Zero till planters in the
Condamine
By Peter Crawford
Austil Equipment
Proudly Australian owned and built
With seasons becoming drier there is a big push towards zero till. The Austil MT2500
single disc opener is helping farmers conserve what moisture they have. The disc
opener is designed for low soil disturbance and can cut
through the heaviest of trash. The angle of the disc allows it
to penetrate into hard soil with good results. The simple
design of the unit allows for easy use and maintenance.
With the press wheel independent to the main frame it
allows the disc to remain at an accurate depth in uneven soils. There are many Austil
machines out in the field with farmers and contractors getting great results.
MT 2500 Specifications
Austil Equipment
Weight
100 kg
Press-wheel
38 cm
Disc Thickness
6 mm
Disc Diameter
51 cm
The units can be fitted to 4”, 6”,
7” and 8” bars. Bars made to
order in linkage and trailing and
combine conversions.
Further enquires contact
Chester or Brett Kucks
Ph: 07 4692 1282
Fax: 07 4692 1295
Email: [email protected]
www.austil.com.au
Zero till planters
in the Condamine
Case studies of innovative and progressive farmers improving their farming systems
to achieve greater productivity and sustainability
Peter Crawford
North East Downs Landcare Group Inc. Oakey
October 2004
Acknowledgements
This book has been made possible by funding from the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water
Quality, through the Condamine Alliance.
We would like to acknowledge the assistance given by the Queensland Department of Primary
Industries and Fisheries and Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines. Material
used in the introductory section has been sourced from publications and research results from these
organisations.
We would especially like to thank the farmers who have willingly provided the information and
details for the planters used in the case studies. Without their cooperation this project would not
have been possible.
Thanks to Nikki Webb (North East Downs Landcare), George Lambert (Condamine Alliance) and
Susan Cullinan (Condamine Alliance) for editing, formatting and good ideas.
Thanks to the organisations who have contributed financially to this book –
North East Downs Landcare Group Inc.
Garnelle Industries Pty. Ltd.
Austil Equipment Pty. Ltd.
Janke (Australia)
Gyral Implements Pty. Ltd.
Excel Agriculture
Printed by Greenridge Press
4 Freighter Avenue
Toowoomba 4350
Phone 4659 1444
Table of contents
Foreword ..............................................................................................................................................1
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................2
Section 1 – Basic zero till principles and research...............................................................................3
Changing to zero till – it needn’t be too difficult.....................................................................3
Zero till research ......................................................................................................................7
Section 2 – Zero till conversions using chisel ploughs and scarifiers or similar machinery ...............9
Damian McInnerney, Moola – John Deere chisel plough .......................................................9
The Town family, Kaimkillenbun – John Deere chisel plough .............................................11
John and Brett Stockwell, Squaretop – Napier scarifier ........................................................13
Terry Leerentveld, Oakey – Napier scarifier .........................................................................15
Colin and Alan Bell, Pilton – planter built from scratch .......................................................17
Section 3 – Zero till conversions using conventional combines/seeders ...........................................19
Mark Genrich, Haden – International combine .....................................................................19
Des and Stephen Kajewski, Peranga - International combine ...............................................21
Ross Garratt, Linthorpe – Massey Ferguson combine...........................................................23
Royce Jensen, Quinalow – Case-Napier combine .................................................................25
Mike Kucks, Maclagan – International combine ...................................................................27
Col Purcell, Brymaroo – International combine ....................................................................29
Barry Reimers, Quinalow – Shearer Wideseeder ..................................................................31
Earl Perina, Brymaroo – International combine ....................................................................33
Peter Halford, Mt. Tyson – International combine ................................................................35
Section 4 – Zero till conversions using three-point linkage toolbars.................................................37
Ken Burton, Brymaroo – International row-crop planter ......................................................37
Bob Comben, Kaimkillenbun – Janke row-crop planter........................................................39
Harold Kowitz, Aubigny – modified cotton planter ..............................................................41
Section 5 – Taking it to another level – controlled traffic .................................................................43
David and Robbie Curtis, Millmerran – Gessner frame, Austil single-disc openers.............43
The Town Family, Kaimkillenbun – Gray disc planter units on three-point linkage bar ......45
Section 6 – Landcare groups involved in zero till .............................................................................47
South Myall Creek Catchment Landcare Group....................................................................47
Clifton Landcare Group .........................................................................................................47
Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group ..............................................................................47
Further reading...................................................................................................................................48
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
Zero till planters in the Condamine
Foreword
As Chair of the Condamine Alliance, I am very pleased to support this publication. Sustainable
farming practice is crucial if we are to better manage our soil and water resources, and the Alliance
has recognised the importance of reduced till as being integral in a sustainable farming system.
The Condamine Alliance has been established as the Regional Natural Resource Management
(NRM) Body for the Condamine catchment. Our role is to facilitate future NRM investment in the
catchment through an investment strategy that is being developed via a consultative process with all
stakeholder groups in the catchment. We seek to invest in activities that will assist the community
change practices in order to better conserve the natural resource assets we all depend on.
Agricultural activity in the catchment is made up of extensive and intensive cropping, grazing and
intensive animal industries. The way in which the land is utilised is a key factor in achieving whole
of catchment natural resource outcomes and meeting the aspirations of the Plan.
Many grain producers on the Condamine floodplains have adopted a zero, or at least a minimum till
farming system over the past ten years or so. However, there are still gaps, and this is even more
apparent in the upland areas to the north and east of the Condamine River floodplain. For a range of
reasons, reduced till systems have not been embraced wholeheartedly by farmers in the uplands.
Many people believe that it is too difficult or expensive adopt a reduced till system on a mixed
farming operation, and I believe that publications such as this will go a long way towards changing
this perception. Being able to see and understand what your fellow farmer is doing, encourages
farmers to change. Not only can improved soil management lead to better environmental outcomes,
it also provides improved productivity.
There are many innovative and resourceful farmers in the Condamine who have adopted the
principle of minimum till showing clear benefits and for modest cost. This is indicated by the case
studies in this publication. I thoroughly recommend this publication to any farmer who is
considering options for changing their farming systems.
Dick Browne
Chair
Condamine Alliance
October 2004
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
1
Zero till planters in the Condamine
Introduction
So you’re thinking of switching to zero till as your main farming system. You’ve heard the
arguments – zero till reduces soil erosion, improves moisture conservation, reduces fuel use, wear
and tear on machinery, and best of all, you’ll spend less hours sitting on a tractor!
But like most people, you’ve struck the problem of what type of planter to go for. Tines or disc
openers? What type of tines? Parallelograms or rigid frame? Single disc or double disc? Which
brand? Although by no means exhaustive, there’s a good range of options described in this book.
There are a lot of smart and innovative farmers out there who have faced the challenge. I hope their
experience gives you some good ideas and encourages you to have a go. Hopefully this book will
be a guide for you as you navigate your way through the issues ahead.
This book was compiled and written towards the end of the winter of 2004. It was an appalling
season on the Darling Downs, but despite this, some very handy wheat and barley crops were
produced. It’s a matter of record that most of these crops were planted under a minimum or zero till
system.
Peter Crawford
North East Downs Landcare
October 2004
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
2
Zero till planters in the Condamine
Section 1 – Basic zero till principles and research
Changing to zero till – it needn’t be too difficult
Adapted from the Queensland DPI&F publication Different implements for a different seedbed
(Jim Greenaway, 1997)
Why the
farming?
need
for
conservation
Much of the rainfall is lost in evaporation
(60%) and runoff (10%) leaving only about
30% for growing a crop. To reduce the losses
and grow better and more profitable crops,
conservation farming techniques have
evolved.
