Patrick of Southern Cypress sums up a quality Da Ros Seeder very well:
“It’s very simple to run, even for just a few trays. It doesn’t need large production runs to make it worthwhile. Mechanisation has made a huge difference. We used to have 4 people working 5 hours a day – now we’ve only got one. Most of that is thanks to mechanisation.”
Southern Cypress have been enjoying their DaRos LS 7-3 Seeder for over 10 years now. That European high-quality and automation of a very laborious process has given the team immense satisfaction – along with stronger crop yields.
What are Seeders? All Da Ros Seeders are specialised machines designed to accurately and uniformly plant seeds. Also known as a precision seeder, these machines allow the use of small quantities of seeds (naked or pelleted) thanks to its seeding mechanism row by row. The machine pre-dibbles the tray, sows the seed, covers the tray, waters and stacks the sown trays. These Seeders are suitable for a wide range of seed types.
It is possible to set the number of seeds per hole, seeding speed and number of trays to seed – all at the touch screen control panel.
Overall, a Da Ros Seeder can significantly enhance the efficiency and productivity of commercial nursery operations, leading to improved yields and potentially higher profits.
Don’t be fooled into thinking a Seeder is just for the big commercial operators. The Da Ros Seeder SEM100 is a small semi-automatic nozzle seeder, suitable for almost all seed types. The size of this seeder is not a reflection of its excellent capabilities. It is currently being used by commercial vegetable growers and can sow two trays a minute with 99% accuracy (with pelleted seed). It can also be used for sowing irregular native seeds. A range of different nozzle sizes are available to match various seed types.
In summary, we share the key benefits of a Seeder for commercial growers:
- Precision Planting: It provides precise control over seed placement, ensuring uniform spacing between seeds, which promotes optimal plant growth and reduces competition for resources.
- Increased Efficiency: A seeder can cover a large area quickly and accurately, saving time and labour costs compared to manual seeding, or using less precise equipment.
- Reduced Seed Waste: By placing seeds precisely, it helps minimise over-seeding, which can save money on seed costs in the long run.
- Improved Crop Uniformity: Uniformly spaced plants lead to more consistent growth, which can result in higher yields and better-quality crops.
- Customisable Settings: Da Ros Seeders allow growers to adjust settings for different seed types and row spacings, offering versatility for various crops.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: With precise seed placement, there is less need for thinning or replanting, which can save resources and reduce environmental impact.
- Accurate Depth Control: Precision seeders allow for precise control of seed depth, ensuring seeds are placed at the optimal depth for germination.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Some modern seeders are equipped with technology that allows for data collection on planting depth, spacing, and other variables. This information can be valuable for future planning and analysis.
If you would like advice on a suitable Da Ros Seeder for your nursery operation, please get in touch – we would be delighted to assist.