“Four machines for sod-seeding in comparison: first results of operational and technical tests in Basilicata”

Our study was carried out to evaluate four different seeders for sod-seeding by a qualitative and quantitative comparison of their performances on cereal crops in Basilicata. The application of sod-seeding, alias no tillage, it may represent a valid alternative to traditional seeding in areas with high cereal vocation, as a guarantee against production costs, safeguarding the productive and environmentalists aspects in the south of Italy, where there is a great crop specialization and higher environmental risk resulting from intensive farming operations. So, were organized tests with four different seeders: Gaspardo-Directa, Amazone AD 300, Alpego ASI 303 and Laseminasodo. We analysed the technical and operational characteristics of the seeders, the distribution regularity of the seed and the parameters concerning the harvesting. Relating to this study, the most important difference, between these machines we considered, was the coulter body. The results were interesting for all machines, the operational capabilities have been certified on values equal to 1,8 ha/h, satisfactory values regularity of longitudinal and transverse distribution of the seed considering that the value of plants emergency was close to 90%. About yield obtained, some data collected showed a higher value compared with that obtained with the traditional seeding in the same soil conditions.