What is the key to conservation
farming?
The key to a successful conservation farming
system is maintenance of a protective layer
on the soil surface, either as a growing crop
or pasture, or the residue (stubble) from a
previous crop. To achieve this soil surface
condition, primary and secondary till
operations are reduced to a minimum or
eliminated. This leaves the planting operation
as the only necessary soil disturbance
between crops.
What are the benefits of conservation
farming?
The protective layer on the soil surface and
the lack of soil disturbance can –
1. Greatly improve rainfall infiltration
into the soil
2. Dramatically reduce soil loss through
erosion
Other spin-offs include lower machinery
operating costs, better timing of planting and
the chance for opportunity cropping.
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
Why the
machinery?
need
for
different
The challenge is satisfactory plant
establishment in a seedbed with minimal
preparation. In conventional farming the
purpose of secondary till is to produce a fine,
level, weed-free seedbed for the next crop. It
is necessary to change from conventional
planting machinery (well suited to the fine
seedbed) and develop a machine which will
create its own seedbed under more difficult
conditions.
Prerequisites
planting
for
minimum
till
Preparation for planting a crop into old
stubble begins at the previous harvest. The
height of cutting at harvest and the length of
straw could affect the following planting
operation. As a general rule cut the crop
shorter than usual.
The trash trail at the back of the harvester
will be a major problem at planting if it is not
spread effectively or removed from the
paddock. An effective straw shredder or
spreader is an essential attachment on a
harvester. Alternatively round baling the
trash trail from a winter cereal crop may be a
useful option.
Heavy equipment
Avoid heavy equipment on the field at
harvest as much as possible. Not only will
wheel tracks be a problem for depth control
at planting, the compaction effect of haul-out
bins and trucks can be serious.
3
Zero till planters in the Condamine
Standing stubble
Standing stubble is easier to handle through a
planter than slashed straw. While a slashed
paddock may look neater, it is an expensive
operation with unnecessary soil compaction
and can create problems with trash handling.
Weed control in fallow
Fallow weed control is essential, and
herbicide usage or grazing animals are the
only alternatives in the absence of cultivation.
An effective boom spray is an important
machine. It is important to research topics
such as the most efficient use of herbicides,
drift problems and susceptible crops,
plant-back times, and the appropriate
herbicides.
Converting chisel plough, combine or
scarifier
Farmers looking to get started in minimum
till planting could consider using some of
their existing equipment with suitable
conversion to cope with seedbed preparation
as described above.
The advantages of chisel plough, scarifier or
combine conversion are –
ƒ
relatively inexpensive to convert
ƒ
implement is already available on
most farms
The main disadvantage of a strengthened
planting implement is the inability of the
strong tines to follow small irregularities in
the field (wheel tracks, small depressions and
ridges) so planting depth may not be as
accurate as desired.
ƒ
replacement of tine points with
adaptors
ƒ
spear points (or similar) and seed
tubes
ƒ
press wheels.
The main advantages of chisel plough
conversion are that it has sufficient tine
breakout pressure for zero till planting, and
the chisel plough can be quickly reverted to
original use (removing press wheels and
replacing tine points).
The main disadvantage of a chisel plough as a
planting implement lies in the inability of the
strong tines to follow small irregularities in
the field (wheel tracks, small depressions and
ridges) so planting depth may not be as
accurate as desired.
Combine conversion
The main requirements for a combine
conversion are –
ƒ
replacing the tine assembly with
more robust ground tools to cope
with trash handling and harder
soils
ƒ
narrow furrow openers
ƒ
press wheels
It is normal to discard the cultivating tines to
improve trash flow.
Scarifier conversion
A scarifier conversion may involve a
combination of both the chisel plough and
combine conversions by using a
seed/fertiliser distributor, strengthening of
tine assemblies, changing to narrow adaptors
and points, seed tubes and press wheels.
Chisel plough conversion
The chisel plough conversion represents a
relatively inexpensive option for trialing the
concepts of minimum till planting.
Modifying for minimum till planting
The main requirements for conversion are –
Most chisel plough tines have adequate tine
breakout (the pressure required to cause the
tine to trip). It is usually in the region of 2 kN
(440 lbf) to 2.5 kN (550 lbf). Replacement
tines for combines should be at least 1.5 kN
ƒ
a suitable seed and fertiliser
distributor box
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
Tine breakout
4
Zero till planters in the Condamine
(330 lbf). Stronger tines would be required on
machines designed for deep planting where a
hard dry surface needs to be busted to find
planting moisture.
Trash handling capability
Chisel ploughs have an appropriate
combination of sufficient rows of tines
spaced at least 90 cm apart and tines spaced
at least 90 cm apart on each row, as well as
70 cm underframe clearance. By removing
the cultivating tines on scarifiers and
combines, then spacing the planting tines on
three ranks and the tines 90-105 cm on each
rank, most trash will pass through even
though the underframe clearance might be
restricted to 60 cm. Row spacing of 30 cm to
35 cm (12-14 inches) is the aim. Trash
blockages are more likely to be a problem
where ground wheels are close to tines, or
other added obstructions like in-frame press
wheels or coulters impede smooth flow.
Depth control
Positive depth control of the machine frame
in the form of mechanical depth stops or a
hydraulic stop is essential. The length and
width of the frame will affect depth of seed
placement. Flexible frames with sectional
widths less than 3 metres will assist as will
tandem walking wheels with as large a wheel
diameter as possible. To overcome the
problem of high breakout tines driving too
deep through small hills in the seed bed,
some form of scraper on the tine may be
useful. Flat-on chisel tines have some
advantage by displacing some soil.
Press wheels
Press wheels can be mounted in frame,
attached to the tine or along a bar at the rear of
the machine either individually or in gangs.
There are a number of advantages in having
the press wheels mounted in-frame, i.e. either
as separate assemblies adjacent to the tine
mounting (preferred) or attached to the tine
itself. By having the press wheel close to the
planting tine, a minimum amount of soil is
allowed to flow over the seed before it is
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
pressed. This has been shown to give better
emergence of seedlings. Better control of press
wheel pressure and better balance of the
machine (less forward weight transfer) are also
possible. The tine mounted press wheel
assembly also has the advantage of being close
to the tine, but in high breakout situations such
as deep planting the press wheel tends to lose
its pressure as the tine breaks back.
Having the press wheels in-frame does have
the disadvantage of cluttering up the spaces
between tines and ground wheels sometimes
hindering trash flow. Press wheels in a row at
the back of the machine are better than none
at all.
As a guide, a press wheel being used in a zero
till planting situation in a clay soil will
require about 15 kg per cm of press wheel
width to adequately close the trench. For the
easier flowing red soils this figure could be
reduced to 10 kg per cm. Where full
cultivation has produced a fine seedbed, half
these weights may be sufficient.
Match the press wheel and the planting
point
There is no advantage in choosing a narrow
tine point if it is followed by a wide press
wheel, particularly in a zero till situation. The
press wheel will ride on the shoulders of the
furrow just created, and not press the seed in
the bottom of the trench. Most spear points
disturb a band approximately 50 mm wide so
a 50 mm press wheel would be the most
appropriate. A single rib tyre may be
satisfactory in softer soils or pre-cultivated
seedbeds. The wider (100 mm) press wheels
commonly seen on conventional till planters
need to have a 100mm band of disturbed soil
to press properly, and also require more
weight to compensate for the width of the
tyre. Narrow (18 mm) points and 25 mm high
pressure press wheels are becoming the
favoured option for heavy clay soils.
