Massey Ferguson presents planter for growing soybeans and corn in lowlands

Focusing on its “Farmer-first” strategy, designed to understand what farmers need and offer smart agricultural solutions, Massey Ferguson developed the MF 500 Solo +, a pioneer in the Brazilian market for soybean cultivation and corn in lowlands, which have the particularity of poor drainage. The pre-launch of the planter takes place at the 32nd Official Opening of the Rice and Grains Harvest in Lowlands, held from February 16th to 18th, in Capão do Leão (RS).

“Based on the needs of our farmers, we created a planter that enables the cultivation of soybeans and corn in the furrow-ridge system in lowlands – a technique that helps with the drainage and irrigation of crops and has demonstrated positive results, with productivity gains of up to 100 bags per hectare”, says Eduardo Nunes (photo), Marketing Director at Massey Ferguson.

Over the last few years, soybean planting in lowlands has advanced. Cultivation is done as an alternative to crop rotation in areas where rice is predominant. Initially, crop rotation aimed to control weeds and other pests harmful to rice, however, the increase in the price of soybeans on the market has boosted the insertion of the oilseed in the region. “The fluctuation in rice prices directly affects the producer’s profitability. Given this scenario, it became necessary to search for more financially stable crops”, explains Nunes.

In the furrow-ridge system, cultivation is carried out on ridges (elevations on the ground) built between the furrows, channels that distribute water to the crop. To be able to plant on ridges, the MF 500 planter, a reference in the Brazilian agricultural market, received some adjustments.

“We maintained the entire planting line and changed the compactors, allowing for 30 centimeter spacing”, details the brand’s Marketing Director. Nunes explains that the strategy is to plant in two rows spaced 30 centimeters apart and then space 60 centimeters between the first and last plants.

The MF 500 Solo + is available in 8 and 12 row versions. Both have Precision Planting technology, which provides better performance in seed distribution, without waste and greater productivity. According to Nunes, precision within the most restricted area is very important in this cultivation system. “The technology allows linear planting of two lines on top of the ridge, where the precision of the pass is essential to ensure that all planting lines correctly traverse the ridge and the seeds are deposited exclusively in the desired location”.

The series presents a 20% increase in the capacity of suspended seed reservoirs, compared to current models. FertiSystem fertilizer dosers guarantee precision operation when depositing fertilizer and pantograph seed lines with self-lubricating bushings eliminate lubrication points and prevent excessive wear on components, reducing maintenance time and the need for maintenance.

The shielded bearings protect against the entry of impurities and the pneumatic dosers driven by a flexible cable parallel to the line are unique on the market. The models have reservoirs that speed up the supply of inputs, resulting in less downtime, providing excellent operational performance.

Sulco Project

Massey Ferguson is part of the technical cooperation of the Sulco Project, from Embrapa Clima Temperado, whose objective is to evaluate the technical and economic viability of growing soybeans and corn in the furrow-ridge system in lowlands. The model is recommended for flat soils, with uniform slopes.

The brand has the responsibility of developing the best form of mechanization within this cultivation concept. The work consists of seeking better mechanization options, from preparation, cultivation and cultural treatment, to harvesting in planting areas in the furrow-ridge system.