Efficient implementation of ultra-shallow soil tillage

The challenge

The topic of soil tillage is becoming more and more significant in agriculture on many farms. The bigger the problems of lack of moisture, chemical resistance and the requirement for reducing the amount of plant protection agents used, the more important the right means of soil tillage becomes. A particular emphasis is being placed on the initial stubble cultivation. This is precisely where the biggest challenge lies. On the one hand, we need to produce the optimum seedbed for maximising the germination of volunteer cereals, weed seeds and wild grasses. This means that this undesirable regrowth can be allowed to accumulate directly after stubble chitting and then be combated mechanically by a second cultivation pass. Ultra-shallow top working giving optimum germination conditions is of extreme importance, particularly with regard to old rape regrowth, and in the problem areas of black grass and loose silky bent. The seeds must not be incorporated too deeply in the soil to prevent them from becoming dormant.

On the other hand, the decomposition of organic residues plays a decisive role when it comes to good field hygiene. Optimised breakdown of residues reduces the transfer of fungal disease and pests. In addition, the availability of nutrients generated from the plant residues is improved. It is therefore important to make sure that any shredding or preparation of surface organic matter is undertaken during that initial pass.

Bearing in mind the increasing dryness of the summers, it is also important that evaporation be reduced and that soil moisture be preserved during cultivation. For this reason, with the initial pass, it is important to work only as deep as is necessary.

The solution: TopCut cutting roller combination with different tool options for different crops

To meet these increasing demands for ultra-shallow soil tillage, AMAZONE has developed the TopCut 12000-2T cutting roller combination in a working width of 12 m.  It consists of up to 3 consecutive tool segments plus a rear segment that can be equipped with various different tools to suit the customer’s needs and requirements:

• First row of optional leading tools: knife roller
• Second and third row main tools: Combination of knife roller and/or Minimum TillDisc
• Fourth row rear segment: Three-row straw harrow, or the option of packer rollers without the leading tool

For the intensive shredding of long plant residues, such as rapeseed stalks, sunflower stalks or catch crops, the use of a double-knife roller as the main tool is ideal. The knife rollers intensively shred and bruise the plant residues, significantly accelerating the decomposition process. In addition, despite the shallow cultivation of 0-2 cm, the knife rollers produce enough fine soil for optimum seedbed generation and so encourage weed seeds and volunteer cereals to germinate. The double-knife roller can also be used for seedbed preparation and generating a stale seedbed. The high circumferential speed produces a very good crumbling effect.

For an even more intensive action, a combination of knife roller and Minimum TillDisc wavey discs can be used as the main tool. This arrangement offers the advantage that the knife roller cuts crosswise and the Minimum TillDisc cuts lengthwise to the direction of travel. This enables cross-cutting, resulting in an intensive shredding action, especially useful in lodged cereals and maize stubble.

A third option is to equip the main tool segment with a double Minimum TillDisc. This combination makes it possible to cut into the ground to a depth of up to 3 cm without moving any soil. Especially in the spring, this has the advantage of opening up the soil, thus promoting improved aeration and quicker soil warming. This is particularly interesting for direct seeding of spring crops such as cereals or beet. The Minimum TillDisc disc element intensively cuts any lodged cereal residues without moving the soil to any great extent.

As an option, the knife roller can be selected as an additional leading tool. This intensifies the shredding of plant residues.

Harrowing or reconsolidation

As an option, and to further improve straw distribution after the combine, the heavy three-row harrow can be used behind the main tools. In addition to distributing the straw, on the one hand, it shakes the seeds out of the straw, seed pods or ears, plus, on the other hand, the harrow produces additional fine soil. This again favours the emergence of weeds. The aggressiveness of the harrow can be altered hydraulically from the cab whilst on the move. As an option, the straw harrow is available as a HD version with carbide tips, thus extending the service life many times over.

As an alternative, packer rollers are available to reduce the drying out of the soil by optimising the reconsolidation. The DW disc roller, with its diameter of 600 mm, is characterised both by its good reconsolidation action and its particularly good cutting effect. Plant residues, such as maize stubble or catch crops, are split more thoroughly and cut up by the sharp rings on the roller. This also promotes faster decomposition. The wedge ring roller, with a KWM 600 matrix tyre profile, produces a particularly good crumbling effect for use in a classic seedbed preparation situation. It is also ideal for creating a stale seedbed. This causes problem weeds, such as black grass and loose silky bent, to germinate before the actual sowing date meaning that they can be controlled mechanically with the TopCut in a second pass.