Tine shape
Tines are either curved or straight, and
edge-on or flat. There appears to be only
minor differences in performance between
5
Zero till planters in the Condamine
the various combinations of these shapes. The
spear point adaptors fitted to the tines are
more important. As a general rule the
narrower the adaptor is, the less the soil
disturbance. Flat tines have a slight advantage
when moving excess soil from high spots in
the field. Some form of scraper needs to be
fitted to edge-on tines to achieve the same
result.
Selection of points and adaptors
There is a wide array of points and adaptors
on the market. The choice depends on factors
such as soil type and amount of disturbance
desired. For most clay soils the narrowest
trench with minimum disturbance followed
by narrow press wheels appears to be giving
consistent results, particularly with narrow
rows (300 mm) where too much disturbance
of the soil will throw soil into adjacent rows.
Tungsten tipped points will justify the
additional expense in abrasive soils and also
maintain better shape even in low wear
situations.
Coulters
Strategically placed coulters can be used in
front of the planting tine to cut through
vine-like material or long stubble which may
cause blockages adjacent to depth wheels or
press wheels. In heavy clay or cloddy soils,
coulters in front of tines may reduce the size
of clods particularly if there is a dry surface
crust. Sticky soils can be a problem for
coulters. This is often because the coulters
are set too deep.
Figure 1 – QDPI&F trial bar – testing and demonstrating a range of components
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
6
Zero till planters in the Condamine
Zero till research
Zero till: Better soil water storage and wheat yield at Hermitage
Report by Greg Thomas, Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Toowoomba and Bob
Amos, formerly Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Hermitage Research Station
Key points from long-term fallow trial at
Hermitage
ƒ
Zero till combined with stubble retention
has generally provided more stored water
in the soil profile at planting than
mechanical till;
ƒ
Zero till reduces runoff and soil erosion
and results in improved water infiltration
and storage in the soil;
ƒ
Zero till and stubble retention resulted in
improved wheat yield by better soil water
storage and use, particularly in drier
seasons;
ƒ
Best yields over 32-year duration of the
trial have come from combination of zero
till, stubble retention and nitrogen
fertiliser application. This resulted in
another 0.8 t/ha per year compared with
other treatment combinations.
The benefit of zero till and stubble retention
was demonstrated in the long-term Fallow
Management Trial at Hermitage Research
Station near Warwick in 2000. Grain yield
with zero till and stubble retention was an
average 25% higher than other treatments.
Available soil water at sowing using zero till
and retaining stubble was 50 mm higher than
using mechanical till with stubble retention,
and where stubble was burnt.
Baxter wheat was sown in the trial on 27 June
2000. Despite the dry season, there were also
quite large responses to nitrogen fertiliser
application in 2000. Under zero till with
stubble retention, grain yield increased from
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
1.07 tonnes per hectare (t/ha) with no nitrogen
fertiliser to 1.88 t/ha with 150 kg/ha urea.
Under mechanical till with stubble retention,
grain yield increased from 0.8 t/ha with no
nitrogen fertiliser to 1.48 t/ha with 150 kg/ha
urea. The combination of zero till, stubble
retention and nitrogen fertiliser application of
150 kg/ha urea therefore resulted in the highest
yield in the trial in 2000. See figure 2.
The results confirm previous findings in this
long-term trial on the benefits of zero till and
stubble retention in improving wheat yield by
better soil water storage and use, particularly
in drier seasons. Best yields over the 32-year
duration of the trial have come from the
combination of zero till, stubble retention and
nitrogen fertiliser application. This
combination has resulted in another 0.8 t/ha
per year compared with other treatment
combinations.
Zero till combined with stubble retention has
generally provided more stored water in the
soil profile at planting than mechanical till.
Zero till reduces runoff and soil erosion and
results in improved water infiltration and
storage in the soil. Mechanical till disrupts the
structure of the surface soil, reducing the
passages for water entry.
Higher soil organic matter levels have also
been recorded under zero till than under
mechanical till. Greater water infiltration
under zero till has also been found to result in
less nitrate and salt in the soil profile than
under mechanical till.
7
Zero till planters in the Condamine
Figure 2 – Hermitage fallow trial 2000
Acknowledgment
The long-term Fallow Management Trial at Hermitage Research Station near Warwick was initiated
by Jack Littler and John Marley in 1968 and is still delivering useful results for grain growers after
more than 30 years.
For further information, contact: Greg Thomas, NR&M Senior Agronomist, Toowoomba on 07 46
881324.
Figure 3 – emerging zero till wheat crop at Quinalow
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
8
Zero till planters in the Condamine
Section 2 – Zero till conversions using chisel ploughs
and scarifiers or similar machinery
Damian McInnerney, Moola – John Deere chisel plough
General information
The McInnerney family use a minimum till system to grow a range of crops including wheat,
barley, millet, sorghum and chick peas in the Moola district to the west of Quinalow. They changed
to a minimum till system to reduce erosion, improve infiltration, increase cropping frequency
(opportunity cropping), and to take a holiday from ploughing.
Damian and wife Leah run 100 head of cattle in conjunction with their cropping enterprise. Soil
types are mainly brown clay scrub soils, with areas of lighter red basalt soils.
Machine information
Base Machine
John Deere 1610 chisel plough,
Width
8 metres
Modifications
Existing tines fitted with adaptors and spear points,
presswheels fitted to extra bar at rear
Seed distribution system
Simplicity airseeder
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
22.5 cm
Row spacing adjustable
No
No. of bars
4
Type of opener
Original tine fitted with Primary minimum-till adapter
and spear point
Press wheel type
Janke narrow
Covering device
Nil
Other modifications
Diffusers
Horsepower needed
190 hp
Area planted with machine to date
1,000 hectares
Replacement cost
$55,000
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
9
Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ Affordability
ƒ Some soil thrown into adjacent rows
when deep planting on narrow spacings
ƒ Stubble handling ability
ƒ Reasonable contour following flexibility
ƒ Machine can still be used as a primary
cultivating machine in the event of
problem weeds such as fleabane becoming
prevalent
ƒ The machine is also used to pre-plant
fertiliser at times, which causes significant
soil disturbance
Management considerations
Planting depth
25 – 100 cm, depending on crop and moisture
Moisture seeking ability
Good
Penetration
Good
Planting speed
8 – 9 kph
Compaction from stock
Stock not allowed to cause compaction – removed if
wet
Trash clearance
Good
Specific stubble management issues
Harvesting contractors must have straw choppers or
very effective spreaders
Possible improvements
Mud scrapers on tyres, floating hitch (self-levelling),
tines with easily removed shanks (eg Janke)
Figure 4 – McInnerney John Deere 1610 chisel plough
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
10
Zero till planters in the Condamine
The Town family, Kaimkillenbun – John Deere chisel plough
General information
Allan, Ailsa and son Bill and his wife Camille farm around 1200 hectares in the Kaimkillenbun
district north east of Dalby. The country varies from soft alluvial black soil plains to small areas of
lighter box ridges. Cattle are not a fundamental part of the enterprise, but cattle are sometimes
agisted on grass paddocks of the home property.
The Towns have now moved to a full control traffic zero till system, but prior to changing to control
traffic Allan and Bill modified a John Deere chisel plough which was used for three seasons.
