Perfect allies in vegetable production

HF mechanization requires implements that perform specific activities and versatile tractors that adapt to the widest possible number of applications. Using three models of tractors from LS Tractor, the company Rijk Zwaan Brasil is able to meet all existing demands in its research units, from soil preparation to harvesting.

Horticulture mechanization is a very complex activity. It depends on several factors for success and requires a series of requirements so that the chosen machines can adapt to the different tasks presented by the work routine. Furthermore, the activity is extremely precise and requires care, which is not observed in grain production.
In Brazil, the horticulture sector generates a high number of jobs and brings together input and vegetable and seed production companies of the most diverse species and varieties. The majority of producers are family businesses, many of them using high technology, distributed throughout all regions of the country. Even though the cultivation areas are small, productivity rates and the mobilization of a large amount of capital per hectare require quality in the production processes and the final product. To get to know this activity up close, we went to Holambra, a municipality in the state of São Paulo, in the Campinas region, which emerged from Dutch colonization, through the arrival of immigrants to Fazenda Ribeirão, in the middle of the last century. In this location, we visited the Brazilian headquarters of the Dutch company Rijk Zwaan. 
The company Rijk Zwaan Brasil, in the country since 2011, is a subsidiary of the Dutch parent company, ranked among the five largest in the world in the production of horticultural seeds. The name of the company comes from the name of the owner, founder Rijk Zwaan. The company's motto is “Sharing healthy future”, or in a loose translation, “Sharing the healthy future”, referring to the idea of ​​placing seeds on the market that produce healthy products with high added value.

Its physical structure includes the central office and two research stations, one in Holambra (SP) and the other in Moçoró (RN). The Holambra Research Station, where the tests were carried out, has three field units, two in the Fundão neighborhood, in Holambra (SP) and another in Jaguariúna (SP). These three units do not work with commercial production of horticultural products but with experimental research to verify the adaptation of tropical species and varieties for the Brazilian market.
During our visit to Unit 1, we were welcomed by the station manager, agronomist Marcelo Bonaroti, who showed us and told us about the activities carried out in the three units he coordinates. In this unit, research and development (R&D) trials are carried out, with the participation of breeders and other researchers who seek to combine results in the development of crops that lead to the choice of the best material to be placed on the national market. For this entire process, which is connected to what is done in Brazil, the company has three thousand employees in more than 30 subsidiaries around the world and sales in more than 100 countries. The Holambra station has 16 hectares and in Mossoró there are another 40 hectares, mainly with melon and watermelon crops. Here in Brazil, there are already 15 crops being commercialized. Some innovative products caught our attention, such as peppers and cucumbers for snacks, and round eggplant.
The biggest challenge of this system is to produce quality seeds, adapted to a country with great climate variability, production conditions and consumer tastes. In the research areas, the biggest challenges consist of developing products resistant to viruses and their transmitting insects, however, the worst pest in the sector is fungal diseases. In this way, to achieve the development of new materials, a network of scientists works directly in the field, arriving at final products that are registered as patents, in Brazil and around the world.

Therefore, the basis of the activities carried out at Rijk Zwaan Brasil consists of testing materials from various countries around the world in our climate and soil conditions, trying to discover the best variety, which will go to the market and will be replicated by selected farmers. This selection of farmers and products recommended for each case is made by the technical sales representative (RTV), who evaluates the characteristics of the producer and recommends the product, accompanying it during the production process and placing it on the market.
The horticultural crops that we found in the field of the experimental unit were mainly tomatoes, lettuce, carrots and beets. The organization aspect of the environment is impressive. The work of breeders is constant and, in general, there are always three of them evaluating and separating plants with interesting characteristics for the plant improvement process. Interaction between Brazilian and Dutch breeders is common, circulating between the rows of plants in the cultivated fields. At the end of the cycle, the selected production is separated and the rest is discarded. The company does not sell the products it produces for research work. The material selected by breeders goes to the greenhouse located in Units 1 and 3, and then returns to the field for experimentation. There are many genotypic aspects evaluated by researchers, among which the main ones are disease tolerance, durability, precocity and product quality.
Furthermore, care is taken to avoid contamination of areas and the spread of pests. It is not permitted to enter production areas without first disinfecting your feet in a footbath, with a liquid sanitizing solution, and after stepping on lime. Yellow and black insect traps are placed on the posts. The areas are always kept fenced, when in production, with platforms and 1,50m high shade screens. Other precautions, such as avoiding moving the tractor from the site, transporting it and using it in different places, are also important. Even though it is not the only one, the main pest of tomato plants is the tomato moth (Tuta Absolute), which is constantly evaluated and combated. Management predominantly involves the use of biological insecticides and also predatory insects, such as the Trichogramma wasp.

