrient efficiency of the fertiliser application being directly alongside the seed. The 1,500 l tank capacities of the FT-P are therefore perfectly tailored to the large hopper capacity of the Primera DMC, thereby guaranteeing high performance in spite of the additional application. 

Standard interface for the part-width valve chest

A part-width valve chest with 2 to 6 part-width sections can be fixed to any connected implement. Various AMAZONE and SCHMOTZER machines can also be equipped with a permanently mounted part-width valve chest with separable connection points on the valve chest. The valve always remains with the implement when the implement is changed. This means that any attached implements can be changed quickly and easily. The working spectrum of the FT-P 1502 front tank covers an application rate of 5 to 100 l/min at a working pressure of 2.0 to 8.0 bar.

The liquid fertiliser mounting kit in combination with the FT-P 1502 is available for the Primera DMC in all working widths from 3 m to 9 m.

• Everything from a single source – FT-P 1502 and matching fertiliser equipment for the Primera DMC
• Additional options for combining the FT-P with all AMAZONE and SCHMOTZER machines 
• Use of the FT-P for various machines throughout the year
• Efficient, environmentally-friendly nutrient injection directly alongside the seed

AMAZONE is expanding its range of precision seeders with the new trailed Precea 9000-TCC and 12000-TCC models, in working widths of 9 and 12 m respectively. This variant, which has been developed specially for large-scale farms and contractors, stands out with its high-performance overpressure singling, large tank capacities and innovative Central Seed Supply seed delivery system. The high-precision seed placement ensures optimum field emergence, even at increased forward speeds of up to 15 km/h. 

Central hopper concept – row-by-row singling

For exceptionally high work rates and reduced fill times, the new Precea-TCC features a central seed hopper with a capacity of 2,000 l for up to two big bags. The new Central Seed Supply seed delivery system carries the seed from the central hopper to the singling units via an air stream. There, the seed for each row is temporarily stored in a small reception unit. Once this reception unit reaches the maximum fill level, the air stream is automatically cut off, thereby shutting off any further seed supply. When the fill level decreases, the air stream restarts automatically and conveys seed again from the main hopper to the individual rows. Thanks to the intelligent air stream system of the Central Seed Supply, every singling unit is independently supplied with seed, without the need for complex sensor systems or electronic controls. 

Precise singling across all rows

For seed singling, AMAZONE uses its precision PreTeC singling units, whose functionality is based on the overpressure principle. This means the seed is pressed against the singling disc by air pressure. The seal rotates along with the singling disc, which considerably reduces the power consumption of the electric drives across the individual rows. The remotely controlled, automatic SmartControl stripper finger adjustment is coupled with the optical sensors and effectively prevents any misses or doubles. Meanwhile, the electrically-driven singling disc turns in relation to the forward speed and desired seed rate; conveying the seed towards the propulsion channel. At this point, the contact pressure is broken, the seed is shot precisely into the seed furrow, caught by the catcher roller and then securely embedded in the furrow bottom. 

The furrow formers ensure the precise seed placement. Two carrying rollers and the high-down force, hydraulically adjustable coulter pressure ensure uniform depth control. For even greater convenience, AMAZONE offers the SmartForce automatic coulter pressure regulation. This ensures that the set contact force remains constant for a consistently uniform seed placement, especially in variable soil conditions. 

The ElectricDrive electric metering drive allows the desired seed rate to be conveniently set via the ISOBUS terminal and serves as the basis for precise, part-area, site-specific rate control using GPS and field zone maps. In addition to this, Section Control actively saves seed row-by-row in wedge-shaped fields and on headlands, particularly useful at these large working widths. Ideal conditions are also provided for mechanical weed control with a hoe.

CurveControl – Optimised seed placement when driving round bends 

The electric metering drive to the individual rows makes it also possible to maintain an evenly-spaced placement across the entire working width, even when driving round bends. A yaw sensor is used to calculate the difference between the forward speed on the inside and outside of the bend. The innovative CurveControl then adjusts the speed of the each singling disc accordingly, ensuring that the seed spacing remains uniform, even when seeding around bends. The even spacing allows the plants to be adequately supplied with nutrients. This results in uniform crops and ensures even ripening.