Machine information
Base Machine
John Deere 1600 chisel plough
Width
9.2 metres
Modifications
Agrow point adapters with wedge planting point
Seed distribution system
Gyral airseeder cart towed behind
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes – every second tine removed for summer crop
planting to reduce disturbance
Nominal row spacing
37 cm winter crop, 74 cm summer crop
Row spacing adjustable
Yes
No. of bars
3
Type of opener
Agrow
Press wheel type
Janke ribbed mounted on separate bar at rear
Covering device
Chains behind presswheels
Other modifications
No
Horsepower needed
135 hp
Area planted with machine to date
1,000 hectares
Replacement cost
$10,000
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
11
Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ Good use of existing equipment
ƒ Limited row spacing adjustment to enable
planting between rows of previous crops
ƒ Good trash clearance
Management considerations
Planting depth
Not very precise – varies with contours, uneven
ground
Moisture seeking ability
Good
Penetration
Very good
Planting speed
Standard, 8 kph
Compaction from stock
N/A
Trash clearance
Very good
Specific stubble management issues
Good choppers and sieve spreaders
Possible improvements
Nil at this stage – superseded with new planter
Figure 5 – John Deere 1600 chisel plough
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
12
Zero till planters in the Condamine
John and Brett Stockwell, Squaretop – Napier scarifier
General information
The Stockwell family’s main enterprise is a 120 cow dairy. Cows are grazed on barley and oats in
the winter and forage sorghum in the summer, and wherever possible crops are planted under a zero
or at least minimum till system. John is careful to point out that he is flexible, and will cultivate at
times depending on seasonal conditions, compaction and crop type.
Most crops grown are either grazed or cut for hay, but some grain sorghum is grown for
supplementary feeding of the dairy cows.
The change to a minimum/zero till system was made in order to improve moisture retention, cut
costs, and spend less time on the tractor.
Machine information
Base Machine
Napier Blueline rigid frame scarifier
Width
8 metres
Modifications
Existing tines fitted with adaptors and narrow
planting points, presswheels fitted to extra bar at rear
Seed distribution system
TX Gyral 21 row seed and fertiliser box
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes – at present only set up for summer crop
Nominal row spacing
1 metre for summer crops
Row spacing adjustable
No
No. of bars
5
Type of opener
Original tine fitted with Keech min-till adapter
Press wheel type
Janke narrow
Covering device
Old tyre dragged behind each planting tine
Other modifications
Experimenting with additional non-planting tine
fitted in front of planting tine to prepare seedbed for
planting
Horsepower needed
Less than 130 hp
Area planted with machine to date
1,000 hectares
Replacement cost
$9,500
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
13
Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ High lift
ƒ Tines could have a higher breakout
pressure
ƒ Adjustable spacing
ƒ Flexible tyne layout with scarifier frame
ƒ Good trash clearance
Management considerations
Planting depth
Accurate adjustment
Moisture seeking ability
Good
Penetration
Very good
Planting speed
8 kph
Compaction from stock
Compaction can be a big problem in some paddocks.
Cultivation used at times to break up surface
Trash clearance
Good
Specific stubble management issues
Generally not much trash to handle after grazing or
baling
Possible improvements
Fit more tines to allow planting of winter crops on 30
cm spacings, possibly heavier presswheels
Figure 6 – Napier Blueline scarifier
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
14
Zero till planters in the Condamine
Terry Leerentveld, Oakey – Napier scarifier
General information
Terry Leeventveld and his family grow 640 hectares of wheat, barley and sorghum on heavy black
and light red soil types using a minimum and/or zero till system. The family have used their
machine to plant 640 acres of summer and winter crop, sometimes with limited planting moisture.
Their planter allows them to direct drill through stubble from the previous crop, and has a good
moisture seeking ability.
The family own two properties, one near Oakey (grain production only) with a second property at
Acland. The Acland property has a piggery, and grain used in the piggery operation is produced on
both properties. In the future this planter will also be used to plant millet and sunflowers.
Machine information
Base Machine
Napier 664 Scarifier with airseeder
Width
10 metres
Modifications
Existing tines have Keech adaptors welded on and
spear points. Presswheels fitted to extra bar at rear
Seed distribution system
Napier Airseeder
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
24.5 cm
Row spacing adjustable
Yes
No. of bars
5
Type of opener
Tine
Press wheel type
Janke wedge
Covering device
Nil
Other modifications
Hydraulic markers, hydraulic levelling
Horsepower needed
180 hp
Area planted with machine to date
2,000 hectares
Replacement cost
$30,000
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ Ability to seek moisture
ƒ Keeping the planter level (fore and aft)
ƒ Trash flow
ƒ 35 mm chisel points only create minimal
soil disturbance
whilst planting – hydraulic leveller added
to assist (also enables better ground
clearance of presswheels when travelling)
Management considerations
Planting depth
Good moisture profile 60-80 mm, but can go up to 150
mm in depth
Moisture seeking ability
Easily seek to 150 mm without maximum soil
disturbance
Penetration
Good
Planting speed
8 km/hour, up to 10.5 km/hour
Compaction from stock
NA
Trash clearance
Good
Specific stubble management issues
No problem. Using zero till system in erosion prone
paddocks
Possible Improvements
The addition of harrows or a chain across the back of the
unit to level out the planting furrows will make
harvesting easier and smoother
Figure 7 – Napier 664 scarifier
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Colin and Alan Bell, Pilton – planter built from scratch
General information
Colin and Alan Bell farm around 700 hectares in the Pilton Valley south east of Toowoomba. A
program of opportunity or double cropping means each paddock grows five crops every three years,
which would not be possible without zero till.
This is the second zero-till planter that the Bells have built, and has been used since the winter of
2003. Colin stresses the importance of not being locked into any one system, but to be flexible
according to the season, and the type of crop grown. For example, chickpea country is usually
Agrowplowed because of low crop residue.
The major reason the Bells switched to a zero till system in the early 1990s was to improve
moisture infiltration and retention. The major soil types on the property are soft to heavy black
clays with small areas of lighter red country.
Machine information
Base Machine
Workshop built from scratch
Width
7.2 metres
Modifications
Nil
Seed distribution system
Gyral airseeder cart towed behind
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes – first two rows of tines removed for row crops
Nominal row spacing
30 cm winter crop, 90 cm summer crop
Row spacing adjustable
Yes
No. of bars
3
Type of opener
Garnelle tines with spear points, on parallelograms
Press wheel type
Garnelle vee type
Covering device
Chains behind presswheels
Other modifications
No
Horsepower needed
130 hp
Area planted with machine to date
1,600 hectares
Replacement cost
Unknown
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ Parallelogram planting units
ƒ Haven’t found any bad features yet
Management considerations
Planting depth
Able to adjust to plant where the moisture is
Moisture seeking ability
Good
Penetration
Good
Planting speed
6 kph
Compaction from stock
NA
Trash clearance
Good
Specific stubble management issues
Good straw spreaders are essential
Possible improvements
Nil at this stage
Figure 8 – Colin and Alan Bells home-built zero till planter
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Section 3 – Zero till conversions using conventional
combines/seeders
Mark Genrich, Haden – International combine
General information
The Genrich family operate a mixed farming enterprise on a range of soil types from light red clay
loams to heavy black clays. Beef cattle are fattened on grazing oats, forage sorghum and Dolichos
lab lab whilst sorghum and barley are grown for grain. The property also has areas of improved
pasture and lucerne for hay production.
The previous linkage planter proved too heavy for use with a 60 hp tractor on sloping country, so it
was decided to convert an International combine to enable planting into heavy trash. There was also
a need to have a machine able to take advantage of opportunity cropping situations.
Machine information
Base Machine
International A6-1 16 row combine
Width
3 metres
Modifications
New undercarriage constructed with Garnelle spring
release tines.
