Massey Ferguson contributes to soybean planting project in lowlands

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 cultivating irrigated soybeans in the furrow-ridge system in lowlands, which have the particularity of poor drainage.

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, planting and cultural treatment, to harvesting in planting areas in the furrow-ridge system.

“For the project, we made adjustments to our MF 500 planter, so that it is able to walk on these ridges with rows spaced 30 centimeters apart. We also adapted the wheels of a tractor, so that it could travel within the furrow itself, avoiding damage to the ridge cultivation areas”, says the Product and Strategic Marketing Manager for Planting and Spraying at AGCO South America, Fabrício Müller.
Soybean planting in lowlands is done as an alternative to crop rotation in regions where rice is traditionally produced. The furrow-ridge cultivation system has demonstrated positive results in mitigating productivity limiting factors (poor natural soil drainage and the occurrence of frequent dry periods) in these areas. “In the 2019/2020 harvest, we had very positive results with productivity gains exceeding 20 bags per hectare, compared to the traditional model, within the four experimental areas in Rio Grande do Sul. We see opportunities to continue developing knowledge about this system productive and achieve superior results from the last harvest”, assesses Muller. “We are very pleased to be part of this initiative, adding knowledge with other companies to offer producers alternatives that contribute to their profitability”.

According to Embrapa, the furrow-ridge system consists of structuring the crop for irrigation through furrows, obtaining, at the same time, great benefits in drainage. It is a model suitable for flat soils, with uniform slopes, generally requiring the smoothing of the terrain.