Twin-chamber hopper for fertiliser

For the simultaneous application of fertiliser, the Precea-TCC is equipped with an easily-accessible, twin-chamber hopper with a total filling volume of 6,000 l. Each hopper chamber has its own electric metering unit that is connected to a distributor head, meaning that half-side shut-off is available as standard. Fertiliser is placed via the FerTeC twin HD fertiliser coulter. The relationship between the placement depth of the fertiliser and the seed sowing depth is set only once. If the sowing depth is subsequently changed, the fertiliser placement depth is automatically adjusted in relation to the seeding depth.

Telescopic running gear 

The Precea-TCC is offered with 12 or 16 rows for row widths of 70, 75 and 80 cm. A telescopic axle is available for the running gear of the Precea. During field operation, this allows the position of over-sized tyres to be adjusted so that the wheels run between the seed rows, preventing compaction directly beneath the seed rows. With the wheels fully retracted, the Precea-TCC can be conveniently transported by road with an overall width of 3 m. 

As of autumn 2023, the programme will be rounded off with new models for those closer spaced row crops, such as beet, rape or soya beans, with row widths of 45 and 50 cm in 18 or 24 rows.

• Accurate seed placement due to precise pressurised singling with short propulsion channel
• Simple and self-explanatory operation with the AMAZONE AmaTron 4 ISOBUS terminal
• Extremely easy adjustment on the PreTeC mulch sowing coulter, with all the required settings made without using tools
• High acreage output thanks to the large hopper capacity and the Central Seed Supply seed delivery system
• CurveControl for even plant distribution, even when driving round bends, resulting in uniform ripening of the crops

After AMAZONE introduced the Centaya-C Super harrow-mounted seed drill for combined grain and fertiliser sowing in autumn 2022, the Centaya Special pneumatic harrow-mounted seed drill now follows as the smaller version. The machine has a hopper capacity of 1,500 l and is equipped with a twin-chamber hopper. AMAZONE offers the Centaya-C Special in working widths of 3 m, 3.5 m and 4 m.

Efficient use of inputs

The hopper capacity of the Centaya-C Special of 1,500 l is divided in the ratio of 70:30. This enables two different materials in volumes of 1,050 and 450 l to be filled. The various materials that can be applied are metered separately and precisely in the ISOBUS-controlled Centaya-C Special. The harrow-mounted seed drill with its infinitely variable electric metering allows seed rates of 0.5-400 kg/ha at a working speed of 10 km/h.

The conveying system feeds the applied materials to the coulters via the segmented distributor head. The simple conveying system transports the seed and the fertiliser to the coulter using the single-shoot process. The seed and the fertiliser are then sown into the soil via the coulter. 

The combined application of seed and fertiliser promotes the seedling development in cereal crops. The seed and the fertiliser are applied together into the soil for effective use, meaning that the fertiliser is quickly made available to the plant. 

Two different seed types can also be applied. For example, different seed rates can be metered and applied with the appropriate metering cassettes.

The Centaya-C Special can be equipped with the Micro plus micro-granular applicator. The 110 l hopper can also be mounted on the pneumatic harrow-mounted seed drill. In this case, the material in the Micro plus hopper is fed into the main conveying system of the Centaya-C Special and is also applied using the single-shoot process.
It therefore enables the driver to apply a third material in the same pass. It is used for metering small quantities of materials, such as micro-nutrients or low seed rates.

The large hopper opening enables comfortable filling, and the seed hopper as well as the individual metering units can be easily reached via the loading board. The machine can be equipped with a quick-emptying device for fast seed changeover between jobs. A storage rack can be ordered as an option to accommodate additional sacks of seed. 

The 1,500 l split seed hopper means that the Centaya-C Special is extremely productive. The hopper profile ensures a low lifting power is required, since the metal seed hopper is tilted a long way forward towards the tractor.

2 coulter systems, 2 row widths

AMAZONE offers the harrow-mounted seed drill in working widths of 3 m, 3.5 m or 4 m with either the RoTeC single disc coulter or TwinTeC Special double disc coulter. The machines can be ordered with a row spacing of 12.5 cm or 15 cm (in working widths 3 and 4 m) depending on the customer requirement.

QuickLink quick coupling system

The Centaya-C harrow-mounted seed drill can be combined with the various soil tillage implements via QuickLink. Depending on the requirements, the Centaya can be coupled with a KE rotary harrow or a KX or KG rotary cultivator. It is also possible to combine the Centaya with the CombiDisc compact disc harrow on very light soils.

• One pass – the application of up to 3 different materials
• Concurrent establishment of the crops
• Quick seedling development
• Each material to be conveyed is metered separately - perfect metering