Ultra-High-Pressure Jets Provide Benefits For Row Crops

Ultra-High-Pressure Jets Provide Benefits For Row Crops DISKS Susterre Technologies Inc is borrowing a proven technology from the industrial manufacturing sector for use in row crop applications The technology uses ultra-high-pressure UHP jets to pump water or liquid fertilizer at 60 000 psi creating a narrow stream of approximately 007 in in width directly in front of a planter’s disc openers and seeding mechanism “The first benefit of using these jets is to avoid the hair-pinning of residue which kills yield ” says Michael Cully Susterre founder “We’re also able to deliver the seed better to the proper depth for improved soil contact in heavy residue conditions ” Susterre retrofits existing planters installing one injection unit per row A tractor’s PTO and hydraulic system will drive up to 12 rows while larger units of up to 24 rows require a power cart equipped with a diesel engine and up to 1 300 gal liquid tank Approximately 150 hp is required to power a 12-row planter The tiny trench created by the jets offers the proper seed placement depth with minimal spray or dust back “An opening in the nozzle draws air inside creating a shield and protecting it from clogging ” Cully says “The jet is moving at Mach-3 so the speed automatically pulls air through ” As planters vary Susterre takes a customer-by-customer approach in their designs considering the size and capabilities required Much depends on soil conditions and equipment models and dimensions “We work with farmers to customize their needs Our system can be universally adapted to any make or model of planter To get it right we visit the farmer take measurements of the unit locate where the jets should be placed and then bracket them to the toolbar ” Cully says The UHP injection units have been field-tested in corn soybeans sorghum and cotton The current focus is on rows 15-in wide or larger Plans include adding capabilities for small grains like canola and wheat which normally use 7 1/2 in spacings Manufacturing of the row units and power carts is completed in Ontario To calculate cost Susterre uses the rule of thumb of approximately $20 000 per row including a power system tank and all required injector units They estimate a 2 to 3-year payback for the farmer “We’re seeing significant increases in crop yield using our system and by keeping farmers employing regenerative practices we can lower their costs ” Cully says “It’s a quick payback compared to other options No-till farmers normally end up tilling every 3 years or so but we believe we can add seasons for cost savings building up their soil and organic matter and reducing the amount of nitrogen they’re applying ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Susterre Technologies Inc 8120 Mud St Grassie Ontario Canada L0R 1M0 ph 404-301-0056; michael cully@susterre com; www susterre com

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