THE CRITERIOUS CHOICE OF 
MACHINES USED IN THE COMPANY
During the meeting we had with engineer Marcelo Bonaroti, station manager, he explained to us that the company is very careful when purchasing and choosing suppliers of equipment and inputs. Everything acquired by the company Rijk Zwaan Brasil goes through a selection process in which field staff and Dutch management have a large participation. In the case of choosing LS brand tractors, the process was based on several factors and on taking advantage of the vast experience of the Dutch headquarters, including testing the alternatives by the managers themselves. 

One of the fundamental factors for using a tractor in horticulture is the availability of gears appropriate to the recommended speeds for working in the field, especially when preparing the soil. The second criterion is the stability of the brand's dealership, analyzed through a physical examination of the company's facilities and financial performance, as well as the experience of its managers in the agricultural area. As a third criterion, the company is analyzed from a global point of view, regarding distribution and image. Finally, the absence of conflicts of interest between the companies is assessed. Without any arrogance, the company explains that, as these are the objective criteria for choosing and standardizing the fleet, the price of the tractors becomes secondary. Something like “cheap is expensive”.

Following this decision, an LS Plus 90 tractor was purchased, considered ideal for heavy soil preparation operations. For lighter operations, the LS U60 and LS R60 tractors were purchased. The choice of the tractor with greater power was due to its ability to work, both on raw and prepared soil, large free space and direction reversal that speeds up movements in small spaces; and the smaller ones due to their versatility in maneuvering in small spaces and activating various equipment. The company does not compromise on the comfort and safety of operators, valuing the presence of a cab with two doors, the standard mandatory items and the control of pollutant emissions.
During the visit to the company's two units, we followed the operations carried out at this time for the production of various vegetables and the insertion of LS tractors.

SOIL PREPARATION
The LS Plus 90 tractor is responsible for heavy operations and pulls the plow harrow, subsoiler and rotary hoe with tiller and fertilizer, 1,20m wide. In a gross area that has not yet been used in the production process, the preparation of the land for the construction of beds is carried out using, in sequence, a plow, harrow and subsoiler. Firstly, the raw soil is prepared with the disc plow, uncompacting the surface layer. Then, in a conventional system, the plowing harrow and the subsoiler are used, creating conditions for the formation of the beds. Before the planter arrives, the base fertilizer is applied and, subsequently, another pass with the subsoiler, to incorporate and mix the fertilizer into the soil.

We followed the work of the LS Plus 90 tractor with a medium V harrow, Santa Izabel brand, model GNL 28 with 28 discs, weighing 720kg, recommended for a power of 70hp to 75hp. This work was being done in 4th gear, with a rotation of 1.800rpm. In this operation, the tractor was working with a single wheel, but with the possibility of installing double wheels for heavier operations. After this harrowing, broadcast sowing of cover crops and another incorporation harrowing were planned, with the same tractor.
It is interesting to highlight that the system used for the production of horticultural plants in the research area is an extremely controlled activity and requires special requirements. In the research areas, the construction sites have a standard dimension of 38m long, divided into seven blocks and two 5m side corridors, totaling two hectares. Each of these plots is used for one half of the year and the cultivation of a crop can only be repeated in the same area after five years of rest/fallow and recovery. They are usually covered with plants such as black oats, sunn hemp and millet. These cover crops also serve as green manure for new areas before they go into production. Each plot is identified by year and semester, with Unit 2 starting in the first half of 2017 and the beds are already being prepared for the second half of 2019 and the first half of 2020.
The LS Plus 90 tractor is also responsible for applying the rotary hoe to crush clods, following the work of the subsoiler. In heavy operations, this tractor receives a double wheelset, which prevents the need for another more powerful tractor; and when it is used in lighter operations, such as gardening, the external wheels are removed.

