AMAZONE introduced the FertiSpot system in 2019 with targeted 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.

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 gathered together 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 as well as a portion between the seeds.

FertiSpot system overview - as a whole 

1. Fertiliser hopper: Supply of the under-root fertiliser 
2. Metering unit: Quantity of fertiliser metered 
3. Portioning unit: Portioning of the fertiliser 
4. Fertiliser coulter: Entry into the soil

The ability to variably apply 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.