Disc seeder survey
Have you operated in the last 5 years a DISC SEEDER (including hybrid disc/blade seeder)?
If YES, we would greatly appreciate YOUR contributions to a technical review of your field experiences with the seeder and any identified research gaps, to assist our machinery-focussed research optimise the field performance of hybrid disc/blade seeders in high residue broadacre cropping systems.
Please find below the survey link, as well as some background to the project.
The survey can best be completed on a desk-top computer but also on a mobile phone.
There will be an opportunity for contributors to receive an extended summary of survey results, as soon as available (expecting late 2024).
We thank you for your contribution to our research project!
BACKGROUND:
What are (hybrid) disc/blade seeders?
They are often higher soil disturbance disc seeders which combine a seed/fertiliser delivery system that actively engages with the furrow wall in the shadow of the disc blade. This process generates scuffing and soil throw, which can provide effective options for seed/fertiliser separation. Some disc/blade models also allow for hairpinned residue to be kept away from a shallower seed zone to the side. A specific category consists of single disc & blade systems: including Bourgault Paralink PLW opener with DW scraper, Pillar Gen III opener, RootBoot Razor disc opener and Cross-Slot coulter-blade opener.
Note: Other disc seeder categories with related benefits include wavy coulter-assisted disc seeders (e.g. K-Hart Industries / Great Plains triple disc opener system,) and the i-paddock Alpha Disc seeding unit.
What is our research project aiming to achieve?
Our project is focussed on how to best improve crop establishment efficiency in high residue systems (including strip & disc systems) via the use of hybrid disc/blade seeders. We aim to evaluate how their performance compares with conventional disc seeders – with a focus on pre-emergence herbicide crop safety, residue handling and seed/fertiliser separation. Your responses will help define priority areas for our research, aiming to develop improved operational guidelines for disc seeders in high residue retention systems.
Jack Desbiolles
Agricultural Machinery R&D Centre
University of South Australia
M: 0419 752 295
E: jack.desbiolles@unisa.edu.au
