One Drill For All Establishment Systems- Is It Possible?

Current farmer practices for pasture and crop establishment range from conventional cultivation for preparation of a seedbed, to reduced (minimum) tillage to no-till (direct drilling). The success of these operations depends on a number of factors including soil type, land contour, soil structure, vegetation cover, seed quality, and the machinery used; the outcome can range from excellent establishment to complete failure. Through a series of farmer case-studies, this paper describes the capabilities of a seed drill which has been used successfully for non-till, reduced tillage and conventional establishment systems in a wide range of soil types and vegetation cover throughout New Zealand on flat, rolling and high country sites. Key features include the spring tine configuration and excellent tip penetration in all soil types, including compacted soils and stoney ground. The importance of seed quality for the success of establishment is also discussed, and the need for improved information transfer among farmers, the seed drilling industry and the seed industry highlighted.