Conclusion:

The TopCut 12000-2T cutting roller combination is the right choice for every farm, thanks to the large range of tool combinations and following elements. This means that the TopCut can be integrated effectively in classic mulch sowing, sowing after the plough or direct seeding. Thanks to its wide working width of 12.1 m and high working speeds of up to 20 km/h, enormous daily work rates are possible, and this is particularly favourable economically, having a very low fuel consumption of approx. 2.5 l/ha. In addition to the high areas covered, the TopCut also impresses with its resistance to wear and tear. Thanks to the reversible knives on the knife roller, not only can the service life be doubled, but the wear costs can also be minimised.

The advantages at a glance:

• Perfect shredding in rape, sunflowers, maize stubbles and in catch crops
• Optimum shredding for an accelerated decomposition process
• Ultra-shallow soil tillage with high proportion of fine soil for perfect germination conditions, even on cereal stubble
• Improved straw distribution and fine soil generation with the harrow
• Optimum reconsolidation with the packer roller for guaranteed emergence
• Markedly reduced soil moisture loss in comparison to other systems
• Very high work rates with low fuel consumption
• Reduced wear costs due to the reversible blades => double the service life

Plus you can also get an impression of how the TopCut functions in work from our video. You are welcome to share this video in your media outlets.

The double-bladed knife roller enables intensive shredding of catch crops. 

The intensive shredding of sunflower stubbles by the TopCut makes for reliable direct seeding when sowing with tines.

AMAZONE has extended its range of high-performance Cirrus Grand large area seed drills with an 8 m version, the new Cirrus 8004-2C Grand. The trailed cultivator drill is ideal for large farms and contractors working with tractors from 280 hp. The Cirrus Grand meets the requirements of a wide range of establishment systems thanks to the precision and flexibility provided by the simultaneous metering of different products via the new three-chamber hopper.

New: Three-chamber hopper makes for pioneering establishment methods

A key feature is the new three-chamber hopper with a total capacity of 5,900 litres. Combining three chambers in the one hopper offers a high level of flexibility and easy accessibility for the operator. Up to three different products can be individually metered at a ratio of 40:50:10. For example, rape, fertiliser and slug pellets can be applied in a single pass using the Single-Shoot process. In addition, wheat can be sown together with the simultaneous application of fertiliser and micro-granules. All products are delivered precisely to the same point in the seed furrow, which ensures efficient application.

Solutions for modern arable farming – the new 12.5 cm row spacing

The large distributor head and the choice of the Smart plus equipment level ensures optimum lateral distribution. The individual row shut-off ensures high sustainability by reducing any waste of seed and fertiliser on headlands and in wedge shaped fields. Tramline control is provided symmetrically, asymmetrically or flexibly and is selected in a user-friendly manner via the ISOBUS terminal. The distributor head adjusts automatically. This intelligent system means that the working width of the seed drill is independent of the respective tramline system. Deactivating individual rows offers a particular advantage. For example, rape can be sown with double row spacing. The Cirrus 8004-2C Grand also benefits from an additional row spacing option. On top of the conventional row spacing of 16.6 cm, a narrower spacing of 12.5 cm can also be specified. This is ideal for spring sowing and farms with high weed pressure. The narrow row spacing allows the crop to cover the soil over more quickly, which reduces weed emergence. This leads to a cleaner crop and, in the best-case scenario, decreases the use of herbicides.

AutoPoint: Switch time optimisation for good field hygiene

The AutoPoint automatic measuring system, an intelligent solution for determining conveying times, has now been incorporated in the Cirrus 04 Grand. A sensor in the seed coulter determines the conveying time of the seed flowing from the metering unit to the coulter and automatically adjusts the switch-on and switch-off points of the system on the headland. This technology constantly improves the Section Control times and increases sowing precision. This results in the minimisation of misses and overlaps, thereby promoting better field hygiene.

Crushboard and guide wheels extend the range of front tools

In addition to the T-Pack front tyre packer, new front tools are also available for the Cirrus 04 Grand. A Crushboard with outlying guide wheels has been specially designed for farms with heavy or cloddy soil conditions. The Crushboard levels the surface, breaking up clods and ensuring a level seedbed, especially for use after the plough or following rough primary cultivation work. The guide wheels on the outside of the machine ensure smooth guidance and prevent the wings from sinking into the ground. The Cirrus Grand is also available with guide wheels in front of the disc element for farms that carry out complete seedbed preparation before sowing. This means that there is no need to use a front tool.

Optional on-board hydraulic system and air pre-heater

Another plus point is the optionally available on-board hydraulic system with a push-on PTO pump. This enables the drill to be operated with tractors with a low hydraulic capacity. The optional air pre-heater ensures trouble-free operation when working in damp air conditions. It increases the temperature of the air flow by around 8 °C reducing the formation of condensation and thus preventing seed dressing or fertiliser dust from sticking in the conveyor system.

