Sowing a cover crop in a vineyard is one of the most talked about solutions, and can bring about significant benefits to the soil structure, improved water filtration and vigour management. Planting a cover crop at the beginning and end of the year comes with its challenges – especially with the volume of rain over the last year. This is where the brand-new Clemens S-Rex drill helps you get those seeds planted at the right time.
The new product from Clemens was conceived and designed in the UK by two vineyard owners who couldn’t find a machine to suit their requirements – namely to sow seeds and apply liquid fertilisers in one pass, in difficult soils. The drill has been built with vineyards in the UK at the forefront of its designers’ minds, so not only is the UK the first market to have access to it – it will prove an ideal solution for the vast majority of them as well.
The S-Rex is 1.4m wide and uses the APV pneumatic seeder unit with electronic fan, the well-known Metcalf direct drill tine to plant the seeds and then a roller to press the soil around the seed to help germination. Each drill is supplied with two seed rollers to suit seeds of all sizes – perfect for those cover cropping with wildflower mixes. The seed is placed in behind the tungsten tipped tine at 5mm-10mm depth depending on seed type. Each tine can be preceded by a leading disc, to open a slot for the seed in an already established sward or crop without tearing it up. The tine can be used without the disc if the soil conditions allow.
The drill uses 12mm or 100mm tines to create the slot in which the seed is placed, allowing it to overcome the stoniest of soil types and conditions. The tines also produce a small amount of tilth below the top of the slot which gives the seed the best environment in which to germinate. Each tine also features a hardened face and shear bolt stone protection to counter even the biggest ‘Hampshire diamonds’.
The last stage is the full width roller, which is hydraulically adjustable and toothed to effectively ‘pinch’ the slot closed behind the tines and so ensure good seed to soil contact.
A feature not seen on other vineyard direct drills is the optional liquid fertiliser tank – controlled from the tractor cab. This injects a steady stream of fertiliser down the back of the seeder tine to ensure that the planted seed has the best chance of swift germination. Biochar, compost teas and other biological products can be applied at seeding or subsoiling time if the soil conditions demand it.
Subsoiler legs are also available as an option – they simply bolt on to the existing frame. With the subsoiling option the drill can be used to effectively crack the pan and reduce compaction, aiding drainage and promoting healthy root growth. Liquid fertiliser can be applied at the same time as subsoiling.
A significant benefit of the Clemens S-Rex drill is that a cover crop can be planted in one pass only. There is no need to terminate an existing crop, pre cultivate or power harrow to create a seedbed, the S-Rex can sow the seeds in one pass reducing wear and tear on the tractor, reducing compaction and soil damage at critical times of the year.
The Clemens S-Rex drill is available for demonstration and purchase across the south from Haynes Agricultural.
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