WHEAT IN A MONOGRAIN PNEUMATIC SYSTEM. Hybrid seeds are more expensive.
The BERTINI pneumatic monograin system allows us to sow wheat, maize, soya etc. with complete precision. By changing the seed rate from kilograms per hectare to seeds per linear metre we achieve reduced seed costs. BERTINI is the only drill in the world that can precision drill wheat at 19 cm rows, using a monograin pneumatic system.

WHEAT IN A CONVENTIONAL PLASTIC ROLLER FEEDER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
When drilling conventionally, the BERTINI drill offers a plastic metering unit for each coulter and an 81-speed gearbox (with a 5% differential between the gears), thereby achieving greater uniformity.
 
 
 

RAPE IN A CONVENTIONAL PLASTIC ROLLER FEEDER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. Rape seed distribution is obtained with greateruniformity by a helicoidal wheel that enables small seed doses to be sown per hectare. A double disc and a plastic element, guarantee germination through good seed to soil contact.

BERTINI will present their direct drill model 22,000 for the first time in the UK, in a 4 metre version, at the Tillage 2002 event. It will be able to direct drill hybrid wheats at 19cm rowwidths; at up to 40 seeds per linear metre; evenly spaced! This will represent 35-40 kg of seed per hectare or 1,8000,000 to 2,200,000 seeds per hectare. If we consider a minimum of 4 tillers per plant then 600-800 plants per metre square can be achieved. The hybrids offer good disease resistance and a germination capability of 98%. With the drill thus operating in aprecision form, a good plant population is achieved, while savings on establishment costs are assured. To prepare a seed-bed conventionally, and allowing for drilling time, we need to allow some 3 hours per hectare. By comparison direct drilling enables us to sow 3 hectares per hour! This equates to a saving of 70-80% in work-load, horsepower, fuel, equipment and it's maintenance and renewal. In addition there are ecological benefits. Direct drilling reduces CO2 emissions. It increases the organic matter in the soil and inhibits soil erosion (both aeolic and hydraulic). With time the crop roots loosen the A-B-C soil horizons allowing for greater plant root mass and much improved water infiltration. The combination of precision direct drilling with the use of hybrid seeds could comprise the agricultural revolution of the new century!