Updates also available for the 9 m version

These new updates are now also available as options for the Cirrus 9004-2C Grand with its 9 m working width. The new levels of equipment significantly increase both efficiency and output.

Boost for AMAZONE against the trend

AMAZONE has achieved excellent results in the recently published DLG Image Barometer 2024/2025, once again taking 4th place. This ranking is particularly noteworthy, as we were able to buck the general trend in the index values.

For years, AMAZONE has been named the best medium-sized equipment manufacturer in the agricultural machinery sector in this renowned survey. We are extremely proud that our company once again scored so highly in the latest ratings. We will continue to strive to offer our customers high-quality, innovative and practical products.

These results will motivate us to keep raising our standards and drive forward our ability to innovate. With a strong focus on research and development, we want to help our farmers and contractors to secure their future on a sustainable basis using tailor-made technologies. This close collaborative partnership enables us to continuously optimise our agricultural establishment chains.

A big thank you to our customers and partners for your trust and appreciation!

About the DLG Image Barometer
With the annual Image Barometer, the German Agricultural Society (DLG) evaluates the brand recognition, loyalty, performance and image of companies in the agricultural sector in Germany by surveying around 700 farm managers.

AMAZONE has added another model to its range of hoes which is designed for maximum impact. The new Venterra VR 4 is now available in working widths from 7.20 m to 12.80 m and focuses on customers who work in large fields and for whom high work rates are a basic requirement. Various parallelograms and tools are available by utilising the modular system. Thanks to its flexible working widths provided by being able to partially fold, the Venterra VR 4 is also ideal for use by contractors.

Optimum soil protection

The Venterra VR 4 is extremely soil-friendly, even at maximum working widths. The total weight of the machine is optimally distributed over a large surface area thanks to the level of specification with up to 9 support wheels. The compact design with the fully integrated shift frame also ensures a centre of gravity close to the tractor.

Precise tool guidance in any crop

The key component of the Venterra VR 4 is the parallelogram. This provides optimum tool guidance. The EKP parallelogram is available for row widths between 16 cm and 37.5 cm and can be optionally equipped with up to three hoe blades. The KPP parallelogram with up to 5 tool carrier positions is used for row spacings between 12.5 cm and 90 cm. The working depth can be infinitely adjusted and there is a generous overlap between the hoe blades.

Different types and widths of hoe blades can be selected from the modular system which can also be used in combination meaning that any requirements with regard to crops and soil conditions are met. The patented RapidoClip quick-change system allows the blades to be changed without tools in next to no time, both in the field and back in the yard.

Exactly on the right track

Damage-free hoeing of row crops always requires maximum precision, especially at larger working widths. The row guidance system, consisting of a camera system and the fully integrated offset shift frame, ensures precise guidance in between the crop rows. The shift frame with a possible length of movement of up to 60 cm enables perfect row adjustment even in difficult situations.

The Horus Professional camera system detects the crop based on its position or, when in 3D mode, based on differences in crop height. Recognition can also be provided by colour selection. The in-house developed SmartVision camera system provides reliable row guidance without manual readjustment thanks to its automatic slope correction, even on steep slopes. Both systems control the shift frame in accordance with the forward speed. The operator can check the exact row guidance via a video image on the terminal at any time. In addition to the camera system, a row sensor is available. This is particularly suitable for passes with the hoe for late weed flushes or when sowing undersown crops. In the event of severe plant movement, such as in a crosswind, the sensor systems ensure precise guidance along the plant row.

Multiple work steps in just one pass

The Venterra VR 4 can be combined with various AMAZONE application systems to bring pioneering arable farming concepts to the field. This reduces labour and input costs whilst promoting sustainable management methods.

A combination of the FTender front tank and a distribution head on the hoe enables effective and efficient fertilisation of crops. Depending on the requirements, the fertiliser is applied directly to the plant row, between the rows or with full area coverage via baffle plates. The system is also suitable for seeding, for instance, when undersowing crops. Various trailing tool combinations are available for the incorporation process.

The RowSpray band sprayer can be used in combination with the FT-P front tank, in order to apply plant protection agents or liquid fertilisers in a targeted manner. The spray agent is applied precisely over the individual crop rows, whilst the hoe blades mechanically remove weeds between the rows and the capillarity is broken at the same time. As an option, the entire oil supply for the FT-P and the hoe can be controlled centrally via the Venterra VR 4. This ensures a constant oil supply without pressure fluctuation across all the functions that are consuming oil.

