The DBX Planting Process – How it Works

The DBX (Deep Blade System) three-stage system involves deep under-seed cultivation, a shallow bed for seed, a defined trench for water harvesting and a protective environment for germinating seeds. The DBX modules are designed for separate seed and fertilizer delivery, providing a system to give you:

• Correct seed depth.
• Precise fertilizer placement.
• Subsoil cultivation, which is vital for the control of root disease.
• Exact environment for the seed.
• Cost-effective chemical usage and safe application.

The DBX Three-Stage System

Since its introduction to the market in 1994, the DBX (Deep Blade System) precision seeding system for broadacre farming has constantly led the way in terms of precision seed placement and under-seed cultivation.

The system is unique in that it has been developed for both winter and summer cropping and is suitable for all seed types.Its design ensures seeding accuracy with excellent subsoil cultivation and minimal topsoil disturbance. Each season, you can visibly see improvements in soil structure and quality, and water infiltration will significantly increase.

The DBX System Design

The DBX has been designed to overcome the problems of poor depth penetration, inadequate seed placement and excessive damage due to tine chattering, which results in incorrectly placed seed.

Its reliability, performance and proven higher yields are features that will continue to set it apart from others in the market.

By using the DBX system you can be confident of:

• Increased productivity gains.
• Improved yields.
• Early vigour and growth.
• Higher soil nutrient quality.
• And less water wastage.

The three-stage system comprises a 13mm-wide tungsten-faced DBX blade, a closing tool and a following spring-loaded depth gauge press wheel.

Blade Design

The digging blade is used as part of the Deep Blade System and is made of hardened and tempered spring steel for strength. The tungsten face gives maximum durability and improves the wear life of the blade, whilst retaining the desired digging characteristics.

Length

Blade length is critical to achieving disturbance of yield-limiting hardpans. Depending on soil types and paddock conditions, blades are offered in 125mm (5”), 150mm (6”), 175mm (7”), 200mm (8”) and 225mm (9”) configurations. Shorter blades are recommended in rocky conditions, heavy clay or where available horsepower is limited.

Longer blades can be used in sandy soil types where little or no foreign objects are encountered. It is essential that actual digging depth is matched to blade length.

Angle

Creating the ideal seeding conditions requires maximum sub-soil disturbance. This requires steep blade angles, which gives a greater bursting action. This in turn requires heavy duty hydraulic tines, heavy duty frames and fixed drawbars.

Press Wheels

The multi-purpose, smooth press wheel undertakes three functions – gauge wheel, seed covering and pressing the seed to obtain seed-soil contact. This flexible self-cleaning rubber tyre with a flat face is used to create a wave action, causing the soil to flow inwards, covering the seed. Wire moulded into the beads guarantee it will always remain firmly in place.

Press wheels are offered in three sizes to suit various seeding conditions: 50mm press wheels offer additional packing pressure, if required, in heavy soil conditions; 70mm press wheels give all round performance where a variety of soil types are encountered; 90mm press wheels are used in light soil types, which can be prone to the trench side walls collapsing.

The press wheel’s smooth, flat design also ensures packing pressure is directed into the trench side walls whilst at the same time, lightly covering the seed with top soil. This ensures the correct soil-seed contact and in turn, reduces the risk of soil ‘crusting’ in heavier soil types.

Fertilizer & Seed Boots

Optional fertilizer boots are fitted to ensure fertilizer is deep banded at the bottom of the trench created by the digging blade. Seed boots reduce the flow of dry sand into the seed zone, which may affect germination. It also ensures the seed is placed in a constant position within the trench.

Hydraulic tines

Hydraulic tines ensure the transfer of damaging vibrations to the parallelogram are virtually eliminated. The unique design of the jump cylinder ensures sealing surfaces are not exposed to the elements. The jump cylinder holds the tine in the correct digging position and a cushion valve in each cylinder guarantees a soft return of the tine and DBX mechanism to minimize damage to machinery.

Coulters

Coulters can be added to DBX bars. Available in single and double configurations, coulters will enhance trash flow in heavy stubbles, root bound pastures and crops and when melon or wire-weed vines are encountered.