No field is the same throughout. Within a single field, sandy areas, heavy loam mounds and damp depressions may alternate. Soil structure and conditions often change in a matter of a few metres. This heterogeneity is an inherent part of arable farming and presents a particular challenge for seeding. The objective is to create conditions that are as even as possible for germination and emergence, even in varying conditions. This is precisely one of the key tasks of seeding: to create a seedbed that is as even as possible from varying original conditions. After all, the foundation for an even crop is laid right from the moment the seed is placed. Ideal seedbed In times of increasing extreme weather conditions, particularly severe drought in spring or autumn, the quality of the seedbed plays a decisive role in determining the crop’s future yield potential. If the seed is sown into a soil that has been prepared in different ways, it will germinate unevenly. This results in patchy populations that struggle to withstand weed pressure and make precise crop management difficult. For rapid and even germination, every single seed needs the best possible conditions, particularly in dry conditions. This includes good seed-soil contact and sufficient fine soil in the germination horizon to prevent the formation of voids. Targeted consolidation also encourages the capillary rise of water from deeper soil layers to the seed. It is equally important to maintain a placement depth that is as consistent as possible, so that the seedlings can emerge in comparable conditions. The Pronto PrincipleThis is precisely where the Pronto principle comes in: seedbed preparation, consolidation and seed placement are carried out in a perfectly co-ordinated way in one single pass. First, the soil is cultivated and levelled by the disc zone. Coarse soil structures are broken and fine soil is produced. This is followed by targeted consolidation which creates a defined seed horizon. At the same time, good seed-soil contact improves the seed’s access to the existing soil moisture. The optional front packer can help to guide the machine parallel to the ground and distribute the machine’s weight. What makes this system unique is the interaction between the individual components throughout the entire system. The soil is guided through the machine in a defined sequence. This ensures homogeneity throughout the entire Pronto’s working process. This is of great importance for the subsequent crop. Variations in placement depth or changing conditions directly around the seed can lead to uneven emergence. Plants then develop at different rates – with consequences for the subsequent crop management. Initial conditions that are as even as possible, on the other hand, facilitate the crop’s early development. In addition to the requirement for homogeneity, the time window also plays a major role. The result of weather and external conditions often is that only a short period is available for seeding. Efficiency and speed have therefore proved to be important, but they only offer an advantage if the quality of seed placement is not compromised. The Pronto ensures precise seed placement even at operational speeds of 10 to 15 km/h. Added to this is its comparatively low horsepower requirement. The well-coordinated system and low overall weight can reduce the traction requirement. This allows for carrying out passes efficiently while at the same time saving energy and fuel. Optimisations and adaptability The basic concept of the Pronto has stood the test of time for many years. However, "well-proven" does not mean "unchanged". The requirements for seeding are varied and differ depending on region, farm and location. The system is therefore continuously developed further. Additional equipment options allow for adapting the machine even better and more specifically to individual requirements. One example of this is the automatic coulter pressure adjustment system AutoForce. It regulates coulter pressure in real time. Sensors measure the contact pressure at the depth control wheel and, if necessary, hydraulically adjust the pressure so that the predefined placement depth is maintained consistently on any type of soil. Depending on the requirements, the Pronto can be expanded with further solutions for the application of additional components. Underground fertiliser, microgranular compounds or a second seed component can be applied simultaneously with the seed. This allows for specifically integrating different components into the seeding process without the need for an additional pass. Seed quality matters The Pronto has been continuously developed over many years without losing sight of its fundamental objective: precise and even seeding in a variety of conditions. To achieve this, seedbed preparation, consolidation and seed placement are precisely coordinated in a single pass. The focus is not on individual technical solutions, but on the overall system and its contribution to the seeding quality. After all, the foundation for an even crop is laid right from the moment the seed is placed in the soil.
