Nampo showed that rippers are ripping deeper than ever and cultivators have become even wider, says Joe Spencer.
The latest buzzword in soil cultivation is ‘vertical tillage’. So much so, that one agricultural publication invited tillage equipment manufacturers to define the term. This resulted in a widely varying interpretation of the concept. Rather than getting involved in the debate, I’ll illustrate various manufacturers’ approach to different aspects of tillage, based on their displays at Nampo 2018.
1 Kongskilde Vertical Tillage 9000-series
The 9000-series vertical tillage tool is designed to penetrate hard, dry soil through heavy crop residue. It can work the ground down to 100mm in a single pass without requiring extra weight, mixing the soil with the crop residue to hold this valuable material in place. The 9132 shown here has 98 discs, a working width of 9,76m, and weighs 9,5t. It requires a 250kW to 280kW tractor.
2 Erdvark hydraulic reset ripper
The three-point mounted Erdvark hydraulic reset ripper is made for heavy work. The robust shanks are protected by shear bolts as well as a hydraulic reset. Working depth is between 650mm and 1 050mm, depending on the type of shank fitted. The 30mm-wide shank has a hard-wearing tip and protective shin plates to reduce wear. Also available is a special shank with adjustable wings to increase aeration and loosen compaction.
3 Degelman Pro-Till 20 compact disc cultivator
Canada’s Degelman has entered the highly competitive local market for compact, high-speed disc cultivators. The company claims that its Pro- Till shreds residue at a speed of up to 22km/h while ensuring uniform distribution. This is due to a combination of independent disc arms with small-diameter discs, motion-damping rubber suspension, a sturdy frame, and unique consolidating rollers.
4 RipTill strip-till combination
Denne historien er fra June 22, 2018-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 22, 2018-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.