ENCHANTING
After completing the preparation of the land, the bed forming machine (encanteiro) is used to place the plastic mulching as the last mechanized operation. To evaluate the use of tractors in this operation, we used two systems: the first for planting with the LS Plus 90 and, later, with the LS U60.

We tested the LS Plus 90 tractor with the rotary hoe with MEC-RUL brand tiller and fertilizer, model ERP 150 B C/FC, 1,25m bed width, on prepared soil. In this test we used the Plus 90 in the first gear of group L, without creeper (super-reducer) at 1.800rpm, which achieved a travel speed of 1,9km/h to 2km/h. They explained to us that the bed is made with this base and then the laminating machine reduces this width to the standard used.
We also tested a planting situation on firm ground, using the LS U60 tractor equipped with a creeper, with a rotary hoe with a tiller and MEC-RUL brand fertilizer, model ERP 140BC/FC, with a bed width of 1,10m. The gear used was 1st with creeper, which is standard equipment on this tractor. The coupling of the two machines is done using a three-point hydraulic system. We saw that a device or accessory was installed on this machine to the rear deflector, to cause the bed to bulge, which improves water drainage and prevents puddles from forming due to rain and irrigation. With the super-reducer, it was possible to develop a speed of 500m/h, necessary for this work.
PLACEMENT OF THE 
PLASTIC MULCHING
The process of covering beds with plastic material (mulching) is done by applying a thin blade with a bed plasticizing machine brand MEC-RUL, model PCMR 120 for mulching up to 1,20m, weighing 280kg, for a required power of 30 hp. The blade comes ready-made with holes for four plant arrangements for growing tomatoes. The first is 55cm between plants and 60cm between rows; the second of two lines measuring 60cm x 60cm; the third with a simple line of 70cm between plants, and the fourth with a simple line of 60cm between plants. The mulching hole serves as a guide for transplanting the seedlings into the soil. In the application we saw, the machine is adjusted to a width of 1,10m.
It is important to note that at the same time that the plasticizing machine is placing the plastic sheet, it is placing four drip irrigation tapes per bed, underneath the plastic. Planting the seedlings, which is manual and careful, is done in a quincunx arrangement, with the plants placed diagonally.
At the end of the mulching application, the posts that will support the lines that will carry the plants are fixed. The one meter deep holes are made with a soil drill for posts driven by the PTO of the LS Plus 90 tractor. The 3m long posts are left 2m out.

APPLICATION IN
PULVERIZATION
During the day of recognizing the work routine in the experimental area of ​​Unit 2, we had the opportunity to see the LS R60 tractor working with a KO model A700 SpeedJet Tomate sprayer. The operation was to apply pesticides between the tomato beds, with a spacing between posts of 2,80m, establishing a corridor with a total width of 1,7m, in which the tractor with a total width of 1,40m needed to maneuver in alternate rows. We saw that for this operation the important thing in a tractor is the small turning radius. Both the company and the user believe that the front axle that uses a pivot and not a crosshead is responsible for facilitating this operation. In addition to this virtue, this tractor had a reduced gauge especially for this application.

It was also mentioned by the field leader who accompanied us that, both for spraying and harvesting with a trailer, the tractor must have versatility as its main characteristic.

HARVESTING AND TRANSPORTATION
The harvesting of the company's products is entirely manual, using an Action brand agricultural trailer, model CBM 4000, pulled by the LS R60 tractor. In tomato cultivation, for example, all the harvested product is placed in boxes and these are packed in the trailer. The volume harvested is enormous, given that there are approximately 15 thousand plants in tomatoes per two-hectare plot.

A DAY IN HF
To understand the entire mechanization process of the company Rijk Zwaan Brasil, we spent a whole day visiting the two units with experimental areas, where we were accompanied by the station manager, agronomist Marcelo Bonaroti, and the field leaders of units 1 and 2, Cleuzo Bazarello and Valdir Costa Ramos, respectively. The marketing manager of LS Mtron Brasil, Astor Kilpp, from LS Mtron Brasil, the representative of Agência Escala, Paulino Jeckel, and the representative of the dealership J.A. Máquinas, Ademir Chiquetti, also accompanied us and clarified all doubts about the tractors.

