Precision Rig Hits the Spot - Simplicity 13000L Air Seeder
ONE of the big challenges for farmers using liquid fertilisers is to ensure it hits the target.
In the case of east Pingelly farmer Jeff Edwards, precision placement is the reason he chose a rig comprising an Ausplow DBS precision seeder and the new Simplicity Australia 13,000L air seeder with liquid capability.
Jeff said there was still plenty of work left to do to fine-tune his 3600ha (9000ac) cropping program, but the cost input of the rig worked out to about $9.50/ha over the five years he had to pay for the machines. Compare that to the $45/ha for chemical and $70/ha for fertilisers and it's a very cost efficient means of getting the job done.
Initially Jeff used a home-made 5000L tow-behind cart to handle his liquids but the new Simplicity, with a 9000L grains box and a 4000L stainless steel bin for liquid, looked a better prospect, particularly because of its simple metering system and ability to apply variable rate.
It also was built on the Simplicity 15,000L chassis, complete with 24.5 x 32 front lug tyres and 30.5 x 32 rear lug tyres.
"We're assessing variable rate for the future" Jeff said. "So I can muck around a bit with it manually on the go to adjust rates in different parts of the paddock.
But once I get paddock maps sorted out I expect automatic variable rate will be a component of my system."
The Simplicity comes with a Zynx controller, which makes calibration easy and gives Jeff everything he needs as he moves forward into GPS-mapping. The Simplicity bin is based on the company's 9000L two-tank model with the addition of a third 4000L stainless steel tank. Designated the 13,000TQL3, it has variable rate capability through a KEE Zynx controller. The three bins are fitted on a standard 15,000L model chassis.
Simplicity has had variable rate technology as a standard option for many years and claims to be the world leader in this development. The company has a linear actuator system, which uses both the mechanical ground drive and a purpose-built electric system.
While full electric motor drives are still available, it is the linear actuator, linked to ground drive, which is at the heart of Simplicity variable rate metering.
The principle is that with ground drive you have speed relativity but the actuator allows the rate to be changed either manually or from a GPS signal by simply adjusting the gear box setting on the metering unit.
Jeff has plumbed the Simplicity to the 15.2m (50ft) DBS through 25mm delivery tubes to six manifolds with T-Jet orifice bodies with tubes gravity-feeding liquid to stainless steel dropper tubes mounted on the DBS blade bolt-holes. Jeff designed the tubes, which are made by Pingelly Engineering.
"I can achieve good placement of 60L of Flexi-NK so it doesn't affect the seed and it gets the benefit of any moisture that's in the subsoil profile," he said.
"I apply 100kg/ha of K-Till Plus with the seed. I originally spread urea but it's not as efficient as the liquid N."
Jeff noticed in 2004 sowing that germinations were stronger in the liquid N rows. His control strips, without liquid N, showed less early vigour.
"It's really about getting everything right, from the machinery to the nutrient mixes," Jeff said. "With the Simplicity there's the flexibility to use granular and liquid products together or separately and with the DBS you know the product is going where you want it."
Interline Sales dealer principal Greg Humphries checks over the shedded Simplicity 13,000L air seeder on Jeff Edwards property at east Pingelly.
East Pingelly farmer Jeff Edwards is happy with the 'proof in the pudding' after another year of tweaking the nutrient placement package using liquid fertiliser through the new Simplicity 13,000L and the DBS precision placement seeder.
