Horsch has broadened its precision planting offering with the new Maestro 12 TX single-grain drill for maize and other row crops.

The trailed machine, which joins existing six- and seven-row variants, gets a hydraulically adjustable telescopic frame that allows operators to alter row widths between 45cm and 75cm in 5cm increments without tools.

The job will take just 30-40mins, the company reckons.

See also: Contractor modifies Vaderstad Tempo to sow maize and grass

Seeding is driven by the firm’s AirSpeed overpressure metering system, which is said to remain consistent at forwards speeds of up to 15kph.

This is aided by AutoForce coulter pressure regulation that automatically adjusts from 150-350kg to compensate for changing soil conditions and ensure uniform depth placement.

There’s also a “pro” version of the system, which adds a hydraulic function that actively relieves the weight of the seeding unit on very light or pressure-sensitive soils to avoid excessive compaction. 

The Maestro 12 TX comes with a 4,200-litre pressurised fertiliser hopper feeding single-disc coulters for underground placement.

In addition, each row is equipped with a 20-litre microgranule hopper, allowing simultaneous application of starter fertiliser or other banded products.

Liquid fert system

Horsch Compact Liquid Tank © Adam Clarke

Horsch has also introduced the Compact Liquid Tank (CLT) – a bolt-on module for precise liquid product application at planting.

The CLT enables growers to combine liquid and solid fertiliser delivery in one pass, helping with targeted, in-furrow application of plant-available nutrients, inoculants and biological products.

Standard central tank capacity is 800 litres, with the option of an additional tank to take total capacity to 1,600 litres, and a piston-diaphragm pump provides discharge rates between 50 and 100 litres/ha.

There are two placement options – directly in front of the seed or behind the catching roller – to give flexibility in different field conditions.

For greater control, users can specify row-by-row flow monitoring and half-width shut-off.

The CLT will mainly serve Maestro precision drills, but Horsch says it can be used in combination with any machine where liquid fertiliser is applied at the time of planting, such as those for potatoes or vegetables.