Thursday, 25 February 2021 08:55

Double-row drilling increases yields

Written by Mark Daniel

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Lemken claims there are yield and quality advantages by precision planting maize in two staggered rows.

German manufacturer Lemken claims there are yield and quality advantages to be gained by precision planting maize in two staggered rows.

Following research carried out at the University of Osnabrück in Germany, the results showed a beneficial effect on maize silage quality, with a 7.9% increase in metabolisable energy and 5.4% increase in biogas production.

The research used a large-scale trial plot. Yield and quality was measured for three different sowing rates of seven, eight and nine seeds/m² (70,000, 80,000 and 90,000 seeds/ha) using the staggered twin-row DeltaRow technique on the Lemken Azurit 9 precision drill. Compared to single-row systems, improvements were recorded in each scenario, with the greatest improvement at the rate of eight seeds/m², where yields increased by 4.5%.

Researchers suggested that this technique offers plants roughly 70% more room to grow with improved access to moisture and nutrients.

More like this

Case IH launches new Tier 3 Puma Tractor at Fieldays

Case IH is expanding its popular Puma range in New Zealand, with a new model that was released at Fieldays.

Massey Ferguson 8S tractor makes history in Morocco Desert Challenge

It seems that tractor manufacturers will go to great efforts to promote the versatility and durability of their offerings, a recent example being a Massey Ferguson with an 8S tractor entered into the Morocco Desert Challenge.

LDV unveils all-new Terron 9 Elite ute

As if there wasn’t enough choice in the New Zealand ute market, LDV New Zealand is expanding its offering, by showcasing the all-new Terron 9 Elite at Fieldays.

John Deere acquires Sentera to boost smart farming capabilities

While tractors combines and machinery for agriculture and construction is still its key business, John Deere appears to be taking opportunities in the hightech sector via acquisition, with the recent purchase of Sentera, a Minnesota-based company that specialises in equipment for capturing and interpreting aerial images.

Fendt 600 Vario Series arrives in NZ

Released in New Zealand earlier in the year, the new Fendt 600 Vario series, serving the 150-200hp category, is a compact and manoeuvrable 4-cylinder tractor with high performance and payload, at a low power-to-weight ratio.

Featured

Editorial: Support, don't stifle farmers

OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.

AI-powered fertiliser mapping a game changer for farmers

Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.

HortNZ Board Election 2025: Growers urged to vote before 10 July deadline

Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.

Biolumic’s UV light breakthrough set to transform ryegrass and reduce methane

A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.

NZ Startup Turns Sheepskin into World-Leading Collagen Supplement

A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.

ANZ offers support for farmers and businesses affected by extreme weather

With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.