Adding to an already extensive line-up of air-seeding tools, John Deere now provides customers an efficient, environmentally-friendly seeding solution with hydraulic-tine technology on the new 1870 Air Hoe Drills.

“Growers told us they wanted an air-seeding tool with very accurate seed and fertilizer placement,” says Steve Detrick, project manager, John Deere Seeding Group. “We invested in new technology, the Conserva Pak hydraulic shank opener, which does an exceptional job in placing seed and fertilizer at a more accurate and consistent depth. The result is more accurate placement of fertilizer, reduced seed, fertilizer and input costs, and consistent, uniform emergence throughout the field for higher yields. This translates to a greater potential for improved income, while optimizing conditions for responsible stewardship of the soil.”

“The real story on the 1870 seeders is the independently controlled hydraulic shank opener, Conserva Pak, which enables the placement of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and sulfur-based fertilizers up to four inches away from the seed,” explains Detrick. “This positive vertical and horizontal separation of fertilizer and seed eliminates seeding damage caused by some fertilizer forms. This translates to more efficient placement of fertilizer, decreased seed damage, and optimized crop yields.”

Seed depth consistency is also improved on the 1870 Air Hoe Drills because the hydraulic accumulators permit separate control of down force of the fertilizer shank and the press wheel/seed opener. The Conserva Pak opener achieves consistent depth with an even amount of soil placed over the seed in a single or paired-row setting – even in variable seeding conditions.

“As another benefit to our customers, we’ve designed the air seeding packages to be fully compatible with all Green Star 2™ precision guidance and map-based prescription seeding, fertilizing, and field documentation systems,” concludes Detrick. “These systems, integrated with the Conserva Pak hydraulic shank openers, give us the most productive and environmentally-friendly air hoe drills we’ve ever designed and built.”

For more information, visit the John Deere Web site.