In this article, we’ll explore what a seed drill is, its history, and why it's an essential tool for modern farming.
BONUS DOWNLOAD: Seed Drill 101 Info Sheet
Also known as ‘Direct Drills’, ‘Box Drills’, or ‘Combines’, Seed Drills are used to plant a diverse range of seed - most commonly oats, lucernes, and grasses - for pasture renovation (providing quality feed for animals) on small to medium, mixed or pastoral farms.
Seed Drills can ‘direct drill’ seed into the residues of previous crops without previous cultivation. This minimal soil disruption technique is known as ‘no-till’ or ‘zero-till’ farming popular in Australia.
A seed drill plants seeds at precise depths and intervals in the soil. It ensures that seeds are sown evenly across a field, which is crucial for optimal crop growth. Modern seed drills, like an Agrowdrill, come equipped with features that enhance their efficiency and reliability.
Seed drills generally have a dual-hopper design that enables the separation of seed and fertiliser before being ‘banded’ together during sowing. Seed is drawn via gravity into rollers that are directly driven by an infinitely variable gearbox connected via clutch to the machine’s wheels or by an electric drive motor.
The seed falls through hose into chutes (or ’seed tubes’) behind a ‘tyne’ with either a ‘baker boot point’, or single or double disc opener. These create a shallow furrow in the soil into which the seed is then dropped or ‘placed’.
Seed drills require calibration before operation to ensure the correct ‘seeding rate’ (ie: seeds per hectare), depending on the different sized seed variety and/or desired outcomes.
Seed drills can be raised or lowered via tractor hydraulics to remotely engage or disengage the seeding mechanisms.
Optional presswheels or soil rollers can be fitted to, or trailed behind the seed drill, to flatten the soil and lightly press or cover the seed into the soil.
The above pastoral field was sown by an AD230 Agrowdrill. Photo Credit: Hobbs Livestock
When selecting a seed drill, consider factors such as:
AUSSIE FARMERS CHOOSE AGROWDRILL
Agrowdrill seed drills are popular amongst Australian farmers for their quality, reliability, and versatility in a range on soil conditions.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SEED DRILL:
Single disc openers are ideal for heavy soils and high residue conditions, ensuring precise seed placement and minimal disease risk. Double disc openers excel in light soils and allow for faster planting, making them suitable for well-prepared ground. Learn more about their unique benefits and applications in this article.
When it comes to choosing between a tyne or disc opener for your seed drill, each option comes with its own set of advantages and considerations. In this article we compare the pros and cons and discover which options are best suited to certain conditions.
