In the ever-evolving landscape of precision agriculture, Norwegian machinery manufacturer Kverneland has introduced a significant advancement with its new Geoforce system, now available for its Optima F and TFprofi precision seed drills. This innovative system promises to revolutionize the seeding process, ensuring consistent sowing depth and potentially boosting yields, particularly for small seeds.
The Geoforce system stands out with its automatic pressure regulation for each individual seeding row. This feature is a game-changer, as it allows the system to maintain a constant and accurate sowing depth, irrespective of soil conditions or working speed. The implications of this are substantial. Uniform sowing depth promotes even germination and emergence, which can lead to higher yields and more efficient use of resources.
The system’s operation is both sophisticated and straightforward. A double-acting hydraulic Geoforce cylinder is mounted in the parallelogram of the seeding unit. This cylinder applies a preset pressure to the depth wheel, which is constantly monitored by a sensor. The sensor measures the resistance on the depth wheel, and based on this data, the hydraulic cylinder automatically adjusts the pressure. This ensures that the sowing depth remains consistent, even as the machine moves across varying terrain.
One of the standout features of the Geoforce system is its individual row monitoring and adjustment. Each seeding row is monitored and adjusted automatically while driving, ensuring precision across the entire seeding operation. Additionally, the system offers the flexibility to switch off one or more rows entirely. This can be particularly useful at headlands, in wedges, or when creating tramline, allowing for more precise and efficient seeding.
Currently, the Geoforce system is available for the SX seeding rows of the Optima F and TFprofi precision drills. The additional cost per row, compared to the standard mechanical spring adjustment, is €2,240. While this may seem like a significant investment, the potential yield increases and resource savings could make it a worthwhile expenditure for many farmers.
Looking ahead, Kverneland plans to make the Geoforce system available for other models and row units in the future. This expansion could further enhance the system’s appeal and utility, making precision seeding more accessible to a broader range of farmers.
In addition to the Geoforce system, Kverneland also offers other options for depth control. These include a single spring with mechanical adjustment, or a hydraulic cylinder that increases or decreases the pressure on all rows of the machine simultaneously. However, these options do not offer the same level of precision and individual row control as the Geoforce system.
The introduction of the Geoforce system is a significant step forward in the field of precision agriculture. By ensuring consistent sowing depth and promoting uniform germination, the system has the potential to increase yields and improve resource efficiency. As Kverneland continues to innovate and expand the availability of the Geoforce system, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the agricultural landscape.