Samco will bring its new, aptly-named Punch Hole Film Layer and Seeder to next week’s National Ploughing Championships.
This machine consolidates the soil, lays the film and, finally, sows the seed using the so-called Punch Wheel Unit – to “ensure precise sowing depth and spacing of seeds”.
According to Samco, the machine is suitable for use with black bio films for weed control in organic farming, and with transparent film types for “better seed germination and stronger and faster young plant establishment”.
Different versions of the new machine are available. Built to lay film roll widths of 1.2m to 2.2m, and with units capable of seed row spacings of 23cm to 75cm (and seed spacings in the row from 10cm to 250cm), a range of crop varieties can be sown.
Working widths range from 1.2m to 4.5m.
Adjustable punch hole units allow for a choice of seed depth settings. This, says Samco, means that this machine can be used with a range of seed types, regardless of soil moistures and structures, and in whatever agronomic system is in place.
Two types of seed delivery systems are utilised. One employs air-assisted seed distribution to the punch hole units. This allows the user to select the number of seeds sown per punch hole. Anywhere from one to 20 seeds per punch hole is available; this is achieved by choosing the correct cell wheel to match the seed and the desired rate per hectare.
The speed of seed delivery is matched to forward speed; the system is automatic regardless of forward speed variations.
The second seed delivery system employs a “precision planting system” that uses existing Kverneland/Accord equipment. This, says Samco, allows “precise single seed placement for each unit, where a high level of seed singularity is required”. By changing the seed disc, different sizes of seeds can be planted.
Further configurations are also available, including versions with added herbicide application equipment and fertiliser placement capability. Thanks to the design of the main chassis, these systems can be added or removed as needed.
