Automatic coulter pressure regulation for seed drills – AutoForce
HORSCH developed the AutoForce system to ensure that the correct coulter pressure is always maintained in changing soil conditions. It has been installed in the Maestro series for single grain seeding since 2016 where it has proven its worth. It is now gradually extended to seed drill technology.
In addition to tillage, seeding technology lays the foundation for maximum yields. The extreme weather conditions of recent years, long dry or long wet periods were a particular challenge. Conditions for seeding in dry conditions ranged from soils that felt like flour to cloddy areas, e.g. on clay mounds. In wet years, the requirements on the technology are rated differently. Given the changing annual conditions, finding the optimal compromise for coulter pressure when sowing in highly variable sites is a challenge. This is true for both seeding after tillage and direct seeding.
Even emergence
The AutoForce system for drilling technology can regulate the coulter pressure in the field in all conditions. In those parts of the field where the seed coulter has difficulty penetrating the soil, the coulter pressure is increased to maintain the seed depth. In areas with lighter soils, on the other hand, the coulter pressure is reduced so that the seed is not placed too deeply.
The system results in an evener placement depth and embedding in the different parts of the field when sowing cereals.
From a crop production point of view, even emergence is a prerequisite for the needs-based and reliable management of cereal populations. An even depth placement ensures an optimum start for the seed. In addition to an even seed depth, even consolidation of the seed furrow creates equal starting conditions and access to water for each grain.
Excessive coulter pressure results in increased compaction of the seed furrow which has a negative impact on the development of the first radicles.
Insufficient coulter pressure, on the other hand, can lead to deviations of the seed depth. The AutoForce system provides the conditions for even germination and emergence of the crop. Uneven emergence of the plants quickly leads to increased competitive pressure for the cereal plants that emerge later. Furthermore, the placement depth is closely related to the tillering of the plants. Uneven tillering in the population affects both the plant height and the formation of the ear-bearing stalks. Maximum yields can only be achieved with an even population. Already with the first herbicide, the decision regarding the spraying date is facilitated in an evenly emerged cereal population. But also with regard to fertilisation, growth regulators and fungicides, evenly developed populations are more effective and easier to manage.
How it works
The AutoForce system of the Pronto DC is optimised for a coulter pressure between 15 kg and 350 kg. With the ParaDisc and PowerDisc double disc coulters, the regulation range is between 15 kg and 200 kg. With the SingleDisc single disc coulter in the Avatar, the regulation range is between 20 kg and 350 kg. For the regulation, the contact pressure of the depth control roll is measured by a pressure sensor and then readjusted hydraulically. For example with the single disc technology, as used in the Avatar, the sensor measures the contact pressure on the depth control wheel next to the seed disc. The hydraulic system readjusts the coulter pressure in almost real time via a cylinder. If the disc is pushed slightly out of the ground because the soil is too hard, the contact pressure on the depth control wheel decreases and the system readjusts the coulter pressure. This regulation system keeps the set contact pressure on the depth control wheel constant. In sandy parts of the field, the regulation system relieves the coulters and prevents them from placing the seed too deeply.
The AutoForce system is introduced gradually in the drilling technology sector: it is already available for part of the Avatar series. The next step is to integrate this system into the double disc technology as used, for example, in the HORSCH Pronto series. The pressure on the depth control roll behind the seed coulter is measured with a measuring pin.