Seed distribution system
Existing seed and fertiliser box
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
30 cm
Row spacing adjustable
Yes
No. of bars
3
Type of opener
Garnelle spring release tines
Press wheel type
Janke solid tyre
Covering device
Cover harrows
Other modifications
Nil
Horsepower needed
60 hp
Area planted with machine to date
260 hectares
Replacement cost
$8,500
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ Can be easily converted back to a
ƒ Under bar clearance is restricted by not
conventional combine by replacing the
zero till undercarriage with the original
undercarriage
raising the seedbox – seedbox retained in
existing position to allow change back to
original undercarriage when needed
ƒ Seedbox is very accurate
ƒ Good trash handling abilities
ƒ Good penetration
Management considerations
Planting depth
Variable, good adjustment
Moisture seeking ability
Good
Penetration
Good
Planting speed
Varies according to soil type and moisture
Compaction from stock
Manage stock to reduce compaction
Trash clearance
Good, especially if travelling in direction of stubble
lean. If not long stubble can be a problem
Specific stubble management issues
Heavy stubble may be harrowed or slashed
Possible improvements
The addition of coulters is being considered to improve
trash and vine weed handling
Figure 9 – International A6-1 combine, Garnelle tines
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Des and Stephen Kajewski, Peranga - International
combine
General information
Des and Stephen Kajewski run a mixed farming and grazing enterprise on two properties – the
home property near Mt. Darry and another block at Highland Plains, north of Oakey. A 70 cow
dairy herd is run side by side with a 200 head beef cattle herd.
Des and Stephen changed to a minimum-till system in 1999 in order to be able to conserve moisture
and carry out more double or opportunity cropping. As most of the crops grown are either grazed or
cut for hay, compaction can be a real issue on the hard setting chocolate scrub clay soils. Grazed
country is usually worked once with either a chisel plough or offset disc to break up the surface to
allow rainfall infiltration.
Machine information
Base Machine
International A6-2 20 row combine
Width
3.6 metres
Modifications
Existing undercarriage removed and replaced by a two
bar frame. Fitted with Garnelle tine parallelogram
planting units, including coulters
Seed distribution system
Standard International
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
35 cm
Row spacing adjustable
Yes
No. of bars
2
Type of opener
Tine
Press wheel type
Garnelle soft centre
Covering device
Worn out set of cover harrows to level out
Other modifications
Hitch fitted with hydraulic ram to enable a level lift.
Axle boxes extended to give extra lift height.
Area planted with machine to date
120 hectares
Horsepower needed
80 hp
Replacement cost
$14,000
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ Trash clearance is excellent
ƒ Depth adjustment a time consuming and
fiddly process, difficult to set up for loose
(worked) soil
ƒ Good penetration, able to plant deep
when needed
ƒ Transport height still relatively low,
especially for road transport
ƒ Trouble with planting sorghum because
of low planting rate – seed holds up in
sowing tubes then drops in erratic fashion
leaving uneven plant stands
Management considerations
Planting depth
Adjustment fiddly
Moisture seeking ability
Good
Penetration
Good
Planting speed
6 kph
Compaction from stock
Chisel plough or offsets used to break surface in
grazed paddocks
Trash clearance
Very good
Specific stubble management issues
Stubble not an issue due to forage crops only being
planted
Possible improvements
Additional work on frame to improve lift height
Figure 10 – International A6-2 combine, Garnelle parallelograms
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Ross Garratt, Linthorpe – Massey Ferguson combine
General information
The Garratt family (Ross, wife Robyn and son Peter) run a 140 cow dairy herd, so all cultivation
country is dedicated to growing forage crops – either for grazing or chopping for silage. The switch
to zero-till farming was prompted by soil erosion issues on the relatively steep cultivation,
especially during summer storms.
The machine has been used to plant most crops since 1998. Crops planted include forage sorghum,
Dolichos lab lab, oats and barley.
Machine information
Base Machine
Massey Ferguson 56 24 row combine
Width
4.3 metres
Modifications
Existing undercarriage removed and replaced by a two
bar frame. Fitted with Garnelle tine parallelogram
planting units, including a coulter
Seed distribution system
Standard Massey Ferguson
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes – split system enabling larger quantities of
fertiliser to be used
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
35 cm
Row spacing adjustable
Yes
No. of bars
2
Type of opener
Tine
Press wheel type
Garnelle soft centre
Covering device
No
Other modifications
Hitch fitted with hydraulic ram to enable a level lift.
Lift Axle fitted with grease nipples to reduce wear due
to increased weight. Axle boxes extended to give extra
lift height.
Area planted with machine to date
About 800 hectares (160 ha per year)
Horsepower needed
100 hp
Replacement cost
$22,000
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ The ability of the machine to plant into
ƒ Coulter bearings have worn out due to
virtually any situation, due to the coulters
cutting trash and vines
dust cap being removed by rocks. The
coulter mount is also a weak point – could
be strengthened.
Management considerations
Planting depth
Flexible, accurate adjustment
Moisture seeking ability
Not tested as yet
Penetration
Good
Planting speed
7 kph
Compaction from stock
Can be a problem depending on rainfall. Compacted
paddocks are chisel ploughed
Trash clearance
Very good
Specific stubble management issues
Stubble not an issue due to only forage crops being
planted
Possible improvements
The seedbox could be raised as there are problems with
some seed not flowing evenly down sowing tubes
Figure 11 – Massey Ferguson 56 combine, Garnelle parallelograms
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Royce Jensen, Quinalow – Case-Napier combine
General information
Royce grows a range of forage crops to provide feed for a 90 cow dairy enterprise, on light loamy
scrub soil on two properties south of Quinalow. Crops established under a minimum till system
with the modified combine have been forage sorghum, Dolichos lab lab, barley and grazing oats.
All crops are fed off to the dairy cows.
Royce moved to a minimum-till system in order to improve erosion control and conserve soil
moisture. Zero till has been trialed but most crops are grown under a minimum till system. Royce
has some problem weeds, such as fleabane, which have proved difficult to kill with chemicals, so
some cultivation is used.
Machine information
Base Machine
Case (Napier) 28 row Trashseeder.
Width
5 metres
Modifications
Original undercarriage removed, new 3-bar frame built,
fitted with two rows of planting tines, presswheels
fitted to rear bar
Seed distribution system
Existing seed and fertiliser box
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
35 cm
Row spacing adjustable
No
No. of bars
2
Type of opener
Gyral round shank no-till tines with lucerne-type point
Press wheel type
Janke ribbed
Covering device
Harrows
Other modifications
Nil
Horsepower needed
90 hp
Area planted with machine to date
300 hectares
Replacement cost
$13,000
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ Ability to penetrate hard ground
ƒ Lack of weed control at planting. A few
scattered weeds at planting time may be
uneconomical to spray out, so the lack of
cultivating ability can be frustrating
ƒ Minimum loss of moisture at planting
time
ƒ Low cost
ƒ Royce is also keen to point out the
advantages of not spending so much time
on the tractor
Management considerations
Planting depth
Variable, good adjustment
Moisture seeking ability
Yes
Penetration
Good
Planting speed
10 – 12 km
Compaction from stock
Minimum till used when compaction a problem
Trash clearance
Good
Specific stubble management issues
No problem with forage crops
Possible improvements
None at this stage
Figure 12 – Case-Napier combine, Gyral tines
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Mike Kucks, Maclagan – International combine
General information
Mike, Margaret and Peter Kucks run a 90 cow dairy enterprise north of Maclagan. The change to a
minimum till (and preferably zero-till when possible) system was prompted by a desire to reduce
soil loss. The time spent working country for a conventional farming system was also a major
consideration, according to Mike.
All crops grown on the property are grazed by the cows. Around 20 to 30 hectares per year are
planted. Crops planted include oats, barley, forage sorghum, and forage corn.
