OPICO fertiliser applicators are available in two different types, a model for solid fertiliser the Feritcast and the Nitro-Jet range of applicators for liquid fertiliser.

One of the key elements of achieving a strong Oil-Seed Rape crop is ensuring the plant develops a good, long tap root before winter i.e. by the time the days become shorter and it is too cold for growth.

The problem

A wet harvest means a late harvest and therefore late drilling, giving the Oil-Seed Rape a shorter period of time for the plant to achieve enough strength and size to get through the winter months, and furthermore a cold, wet Autumn means even less growing days before winter.

One answer to help these problems is to apply fertiliser at seeding to give the plant a quicker start and allow it to grow more vigorously in a shorter time span. But to do this as a separate operation after drilling takes more time and money.

NVZ's

With further expansion of NVZ's (Nitrate Vulnerable Zones) tightening the regulations on the amount of autumn fertiliser used, this means that most arable farms will be limited to 30kg/ha on a Rape crop with it having to be applied before the 30th of October.

click here for more information on NVZ's

Solution: Band apply fertiliser in rows whilst Till-Seeding

Many farms are already Till-Seeding their Oil-seed Rape in rows using a subsoiler and benefiting from stronger growth and greater yields. But broadcasting the fertiliser across the full width on band sown OSR is wasteful and expensive, it needs to be applied in bands or rows where the plants are, decreasing usage and leaching but increasing effectiveness, as you are only applying the fertiliser where the plant can use it before winter the overall rate can be reduced or if it is left the same at 30kg/ha it is the equivalent of full width applying 120kg/ha.

For more information on a particular machines feature and how it works click the links below.

Liquid - Integrated Fertiliser Applicator
HE-VA Subsoiler Nitro-Jet Integrated Liquid Fertiliser Applicator for Oil-Seed Rape. Two models designed to be mounted on to the non-folding and hydraulic folding HE-VA Subsoilers.
Skid Unit Nitro-Jet Skid Unit Liquid Fertiliser Applicator for Oil-Seed Rape. Designed to be easily mounted on to any cultivator and various other different types of machines.
Liquid - Front Mounted Fertiliser Applicator
Front Mounted Nitro-Jet Front Mounted Liquid Fertiliser Applicators for Oil-Seed Rape Designed to fit onto the front linkage of a tractor, supplied with pipe work to run to the cultivator on the rear of the tractor.
Granular  - Integrated Fertiliser Applicator
Ferticast Granular Fertiliser Applicators for Oil-Seed Rape. Designed to be easily mounted on to any cultivator and various other different types of machines.