Hoeing down into the last corner with GPS-controlled individual parallelogram lifting

The hydraulic individual row lifting system is controlled via GPS-Switch and enables precise hoeing, even at very large working widths. User-friendly operation ensures that the crop is protected and every inch is hoed cleanly on steeply angled headlands and wedge-shaped fields. This system also enables automatic lifting of the parallelograms during folding. This reliably prevents potential collisions between the hoe elements during the folding process and ensures a maximum transport width of 3 metres, even at these wide working widths. The optional load-sensing equipment, in conjunction with a pressure accumulator, reduces oil consumption on the tractor side to a minimum.

The AmaTron 4 ISOBUS terminal provides very convenient control and can also be used in conjunction with the band sprayer.

Flexibility

The Venterra VR 4 has been developed as a modular system for maximum flexibility. This means that the machine can also be easily adapted to changing application techniques at a later date. Not only can optional tools such as hoe protection discs, ridgers, harrows or finger hoes be retrofitted at any time, they are also mounted on a separately guided parallelogram as required, thereby enabling precise contour following in any situation.

Increased working widths or modified row widths are also easy to implement on the Venterra VR 4. The Venterra frame is designed in such a way that any row width can be subsequently implemented with a minimum of effort.

The AMAZONE Group had a turnover of 763 million euro for the 2024 financial year. This corresponds to a decrease in sales of 10.4% compared to the previous year, in which a record high of 852 million euro was achieved. The Group's performance in the market was above the industry average. The number of employees worldwide remained constant at around 2,500. Despite the decline in sales and in the face of geopolitical uncertainties and climatic upheavals, the company was able to maintain its financial strength and continues to pursue a course of sustainable growth. Strong export activities are one of the factors contributing to this. Exports remain stable and make up 80% of total sales. The French, Polish, Spanish and Chinese markets all performed particularly well. With the acquisition of the Brazilian fertiliser spreader specialist MP AGRO, a strategic partner was gained to enable further growth in South America. "The decades-long relationships with our sales partners, farmers and contractors worldwide make an important contribution to our stable market position. This close collaboration enables us to optimise our agricultural process chains and offer tailor-made solutions for every farm and every region, from soil tillage and sowing to fertilisation and plant protection," explain Christian Dreyer and Dr Justus Dreyer (Joint Chairmen of the Board and owners of the AMAZONE Group).

AMAZONE's strategy of innovation remains another key success factor. Expenditure on research and development was further increased in 2024. These investments make it possible to maintain a leading position in forward-thinking technologies, even in difficult times. For its strong innovative strength, AMAZONE received the cross-industry award from WirtschaftsWoche as Germany's most innovative medium-sized company in 2024. "Our aim is not only to fulfil the current needs of our customers, but also to recognise the requirements of the future at an early stage and develop corresponding technical solutions and digital services," added the Dreyers. In view of the difficulties caused by climate change or political pressures in agriculture, AMAZONE is focusing on digital precision agriculture. Customised technologies for part-area, band and spot applications make it easier to overcome both ecological and economic challenges. At the same time, numerous new products were successfully launched internationally as part of an innovation offensive in the sector of large-area machinery. Some of the highlights of which include the Precea precision air seeders, in working widths of up to 12 metres, the Pantera 7004 self-propelled crop protection sprayer, with booms of up to 48 metres and the Cirrus Grand cultivator seed drill in working widths of up to 9 metres, all of which are aimed at large-scale farms and contractors. The Tyrok semi-mounted reversible plough is also designed for high outputs and impresses with its ability to work either in the furrow or on land to protect the soil.

In order to support the company's organic growth in the long term, AMAZONE also continues to pursue the goal of investing in the expansion of its production capacities. For example, warehouse facilities and outdoor storage space are currently being significantly expanded at the Leipzig facility. Existing production processes and logistics structures are constantly being modernised to order to meet market requirements and increase efficiency. This year, a state-of-the-art training centre for crop protection machinery and other large-scale equipment is being built at the Altmoorhausen facility. This project represents an important step forwards in the AMAZONE Academy concept to promote specialist skills and further develop those of our sales partners. It is also increasingly important to accompany what are increasingly complex agricultural machines and processes with even better advice and support in order to improve our customer service. To this end, long-term field trials were set up at the trials centre in Wambergen, near the main factory in Hasbergen-Gaste.

Although the global economic environment remains challenging at present, AMAZONE believes it is still well positioned. In the current first quarter, the order intake levels within the AMAZONE Group are encouraging. The owners are positive about the long-term prospects: "Due to the ongoing technological change, the increasing importance of resource-conserving production methods and the growing global population, the agricultural machinery sector remains a system-relevant component of the food supply chain. We are therefore looking forward to Agritechnica, the world's leading machinery exhibition, as one of this year's focal points. We will once again be presenting many innovative ideas that provide efficient and sustainable agriculture to an international audience."