Machine information
Base Machine
International 511 20 row combine
Width
3.6 metres
Modifications
Original undercarriage replaced with 3 bar frame,
planting tines on front two bars with presswheels fitted
to rear bar
Seed distribution system
Standard International
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
35 cm for winter crops, 70 cm for corn and sorghum
Row spacing adjustable
No
No. of bars
2
Type of opener
Gyral round tine with narrow lucerne-type point
Press wheel type
Janke ribbed swivel
Covering device
No
Other modifications
No
Area planted with machine to date
100 hectares
Horsepower needed
90 hp
Replacement cost
$10,000
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ Trash clearance
ƒ No bad features or problems so far
ƒ Penetration
Management considerations
Planting depth
Variable, good adjustment
Moisture seeking ability
Good
Penetration
Good
Planting speed
Same as for conventional – 7 kph
Compaction from stock
Not generally a problem – compacted paddocks
sometimes given one working
Trash clearance
Excellent
Specific stubble management issues
N/A – all crops grazed
Possible improvements
Changing to a different type of point as the lucerne
points wear out very quickly. He is also considering
using cover harrows to even out the furrows to improve
conditions for spraying.
Figure 13 – International 511 combine, Gyral tines
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Col Purcell, Brymaroo – International combine
General information
Col and Bridget Purcell grow a range of summer and winter cereals in conjunction with an 80 sow
piggery and a cattle fattening enterprise on their property at Brymaroo. The soil types are
predominantly heavy black flats, changing to lighter red loam box ridges.
Col decided to change to a zero till system in order to try and conserve more soil moisture in light
of a run of drier seasons. Soil erosion is also an issue, mainly from summer storms, so conserving
groundcover is a high priority with the Purcells.
Col has planted oats, barley and sorghum with his planter. Col is also experimenting with planting
improved pasture into existing native grass pastures.
Machine information
Base Machine
International 511 24 row combine
Width
4.3 metres
Modifications
Existing undercarriage removed, replaced with 12
Austil disc opener units
Seed distribution system
Standard International
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
35 cm
Row spacing adjustable
No
No. of bars
1
Type of opener
Disc
Press wheel type
Austil (integrated planter unit)
Covering device
No
Other modifications
No
Area planted with machine to date
600 hectares
Horsepower needed
100 hp
Replacement cost
$15,000
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ The Austil planter units will handle any
ƒ Disc openers have limitations in wet
amount of trash
conditions
ƒ Extremely low level of soil disturbance
.
Management considerations
Planting depth
Variable depth, excellent control
Moisture seeking ability
Good
Penetration
Good
Planting speed
8 kph
Compaction from stock
Can be a problem but is manageable. Removing stock
when wet is usual practice
Trash clearance
Excellent
Specific stubble management issues
Use good straw spreaders or choppers
Possible improvements
Improved mud scrapers for the discs are needed
Figure 14 – International 511 combine, Austil disc openers
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Barry Reimers, Quinalow – Shearer Wideseeder
General information
Barry and Owena Reimers use a minimum till system on their mixed farming to plant wheat, barley,
oats, millet, sorghum, lucerne and mung beans. Over 900 hectares has been planted in a five year
period. The soils are varied across the property, mainly light to medium scrub soils.
Grain grown on the property is used in a medium sized intensive piggery. In addition to the
cropping and piggery enterprises, cattle are fattened on oats and summer forage crops.
The main driver for the Reimers to convert to a minimum till system was the benefit that could be
gained in moisture conservation and reduced soil erosion from wind and water.
The Reimers property is located in the uplands of the Myall Creek sub-catchment, within the
Condamine Catchment. The property has the necessary soil conservation structures in place.
Machine information
Base Machine
John Shearer 40 row Wideseeder
Width
8 metres
Modifications
Original tines removed and Janke edge-on tines (with
Janke replaceable points) fitted to 2 bars, presswheels
fitted to rear bar
Seed distribution system
Airseeder
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
37.5 cm for winter crops, varying widths for summer
crops
Row spacing adjustable
Yes
No. of bars
2
Type of opener
Janke tine
Press wheel type
Janke narrow wedge-type
Covering device
Nil
Other modifications
Seedboxes removed, converted to airseeder (buggy
towed)
Horsepower needed
180 hp
Area planted with machine to date
900 hectares
Replacement cost
$60,000
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ The ability of this planter to be flexible
ƒ The tine frame is a bit light
when going over contours is a
considerable advantage
ƒ Underframe clearance is not the best, as
the tines have to be set relatively short due
to limited lift height of the wideseeder
floats
Management considerations
Planting depth
50 – 100 cm
Moisture seeking ability
Yes
Penetration
Good
Planting speed
10 – 12 km
Compaction from stock
Not usually a problem – grazing managed to avoid
excessive compaction
Trash clearance
Fair
Specific stubble management issues
Trouble with vine weeds
Possible improvements
In the future disc openers may be considered as an
alternative to the tine openers currently used.
However the cultivation paddocks have stones that
may cause a problem with a disc opener
Figure 15 – John Shearer Wideseeder, Janke tines
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Earl Perina, Brymaroo – International combine
General information
Earl, Scott and Carol Perina grow a range of summer and winter crops on light red Coolibah ridges
and soft alluvial black soil flats, in conjunction with a beef cattle breeding and fattening enterprise.
The Perinas also operate a 245 head beef feedlot.
Earl wanted to change to a minimum till system to try and eliminate soil erosion from summer
storms. The lack of groundcover resulting from cultivation was seen as the main reason for erosion,
and a run of dry seasons made planting winter crops especially difficult in a conventional system.
Earl does not consider running cattle in conjunction with a no-till system a problem. It all comes
down to management.
Machine information
Base Machine
International 511 28 row combine
Width
5 metres
Modifications
Floats discarded, new frame built in sections to
accommodate Janke clamp-on tines with Janke
presswheels mounted in-frame
Seed distribution system
Standard International
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
35 cm
Row spacing adjustable
Yes
No. of bars
2
Type of opener
Janke replaceable spear point
Press wheel type
Janke narrow solid
Covering device
Chains behind presswheels
Other modifications
Frame lifted from wheel axles to give more height
Area planted with machine to date
280 hectares
Horsepower needed
110 hp
Replacement cost
$18,000
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ Good trash clearance
ƒ Difficulty in handling very heavy trash
with vine weeds is a drawback
ƒ Good penetration
ƒ Reliable International seedbox and drive
system
ƒ The cost of conversion to be relatively
cheap
Management considerations
Planting depth
OK, parallelogram would be better
Moisture seeking ability
Good
Penetration
Good
Planting speed
8 kph
Compaction from stock
No problem – grazing management issue
Trash clearance
Good
Specific stubble management issues
Good spreaders, some straw baled for feedlot
Possible improvements
Possibility of changing to parallelogram units for
improved depth control
Figure 16 – International 511 combine, Janke tines
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Peter Halford, Mt. Tyson – International combine
General information
Peter and Paula Halford moved into a minimum/zero till farming system in 1995 in order to try and
reduce soil erosion and improve rainfall infiltration on a mixed farming operation on the edge of the
Upper Condamine floodplain. Soil types are mainly heavy black clays with some areas of lighter
soils.
The main crops grown are wheat, barley, grazing oats, sorghum, mung beans and chick peas. Most
of the cereal grain produced is used in an on-farm cattle feedlot.
The move to this system has dramatically reduced the time spent on the tractor, resulting in less
wear and tear on machinery and a lower labour input.
