Insiders’ tip Cultro - Why is the knife roller becoming more and more important?
Initially, the Cultro was developed to be used after rapeseed or sunflowers. In the meantime, it is used in almost all crops. Vadym Koval (sales HORSCH Ukraine) explains the advantages of the knife roller and why it is becoming more and more relevant, especially in increasingly dry periods.
The Cultro ensures optimum crushing with minimal soil movement. It was originally developed with a focus on crushing the harvest residues of rapeseed and sunflowers and accordingly was equipped with a packer. The crosswise arranged knives ensure a maximum crushing effect and, due to their extremely shallow cultivation, create a mulch layer. Already in the first year, the combination of knife roller and 3-bar harrow proved its advantages with regard to the longitudinal and cross distribution of the harvest residues.
Especially the combination with the harrow was used very quickly in cereals and is becoming increasingly important in this sector. “Many customers cultivated the soil after the combine harvester with a disc harrow, for example, to encourage the germination of volunteer crops. Due to the shallow cultivation, the disc harrow achieved good results. However, the water loss of the soil tends to be higher the more soil is cultivated. This is a major disadvantage, especially in dry regions where we have to do anything we can to keep the water in the soil,” Vadym Koval who has discussed this issue with numerous farmers in the Ukraine explains.
Keeping water and nutrients in the soil
In view of the climate change and more periods of drought, the issue of saving water is becoming increasingly relevant: “We realise that we have to fight for every drop of moisture. In this respect, the Cultro plays a crucial role. It is the ideal tool for crushing and evenly distributing the straw immediately after the harvest. This creates a permanent straw cover.”
There usually is a certain amount of residual humidity in the soil that needs to be retained. The straw cover heats up due to the solar radiation during the day. Below, there is a layer of 2 to 3 cm of loose soil where humidity gathers. The combination of hot day and cool night causes condensation. Due to the straw cover, water and nutrients can be retained in the soil as the humidity circulates between these two layers and does not escape.
“Seed drills like Avatar, Sprinter, Focus or Pronto can then sow directly into the stubble. Thus, we achieve regular emergence due to the preparatory work of the Cultro and by sowing into the water-bearing horizon. Most of the Cultros in the Ukraine run in the south of the country, where it is particularly dry. This method works very well here.’
Versatile use
The knife roller has a wide range of applications. In addition to crushing, the distribution of harvest residues across the entire field plays a major role in cereals. This does not only involve the straw, but above all the chaff which usually is the greater challenge. During the harvest, residues are not always cut and distributed optimally, e.g. if machines are stationary, if there is a strong crosswind or if the straw is damp. “With the Cultro, we can perfectly distribute straw and chaff across the entire width. Operational speeds of up to 25 km/h create a certain vacuum effect. First, the straw is lifted before it can be distributed lengthways. During cultivation, we drive at an angle of 15 degrees to the stubble resp. to the direction of the combine to achieve an ideal result,” Vadym Koval explains.
The harrow also encourages the germination of volunteer crops and weeds and breaks the capillaries to stop evaporation. “If farmers carry out less tillage measures, they have to have the distribution of chaff and straw as well as volunteer crops under control,” Vadym Koval says. This also involves field hygiene and the issue of mice. The distribution of straw deprives them of shelter/habitat while the germination of volunteer crops minimises the winter supply.
The Cultro is also used in the catch crop sector: “Some customers use it for cultivating and incorporating catch crops.’
Efficiency and long service life
“In the Ukraine, farmers are now using the Cultro on every field and in every crop. We recently used it after peas. After peas, the soil is very fine, so we don't need a cultivation pass with a disc harrow. With the Cultro, we can work more efficiently as higher speeds are possible and, due to the low horsepower requirement, we also save on diesel.”
The versatile use results in enormous work rates: “One machine can easily work on around 6,000 to 10,000 hectares per year. The working widths of 9, 12 and 18 metres that are used in this market, combined with the high operational speeds, allow for an enormous work rate. With the Cultro 12 TC, we can cover up to 250 hectares in one working day (12 hours). Despite the working width, the horsepower requirement of the machine remains extremely low which is reflected in the low diesel consumption.” The demand for a 9-metre Cultro increases due to its advantages.
Another advantage is the low maintenance requirement. The machine has only a few lubrication points and the harrow tines are coated with carbide which extends their service life and ensures a reliable use even in difficult conditions, e.g. in very dry conditions which are always stressful for the material.
Durability, efficiency and versatile application options make the Cultro an indispensable tool. Particularly in times of climate change and increasing drought, it can make a decisive contribution to retaining water and nutrients in the soil, thus creating optimum conditions for subsequent seeding.