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An important operation that is also possible in the summer
Seeding is one of the most important activities in agriculture, as it is the first of several steps that allow foodstuffs to reach our tables.
Seeding in the open field can also be done during the summer, although it requires some special precautions to be taken due to the high temperatures and variability of rainfall.
First of all, where no seeding is undertaken, the soil must be prepared by ploughing and harrowing, after which the soil can be incorporated with compost or manure. Adding organic matter to the soil improves its ability to retain moisture.
Then it is important to select the most suitable seeds for the type of soil and the temperatures that are expected to be reached. Then after seeding, it is possible to proceed with rolling (a roller can be passed over the field to ensure that the seeds are well covered) and irrigation, so that the seeds have the water they need to germinate, especially in times of drought.
One of the main advantages of seeding during the summer is that this season offers a longer growing season for some crops and the high temperatures can accelerate germination and plant growth.
Seed drill: a useful machine to combine with the tractor
Naturally, it is very important to choose a sufficiently powerful tractor to carry out seeding operations in the open field and to combine it with an essential piece of machinery: the seed drill.
There are different types: inter-row, pneumatic… depending on the type of crop and specific needs.
The first step is to adjust the seed drill: set the seeding depth and seed density according to crop specifications.
When attaching the seed drill to the tractor it is essential to ensure that the machine is well secured and functional.
The actual seeding operation with the tractor therefore consists of driving the tractor along the field while the seed drill distributes the seeds in the soil. It is important to maintain a constant speed and follow straight lines to ensure an even distribution. In this case, a GNSS satellite guidance system ensures optimal performance.
The Serie X6.4 P6-Drive, power at the service of summer seeding
When looking for versatility, performance and comfort in one single tractor, the best choice is the McCormick Serie X6.4 P6-Drive, ideal and irreplaceable for open field work, such as haymaking and seeding.
Equipped with the High Vision Cab, with a FOPS-approved panoramic roof for maximum visibility, ideal for M40 front loader applications, it is the best platform for ensuring full control of the seeding operation.
In addition, the new-generation P6-Drive 24+24-speed or 40+40-speed transmission with creeper and 6 powershift gears is designed to strengthen the tractor’s performance right in the open field.
The X6.4 P6-Drive model is presented as a high-tech tractor, equipped with PSM (Precision Steering Management) and an ISObus system to make the implements communicate with the tractor and thereby optimise all worksite operations.
In this way, overlapping during the seed spreading phase can be eliminated, which also allows saving in terms of time and fuel for the tractor, but above all, makes it possible to reduce the use of seed, provided that the seed drill is also prepared for the ISObus protocol.