Solus: precision for current and future challenge
One future topic in the seeding sector is the placement precision of seed. With the Solus, HORSCH launches a new machine in the single grain technology sector that addresses this challenge.
HORSCH has been dealing with and continuously improved the topic of seed placement for years. The Solus is the result of long-standing experiences and the focus on future challenges. Thus, a new row unit was developed based on the well-proven row components of the Maestro which is ideal for narrow widths (22.5 cm and 25 cm). This unit together with the AirSpeed metering unit is ideal for this situation.
Currently, the HORSCH Solus 1047 SX is the only machine in the 10-12 m working width sector for single grain seeding in narrow rows combined with a central double hopper for fertiliser and seed. The seed wagon concept of the machine is unique – with a double axle for road transport as well as a frame with 47 rows and a tyre packer for working in the field that allows for a very soil-protecting turning.
Grain spacing and placement depth
To ensure a precise metering and singulation of the seed, the Solus is equipped with the well-proven AirSpeed metering system. All current single grain crops can be sown without any problems. New metering discs have been developed for sowing cereals. The placement precision is a result of the combination of the double disc coulter with lateral depth control and the parallel guided row with a precise coulter pressure adjustment. All this combined with a working width of more than 10 m and operational speeds of up to 15 km/h ensures efficient seeding.
The precise depth placement and embedding of the seed ensure a homogeneous emergence and a regular development. The even emergence is the basis for a successful mechanical weed management. For single grain sowing, the focus is on the individual plant and its yield potential. By making clever use of the yield reserves, this method can help to make an important step towards yield stability. The objective is to use this technology to create populations that efficiently deal with all resources and operating material.
With the Solus it is possible to sow different row spacings. This enormously increases flexibility with regard to the range of applications. This year, we sowed with a row spacing of 22.5 cm. The same machine can be modified in a few minutes to 45 cm for example for sugar beet by deactivating and hydraulically lifting every second row. A Solus with a row spacing of 25 cm could in theory also work with a 50 cm row and even a 75 cm maize row.
Market potential
Especially in markets where cereals are sown rather early, there is an enormous potential for the Solus as relatively low seed rates are used and the conditions at the time of seeding normally are rather dry. Therefore, there is a large market for the Solus in Europe, especially in parts of Hungary or France. Among these markets also figures Mecklenburg-West Pomerania in Northern Germany. The site is marked by sandy and heavily changing soils that require a perfect adaption of the coulter pressure for an ideal seed placement.
Johann Rieve used the Solus on his farm near Stralsund in this year’s autumn sowing season: “We seeded 100 ha with the Solus, 2/3 wheat and 1/3 barley. We tested various seed rates from 60 grains/m² to 200 grains/m². Seed placement was amazingly good in the different types of soil and the grains were singulated without any problem. The machine is very compact and clearly arranged.” Also with regard to the operating material costs, the Solus convinced the farmer: “Regarding the low seed rates with expensive hybrid seed, the machine brings about enormous cost savings. In addition, the individual row switch-off helps to save seed.” Moreover, Johann Rieve appreciates the larger row spacings that facilitate hoeing the space between the rows and thus mechanical weed control. The flexibility of the machine, too, matches his requirements and the structure of his farm: “By sowing with different row spacings, we can sow cereals and rapeseed as well as beet and maize with one machine. The working width and the high operational speed of the Solus considerably increase the sowing efficiency!
Quick facts
- 10-12 m working with up to 15 km/h due to AirSpeed metering
- Sowing normal single grain crops as well as cereals, rapeseed, soybeans etc.
- Row widths 22.5 and 45 cm resp. 25, 50 and 75 cm
- Central hopper with a capacity of 5 000 l for seed and fertiliser