Fertiliser, roller and weeder for cereals

Over the past few weeks, despite rainy and windy conditions, we have completed the remaining tasks on the cereal fields: fertiliser application, rolling, and weed control. With this work finished, the next machine to enter the fields will hopefully be the combine harvester. As usual, we like to carry out these operations in the order mentioned in the title.

Regarding fertilisation, in recent years we have been using YaraVera™ AMIDAS with excellent results. This year we’ve had to make a change, since the fertiliser used often depends on availability at the supplier’s warehouse. We therefore applied ENTEC® EVO™ 24 (+15 SO₃), which contains sulphur, at a rate of 225 kg/ha. Together with the basal fertilisation applied at sowing, this provides enough nitrogen for a good yield, provided rainfall conditions remain favourable.

Once the fertiliser has been applied, the next step is rolling the ground. This process serves three main purposes:

1. To consolidate the soil and improve root–soil contact
2. To press down stones, reducing potential issues during harvesting
3.  To help incorporate the fertiliser and reduce losses due to exposure

Finally, for cereals, we carry out phytosanitary treatment to eliminate broadleaf weeds. As it has been a very wet winter this year, we’re taking this opportunity to apply a fungicide, which will help maintain plant health.

The following products were used:

• Dingo (2,4-D 30% + Florasulam 0.62% w/v. SE). Dosage: 0.7 l/ha
• Trimur (Tribenuron-methyl 75% WG). Dosage: 15 g/ha
• Geriones (Tebuconazole 25% w/v EW). Dosage: 0.5 l/ha

With all these tasks completed, the crop is now well established and on track for the coming months. From here on, the weather will play a key role, so we will continue to monitor the fields closely and hope for a favourable season ahead. Here are a few videos of these works... we hope you like them.

Versión en español.

Samson TG24 slurry tanker

During our visit to FIMA last year, one of the machines that immediately caught our attention was the Samson TG20 (2-axle) slurry tanker. Upon arriving at the Durán Maquinaria Agrícola stand (the importer of the Samson brand for Spain), our eyes were quickly drawn to the imposing Samson slurry tanker, which conveyed a level of strength that few tanks on the market can achieve at first glance. Moreover, we were lucky enough to meet our friends Diego and Samuel from the Gala Merino livestock farm in Escalona del Prado (Segovia), who told us that they had recently bought it in its TG24 version. So, our visit and subsequent report to see it in action were set in motion.

This August, we had a day off and were able to visit the farm to see the slurry tank in action firsthand. Sergio, the driver of the Fendt 824, walked us through all the details of the slurry tank. He was delighted with its performance, and we could see how easy it was to operate (with most functions automated) and how robust and well-built it is.

Samson is a Danish brand specializing in machinery dedicated to livestock farming, offering a wide selection of machines, tools, and technologies for the application of natural fertilizers. Among their products, slurry tanks stand out, particularly the PT and PG II Genesis series. In this article, we will focus on the PT series, which we had the chance to see in action in the Segovian countryside.

The main feature of Samson slurry tanks is that they do not use a depressor but instead employ an ejector system (Samson® hydro-ejector). Additionally, we would like to point out the following features of the TG series:

• Capacity: 18-24 m³
• Axles: 2-axle slurry tanks, while the TG24 is a 3-axle model.
• Drip hose booms: Working widths from 7.5m to 24m.
• Suspension: Hydraulic axle suspension and a tyre inflation system.
• Lubrication: Automatic grease lubrication.
• Filling: 
• Uses the Venturi effect for faster loading without needing to operate the PTO. 
• The filling capacity is up to 6,000 litres/minute.
• Application: 
• The application rate is proportional to the working speed. Application can be controlled via slurry mapping and analysis, with section-based application.
• Output of up to 15,500 litres/minute.
• No depressor system:
• Simpler maintenance.
• With no pressure or depression in the tank, the tank wall can be thinner and lighter (reduced from 8mm to 4mm), significantly reducing weight.
• Equipped with advanced electronic components such as the electric steering axle, the proportional dosing feed system, and the slurry analyser system."

Our visit to the farm provided a firsthand look at the Samson TG24 slurry tanker in action, confirming its efficiency, ease of use, and robust construction. The advanced features, such as the Samson® hydro-ejector, automated systems, and innovative design choices. With its ability to handle large capacities, offer precision application, and simplify maintenance, the TG series proves to be a highly capable and efficient choice for modern livestock farming.

Versión en español.