Post on 16-Jan-2016
Title: “Flexiseeder”
A new modular approach to improve
the correlation / cross over of results
between plot and field research and commercial agriculture, horticulture and viticulture
Stevens, E.J., Leuchovius, T., Gaardlos, T.,
Russell, A., Zuerrer R, Bakkegard, M.
Theme: One planter for Zero tillage, Reduced Tillage and Cultivated ground
www.flexiseeder.com
Winds of change - affecting developing and developed economies• Over past 6 months, energy & economic food
crisis + growing reality of climate change has
Increased emphasis on zero & reduced tillage while not abandoning cultivation
Highlighted need for flexible management strategies - (“Flexiseeder”)
Generated renewed global interest in small- to medium-size multi-purpose equipment for research and commercial production
Flexiseeder project – Team Approach
• Spawned at IAMFE 2004, St Petersburg when the Seed and Seed Drilling Technology Help Group formed
• Flexiseeder Project comprises two parts
Flexiseeder plot and farmer drills – Abstracts / Technical Notes 001 to 006
Fodder oat global network – Abstract / Technical Note 7 …
(SEE POSTERS / EXHIBITS)
Seeder Project - Aims and Objectives
To improve correlation & cross over of results
between plot and field research and
commercial agriculture by
designing, developing and manufacturing multi-purpose zero tillage modules that equally suited to reduced tillage and
traditional cultivation – for research, extension & production
Zero tillage – Reduced tillage – Cultivation - Plot & Farm
• New Zealand has analogues in Europe, North, Central and South America, Africa & Asia … used for networking
Crop breeding / out of season nurseries / multiplication & production of seed
Farm / field seed drilling technologies & sales
New global application – plot seeders!“Learning from the past”
• Early Oyjord plot seeders modified to take NZ / Australian farmer drill coulters ….
1975
1977 / 78
Tribute to IAMFE
Historical perspective …
• European and North American equipment too light for most local conditions … especially while seeding native pasture and
newly developed scrub and forest land
Small-scale farm drills and farm drill parts used on / for
plot seeders in New Zealand and Australia
since the early 1900s …beginnings field experimentation
Swedish equipment better / best
• Besides Oyjord - others built. Oyjord portion feeders mounted
• These farmer and plot drills still in use today after 35 to 40 years of continuous application …
covering arable, & reduced tillage + light zero tillage (for seeding pasture and brassica) for
research, extension, early generation seed & farm production
Seeding Fodder Oats, May 2008
Fitted with a range of Australian knock-on tips
Still readily available / used
Outcome – excellent farmer participation +good cross-over &
early acceptance / field application of results
Cut-down drills & parts for up-grades sourced from these kinds of NZ machines
for example …
Still used today for arable / light direct drilling
Looking back now – ahead of time
Conclusion• Very good model, but old plot equipment too
light for today’s zero tillage including farmer outreach
• Must up-grade and/or replace with equipmentSuited primarily to direct seeding, but alsocapable of good reduced tillage and arable seeding
• Limited resources – need new alternatives
• What to do?
• Went back to the farming scene
• Reviewed 2000 - 2004 work with Taege under SEMEC, reported at IAMFE 2004 St Petersburg plus background presented– IAMFE 2000, UK
Talked to farmers, agronomists, plant breedersPart A – S tynes laid back successful
• 250 farmer drills built, sold / started through SEMEC farmer groups 2001 – 2004
• Plus
…repeating history
NZ CFRI, 2004 SLU / Ag Society, 04/05
Tynes good .. but still need disc options & tool bars should rotate
… two seeders converted to plot seeders
During early era, farmer disc drills designed & built in NZ & Aust. “cut down” and used for
heavier direct drilling for research and extensionwith good results – still applicable for plot drills
Discs?Collected, modified & evaluated
On-going
Meanwhile old Tume Harrow (1970s era) donated to SEMEC by SLU Sweden arrived in
New Zealand for evaluation as plot drill frame with rotating tool bars
Resulting modules
Flexi Cell Wheels & Belted Cone.
Flexi Cell Wheel
.
Distributor•
Continuous Seeding
.
Basal Fertilizer •
Air Distribution & Delivery
•
Air Distribution & Delivery
•
Coulters and Tips
.
Flexi Coulters and Tips
.
Amazone
Kongskilde
.
Flexi frame – light, open plan
Flexi Frame: Heavy duty and mid-mounted
• g
Flexi Frame: Farmer – open plan• m
Sum up - Substantial gains from planned“cross-over” of equipment modules
Improves correlation of results - research and end-user
Cost effective & efficient - overlaps research with production – brings researcher and farmer closer together
Improves extension and up-take of research results
Applies in developing & developed economies