Results and Summary of the 2024 Direct Drilling Demo Day

Results and Summary of the 2024 Direct Drilling Demo Day

In 2024, a Direct Drilling Demo Day was held in Kautjala, Harju County, in cooperation with representatives of 12 different agricultural machinery brands. More than 200 participants attended the event to evaluate the performance of various seed drills and discuss the practical aspects of transitioning to direct drilling. Compared to previous years, conditions were more challenging – there was more straw residue, the fields were stonier, and the soil type was more variable. The trials were conducted in two stages: winter rapeseed sown after winter barley and winter wheat sown after winter wheat.

Winter Rapeseed Trial

Sowing date: August 7, 2024
Precrop and yield: Winter barley, 5 t/ha
Mineral nitrogen applied (as element): 150 kg N/ha
Seeding rate and depth: 4 kg/ha, 2 cm
Harvest date: August 18, 2025

Participating seed drills: Multiva eCerex, Väderstad Tempo, Virkar Dynamic, Horsch Avatar.

The average yield ranged between 2.7–3.1 t/ha, with the highest yield achieved by Horsch Avatar (3.12 t/ha). Note: Yield data was obtained from combine harvester readings. Since the trial did not include replications, the results do not meet the standards of a scientific experiment.

Winter Wheat Trial

Sowing date: August 29, 2024
Precrop and yield: Winter wheat, 9 t/ha
Mineral nitrogen applied (as element): 188 kg N/ha
Seeding rate and depth: 140 kg/ha, 3 cm
Harvest date: September 4, 2025

The trial involved 11 different seed drills, as well as additional tests with Siblija + Väderstad Rapid and Systemseparation’s fertilizer.

The average yield ranged between 8.1–9.4 t/ha, with the highest yield recorded for the Siblija + Väderstad Rapid combination (9.38 t/ha). Note: The yield data was obtained from combine harvester measurements. As the trial had no replications, the results are not statistically validated.

Analysis and Conclusions

Seed drills with disc openers experienced more challenges penetrating through straw residues, which occasionally resulted in uneven germination. Meanwhile, tine openers achieved more uniform emergence, but the lifting of stones from the soil may sometimes require additional fieldwork. When it comes to direct drilling, the even distribution of straw is of critical importance. Before transitioning to direct drilling, the entire system should be carefully planned – from fertilization and residue management to maintaining soil structure.

This year’s results clearly show that straw management plays a key role in success. The area sown with Väderstad Rapid – where a straw harrow had been used beforehand – exhibited even straw distribution and excellent yield results, emphasizing the importance of proper pre-sowing field preparation.