Machine information
Base Machine
International A6-2 24 row combine
Width
4.2 metres
Modifications
Existing undercarriage replaced with a 3 bar frame.
Planting tines fitted to front two bars and presswheels
fitted to rear bar
Seed distribution system
Existing seed and fertiliser box
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
30.5 cm for winter cereals, 76 cm for sorghum and
chick peas
Row spacing adjustable
Yes
No. of bars
2
Type of opener
Janke tine
Press wheel type
Janke ribbed. Mounted directly behind the tines.
Covering device
Harrows (occasionally)
Other modifications
Seedbox raised and frame raised 20 cm, hitch raised
Horsepower needed
70 hp
Area planted with machine to date
750 hectares
Replacement cost
$12,000
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ Good ability to plant summer crops into
ƒ Winter cereals planted on narrower rows
heavy trash
can create trash handling problems
ƒ Capability for opportunity cropping
.
Management considerations
Planting depth
Variable, good adjustment
Moisture seeking ability
Good
Penetration
Good
Planting speed
10 – 12 km
Compaction from stock
Look at possibility of deep ripping grazed country
Trash clearance
Excellent for summer crop, average for winter crop
planting
Specific stubble management issues
Wheat stubble is usually slashed and baled for the
feedlot. Best results when crop is harvested low and
straw is chopped
Possible improvements
Possible change to a disc opener undercarriage.
Improve trash handling for winter cropping by adding
another bar. Possible addition of precision planter
boxes for summer crop planting.
Figure 17 – International A6-2 combine, Janke undercarriage
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Section 4 – Zero till conversions using three-point
linkage toolbars
Ken Burton, Brymaroo – International row-crop planter
General information
Ken and Ruth Burton operate a grain farming enterprise near Brymaroo, growing barley, wheat,
sorghum, mung beans and millets. Soil types range from deep alluvial black clays to lighter box and
coolibah country on the ridges.
The major reason for the Burtons switch to zero till was to conserve moisture in what seems to have
developed into a “drought farming” system over the past 10 to 14 years.
Ken also does a significant area of contract planting with his machine each year, as far away as
Meandarra on the Western Downs.
Machine information
Base Machine
International Cyclo row-crop planter
Width
6 metres
Modifications
Original planter units removed and replaced by 18
Austil disc opener units. Napier airseeder fitted to
front of tractor
Seed distribution system
Napier airseeder (front mounted), Cyclo planter
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes – split system for 2 types of fertiliser for summer
crops
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
35 cm
Row spacing adjustable
Yes
No. of bars
1
Type of opener
Austil disc opener units
Press wheel type
Austil vee
Covering device
No
Other modifications
No
Horsepower needed
200 hp – power to lift the machine rather than pull it
Area planted with machine to date
2,000 hectares
Replacement cost
$45,000
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ Excellent trash clearance
ƒ Disc openers are not good in wet
ƒ Good moisture seeking ability. Every
crop planted with the machine has been a
good one.
conditions due to build up of mud on the
disc
ƒ Scraper systems have not proved very
good so far
Management considerations
Planting depth
Simple adjustment, very accurate
Moisture seeking ability
Good
Penetration
Good
Planting speed
10 – 12 kph – high speed not a problem in most
conditions
Compaction from stock
N/A
Trash clearance
Excellent
Specific stubble management issues
Good spreaders and/or chopper
Possible improvements
Ken is considering tramlining, and remove planter units
behind tractor wheel tracks. Due to the considerable
weight of the machine on the tractor, tyre tracks tend to
be very compacted
Figure 18 – International row-crop planter, Austil single disc units
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Bob Comben, Kaimkillenbun – Janke row-crop planter
General information
Bob and Ruth Comben switched to a minimum till system because of a need to improve moisture
conservation during a run of dry seasons. The Combens farm mainly flat black soil self-mulching
clays with some lighter red box country on the plain adjoining Kaimkillenbun.
Bob is not locked into a total zero-till system, but is mindful of the need to be flexible according to
the season. However, a full zero-till plant is carried out where possible. Bob feels that some soils
may need a deep cultivation occasionally, depending on conditions such as stubble cover, stock, or
cracking due to an exceptionally dry season.
Machine information
Base Machine
Janke twin row 40” planter
Width
8 metres
Modifications
Extra tine assemblies added, coulter added to front bar
Seed distribution system
Janke Nu-module planter boxes, Janke fertiliser boxes
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
40 cm
Row spacing adjustable
Yes
No. of bars
3
Type of opener
Janke replaceable spear point
Press wheel type
Janke zero-pressure
Covering device
No
Other modifications
No
Horsepower needed
150 hp
Area planted with machine to date
400 hectares, 3 seasons
Replacement cost
$20,000
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ Very good trash clearance
ƒ Would like narrower spacings for winter
crops
ƒ Accuracy of planter units for summer
crop plantings.
Management considerations
Planting depth
Variable, easily adjustable
Moisture seeking ability
Very good
Penetration
Very good
Planting speed
6 kph
Compaction from stock
No problem usually – heavily compacted country
sometimes lightly worked
Trash clearance
Good
Specific stubble management issues
Good spreaders, graze sorghum stubble
Possible improvements
Bob will add a combine-type seed and fertiliser box
and more planting tines to improve winter crop
planting performance.
Figure 19 – Janke row-crop planter
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Harold Kowitz, Aubigny – modified cotton planter
General information
Harold Kowitz farms around 200 hectares of soft black alluvial plains, as well as 150 hectares of
heavy black to lighter scrub soils on the edge of the Aubigny plain. The switch to zero-till was
mainly because of cost savings and time savings.
The change has produced other benefits, such as moisture remaining closer to the surface which
means an ability to plant zero-till country after a much longer period without rainfall compared to
conventional. Harold does not strictly adhere to a zero-till system, rather than a flexibility to change
according to crop type, weed spectrum and seasonal conditions.
This is Harold’s second zero-till planter, built in his workshop. The first model was fitted with
Janke tines, and these have now been replaced by Austil disc units, as Harold considered the disc
opener to be superior on his country.
Machine information
Base Machine
Farmer-built cotton planter toolbar
Width
4.6 metres
Modifications
6 Austil disc planter units fitted, Horwood Bagshaw
seedbox mounted above
Seed distribution system
Horwood Bagshaw 24 run seed and fertiliser box
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
No – at this stage the planter is only set up for
summer crops (wide rows)
Nominal row spacing
75 cm
Row spacing adjustable
Yes
No. of bars
1
Type of opener
Disc
Press wheel type
Austil for zero-till, Janke zero pressure for cultivated
country
Covering device
Janke spring tine ticklers before presswheel
Other modifications
No
Horsepower needed
100 hp (large enough to lift the planter)
Area planted with machine to date
160 hectares (1 season)
Replacement cost
$12,000
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
General comments
Best features
Worst features
ƒ Will go through any amount of trash
ƒ The disc units are difficult to keep out of
the ground in soft cultivated situations
ƒ Seed placement is very precise
ƒ Planter can be easily modified to be able
to plant winter crops
Management considerations
Planting depth
Very accurate adjustment of depth
Moisture seeking ability
Hasn’t been tried yet
Penetration
Excellent
Planting speed
10 kph
Compaction from stock
Not applicable
Trash clearance
Excellent
Specific
issues
stubble
management Good spreaders, choppers ideal
Possible improvements
Harold will add a further 5 units on stub bars to enable
winter crop planting on 37 cm spacings
Figure 20 – farmer-built cotton planter, Austil single disc units
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Section 5 – Taking it to another level – controlled
traffic
David and Robbie Curtis, Millmerran – Gessner frame,
Austil single-disc openers
General information
David and Robbie Curtis own and manage a 1,500 hectare farming and grazing property just east of
Millmerran. Besides growing around 1,100 hectares of various grain crops each year, the Curtis’
run around 2,200 wethers on native and improved pastures. The main soil type is a difficult to
manage hard-setting grey box soil.