LS Plus 90 for heavier HF duty
The LS Plus 90 tractor has a Perkins engine, model 1104D-44TA, four cylinders and 4.400cm3, which meets Tier 3 emission limit parameters. It presents 90hp of maximum engine power at a nominal speed of 2.200rpm according to the ISO standard. /TR14396. Maximum torque is 393Nm at 1.400rpm. Air is supplied with a turbocharger and aftercooler. 

The transmission is of the Synchro Shuttle type, with 12 forward and 12 reverse gears, with a synchronized mechanical inverter, and can be equipped with a super-reducer (Creeper), thus reaching 20 gears in both directions. This was the version of the tractor we found in the research area. However, the manufacturer also offers the Power Shuttle transmission as an option, which provides 24 forward and reverse gears, with a hydraulic inverter, and can reach 40 speeds when equipped with the super-reducer. The tractor is offered with a Power Take-Off (TDP) with independent drive, in three speeds, unusual in our country, for 540/750/1.000rpm. With this arrangement, speeds can be combined as an economical TDP. The front axle is driven, with the option to turn it off, and the rear axle has an epicyclic type final reduction. This tractor offers electro-hydraulic drive for the front axle and differential lock, eliminating levers. 
The hydraulic system has a total flow rate of 61,6L/min and the three-point hydraulic system is category II, with a maximum pressure of 194kgf/cm2, reaching a weight lifting capacity at the ball joint of up to 3.800kgf. The remote control system is independent, with three remote control valves in the standard version. 
The tractor that was being used had wheels measuring 12.4-24 on the front axle and 13.6-38 on the rear axle. The wheelset featured the Marini Company's coupling system to attach another 13.6–38 wheelset, making it double. However, the manufacturer offers more wheelset options that adapt to different needs.
The LS Plus 90 tractor is the most used at the Rijk Zwaan Brasil experimental station, and is responsible for pulling and activating the equipment in heavy operations, pulling the disc plows, the rotary hoe with the bed and fertilizer, measuring 1,25m. bed width, the 2m wide rotary hoe, the scarifier, the medium V harrows and the light leveling harrow.

LS U60 tractor to add the finishing touch to flowerbeds
The LS U60 uses an engine brand L4AL, model L4AL-T3, which meets the Tier3 emissions standard, with four cylinders, with 2.505cm3 and turbocharged, which develops 65hp of maximum power at 2.500rpm according to the ISO TR 14396 standard. Maximum is 203Nm at 1.600rpm. This engine has four valves per cylinder.

The transmission is synchronized Synchro Shuttle with 32 forward and 16 reverse gears with creeper. The Power Take-Off (TDP) is independent, with electro-hydraulic drive in three rotations, 540/750/1.000rpm. The 750rpm speed can be used as an economical PTO. The front axle is driven, with mechanical drive. 
The hydraulic system has a total flow of 55L/min with category II coupling in the three-point system. The maximum pressure is 204kgf/cm2 and the lifting capacity at the kneecap reaches 2.200kgf. There are two Control Valves (VCR) in the standard version and three as options, with a maximum flow of 36,4L/min.
At the company Rijk Zwaan Brasil, the LS U60 tractor is responsible for pulling the rotary hoe with a 1,10m wide bed and fertilizer spreader, the rear planer, the bed plasticizer and the brush cutter, among other lower power activities.

LS R60 in HF pest and disease control
The R60 model used in the experimental field was recently replaced by the R65 cabin version. The engine that equips this model is from the L4AL brand, model L4ALT1, which meets the Tier3 limit parameters for pollutant emissions. It is a four-cylinder engine, with 2.621cm3 and 16 valves, with turbo compressor, which produces a maximum power of 65hp at 2.500rpm (ISO TR 14396 standard) and maximum torque of 203Nm at 1.600rpm.
The Synchro Shuttle synchronized transmission offers 32 forward and 16 reverse with creeper. The Power Take-Off (TDP) is independent with electro-hydraulic drive with three speeds, 540/750E/1.000rpm. The front axle is driven, with mechanical drive.
The hydraulic system has a total flow of 47L/min and the category II three-point hitch system reaches a maximum pressure of 204kgf/cm2, with a lifting capacity of up to 2.100kgf at the ball joint. The remote control is independent with two remote control valves in the standard version and three as options, with a maximum flow of 31,2L/min.
The R60 tractor has the function of pulling and activating the atomizer in all treatments carried out in the activity, and the agricultural trailer during all transport needs, mainly during harvesting.