A new machine is available that creates the perfect seedbed and root zone for crops at a fraction of the current power (HP/KW) requirement and cost of seeding.

Called a Seedbed Conditioner, this machine slices through soil and roots at depths of 200 to 300 mm, lifting and opening soil without inversion or destruction of the roots of the previous crops.  It creates and maintains a deep, well-aerated seedbed.

The Seedbed Conditioner is extremely energy efficient.  It requires only 25 per cent of the HP/KW (and fuel) of no-till seeders, and can be attached to the front of a seeding machine.  This allows farmers to create and maintain perfect seedbed conditions in a single operation, at a fraction of normal seeding costs.

The introduction of a Seedbed Conditioner into cropping programs requires soil to be pre-ripped, just once, to about 300 mm depth prior to its use. This ripping shatters the compact soil below 80-100 mm depth that exists in all cropping soils, which restricts root growth and crop yields.

The Seedbed Conditioner is not built to withstand the resistance of compact soil.  But, its use prevents deepened seedbeds from re-consolidating, because it preserves enlarged root systems and soil biology populations, which provide reinforcing mesh and glue that minimises soil reconsolidation.

Over 15 years of paddock-scale research, the largest reconsolidation measured was only 25 per cent of the extra aeration of a freshly-made deepened seedbed, and this was caused by excessive irrigation applications.

The design and manufacture of the machine make it very strong and durable, and its width and tool-spacing can be customised to suit individual needs and preferences. All soil engaging edges are fitted with the hardest available steel. Single and double-fold frame options are available.

The machine is capable of loosening soil beneath traffic tracks and removes and avoids the need for re-ripping controlled traffic tramlines.

The stable, low-draft looseness of deepened seedbeds mean wheel slippage will never be a problem, but there may be an increase in rolling resistance. If rolling resistance is a concern it can be easily overcome by using either dual wheel options or wider flexible-wall tyres on the tractor and seed and fertiliser cart.

Over 15 years of paddock-scale research the Seedbed Conditioner always produced large yield increase, which averaged 25 per cent with a range of 10–40 per cent.

The Seedbed Conditioner is featured in the ARR.News Store.
Sales enquiries:  Greg Hamilton 0481 764 070 gjhamiltong@gmail.com

The Seedbed Conditioner series of articles:

• New machine improves soil fertility and increases crop yields;
• Drought and waterlogging resilience of Seedbed Conditioning;
• Increases in soil carbon and soil Carbon Credits income;
• Large increases in root growth and soil biology populations;
• Increases in soil nitrogen and reduced need for nitrogenous fertilisers;
• Sustainability/soil health of Seedbed Conditioning – increased fertility and prevention of soil-borne diseases;
• Substantial reductions in irrigation water use and application times.

Australian Rural & Regional News is pleased to publish this series of articles sponsored by Greg Hamilton, the inventor of the Seedbed Conditioner and founder of Maximum Soil & Water Productivity Pty Ltd.