David changed to a zero-till farming system after the wool price collapse in the early 1990s. David
was driven by a need to improve farming methods and become more productive and efficient, as
well as reducing soil erosion on very erodible soil types.
The change to a controlled traffic system has been made possible through the purchase of a new
planter, designed and built by Gessner Industries (Toowoomba) to specific design criteria to suit
David and Robbies farming operation. The Gessner frame is fitted with 36 Austil single disc
planting units. A 4,500 litre Simplicity air cart is towed behind the planter.
The planter is set up to plant both winter and summer crops – winter crops on a 32.5 cm spacing,
and sorghum on 1 metre spacings.
Figure 21 – overall view of the Curtis planter
All cultivation paddocks have permanent controlled traffic tracks set out. Tracks are set up for a 2
metre wheel spacing, which suits the Steiger Cougar tractor and John Deere 2850 tractor used to
pull a 24metre Hardi trailing boomspray. At this stage the tracks are not set up to suit header tracks,
but this may be an option in the future.
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Crops planted so far include wheat, barley, sorghum, millet, oats and mung beans. Over three
seasons David has planted over 8,000 hectares with the planter, with some contract planting being
carried out for some neighbouring farmers as well.
David says that any investment into a zero-till system will be repaid. The savings in time, fuel and
wear and tear alone make it pay, without the increased soil moisture profile, and ability to plant a
crop on-time virtually any time.
Machine information
Machine description
Gessner Industries frame, with floating hitch and front
wheels pivoting. Fitted with 36 Austil planter units on
two bars.
Width
12 metres
Seed distribution system
Trailed Simplicity airseeder cart, hydraulic driven
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
32.5 cm for winter, 1 metre for sorghum
Row spacing adjustable
Yes
No. of bars
2
Type of opener
Single disc
Press wheel type
Austil vee type
Horsepower needed
150 hp would be plenty (currently using existing
Steiger Cougar tractor, at reduced revs to save fuel)
Area planted with machine to date
8,000 hectares
Replacement cost
$150,000
Figure 22 – close up of Austil units
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
The Town Family, Kaimkillenbun – Gray disc planter units
on three-point linkage bar
General information
Allan, Ailsa and son Bill and his wife Camille farm around 1,200 hectares on two properties in the
Kaimkillenbun district north east of Dalby. The country varies from soft alluvial black soil plains to
small areas of lighter box ridges. Cattle are not a fundamental part of the enterprise, but are
sometimes agisted on grass areas of the home property.
The Towns have now moved to a full control traffic zero-till system, and a new planter has been
custom designed and built to work in with the wheel tracks of headers and the boomspray. The
wheel tracks of all machinery (header, tractor, and spray coupe) are now on 3 metre spacings. The
chaser bin has also been converted to 3 metre track width, but at the moment still has to be moved
off the tracks to take grain from the header. Allan and Bill are planning further modifications to
enable unloading on the go whilst remaining on the tramlines.
The new planter was designed Ian Burt and Bill Town (who is an agricultural engineer), and built
by Grays Engineering, Dalby. The frame is 9.1metres wide, with one main bar carrying Gray
Engineering single disc planter units. The weight of the machine is supported by hydraulic lift
assist caster wheels. The planter is only set up summer crops at this stage. Allan says they are
looking at putting in another bar and more planter units to enable winter crop planting on 35 cm
rows. Seed and fertiliser is supplied by a Gyral airseeder cart towed behind the planter.
Figure 23 – wide view of the Town planter
Sorghum is the only crop that has been planted with this planter until 2004. The best feature of this
planter is that it has enabled a change to controlled traffic, giving good outcomes in terms of
compaction and fuel savings. Alan also likes the ability to quickly change row spacings to enable
planting down between the rows of the previous crop. Trash clearance is excellent.
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Machine information
Machine description
Rigid frame toolbar, set up with lift-assist caster
wheels, fitted with 12 Gray Engineering disc planter
units (summer crop), 24 units for winter crop planting
Width
9.1metres
Seed distribution system
Trailed Gyral airseeder cart
Seed and fertilizer capability
Yes
Summer and winter crop capability
Yes
Nominal row spacing
35 cm winter crop, 70 cm summer crop
Row spacing adjustable
Yes
No. of bars
2
Type of opener
Single disc
Press wheel type
Twin cast steel closing wheels, followed by a soft
wedge Janke zero till presswheel
Horsepower needed
220 hp (mainly for axle strength and lift capacity)
Area planted with machine to date
1,600 hectares
Replacement cost
$45,000
Figure 24 – close up of Gray disc units
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Section 6 – Landcare groups involved in zero till
South Myall Creek Catchment Landcare Group
South Myall Creek Landcare Group commissioned
Chester Kucks (Austil, Quinalow) to build a planter
to enable members to trial areas of zero till on their
properties.
Many members have expressed interest in moving to
zero till but still unsure about making the
commitment.
The planter is narrow enough (around 4 metres
overall) to be able to be transported along main roads.
The planter is fitted with seven Austil disc opener
units and can be set up to plant virtually any crop.
Contact Glenys Bowtell on 4692 1347
Clifton Landcare Group
Clifton Landcare have available a 10 row Multifarming Systems planter (built by David Trevalian
at Banana in Central Queensland) available for hire
by group members and anyone else intersted in
tialing zero till.
This planter has been used by numerous
landholders in the Central and North East Darling
Downs districts since 1996.
Contact Louise Skidmore on 4697 3148
Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group
The Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group, covering the Warwick and Allora Shires, has a zerotill planter that is based on a 14 tine John Shearer
chisel plough, and was developed for the benefit of
members looking to experiment with zero till
cropping.
The machine was modified by group members with
assistance from Warwick TAFE students.
The machine won the BHP Landcare Award in 1994,
and was an entrant in the 1994 National Landcare
Awards.
Contact John Armbruster on 4667 3138
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Further reading
Controlled Traffic Farming Guide
Conservation Farmers Inc. (2003)
Growers Guide to deep Sowing
Conservation Farmers (2003)
The 2nd Fallow Weed Management Guide
Conservation Farmers (2003)
Min-till Drill a Guide to Minimum Till Cropping
Systems
Kondinin Group (2002)
Zero Till Planters in the Burnett
Richard Mason, Burnett Catchment Care
Association Inc. (2000)
Different Implements for a Different Seedbed
Jim Greenaway, QDPI&F (1997)
Farmer Developed Planters for Stubble Farming
John Marshall, Conservation Farming
Centre (1992)
The Conservation Farmer Newsletter
Conservation Farmers Inc., bimonthly
(subscription with membership)
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Zero till planters in the Condamine
Notes
© The Condamine Alliance 2004
49
105 Yandilla Street, Pittsworth Q 4356
Postal Address: Box 122, Pittsworth Q 4356
Website: www.garnelle.com
Phone: (07) 4693 3592 Fax: (07) 4693 3012
Email: [email protected]
ACN 065 078 873
ABN 93 808 249 903
Garnelle Industries specializes in the design and manufacture of Conservation
Farming Equipment and can look after your special needs.
From bolt on zero-till conversions (including Spear Point Adaptors, Press Wheels,
Tine Assemblies, Paralellograms, Disc Openers and Coulter Assemblies), for
Combines, Chisel Ploughs etc., to Complete Machines and Air Seeders designed to
suit your requirments