Cross Slot features in Grainews
Scott Garvey recently shared his thoughts on Cross Slot in Canadian agricultural journal Grainews. Whilst we are pleased to see Scott taking an interest in Cross Slot no-tillage technology (and might argue about whether the Canadian Prairies are “ground zero” for no-tillage!) we would like to make a few technical corrections to the article.
The article focuses heavily on mechanical aspects of the opener and perhaps misses the point about agronomic benefits. At the end of the day, yield is king! Farmers will generally increase profit much more cost-effectively by increasing yield than by decreasing costs.
The power requirement comparison that Scott makes is rather broad. Most farmers know that power requirement varies with soil type and conditions (dry/wet) and with forward speed. So power requirement comparisons ideally need to be side-by-side in the same conditions at the same speed. Many of the openers in the Alberta Ag Tech data create considerable soil disturbance and this factor often limits forward speed (reducing power requirement).
The maximum down force figures quoted are a little low and are mis-leading. Individual Cross Slot openers are capable of exerting up to 500kg (over 1,100lbs) of down force, providing the machine is heavy enough to resist this. This down-force varies automatically (see below) in response to ground hardness and remains constant throughout the vertical travel of the opener (see below). This is totally different to the “maximum trip pressure of 400-600 pounds” referred to by Scott.
More importantly, each opener has only one hydraulic cylinder (not two as stated in the article). These employ a unique “Memory Valve” hydraulic system to give them a dual role of providing down force and the raise/lower function thus eliminating the need for the drill frame to raise and lower. These cylinders are nitrogen-cushioned, but not just to “minimize ground shocks”. The openers can move through 18” vertical travel without change in down force and, when coupled with Cross Slot’s unique ground sensing Auto Down Force (ADF) system, can automatically adjust for ground hardness on the move. Sampling occurs 10 times per second and the system adjusts 3 times per second.
And yes, that amount of down force is often required in some of the conditions Cross Slot works in around the world, as seeding into sod is common in many of the 15 countries in which it operates. And if you’re unconvinced about Cross Slot seeding into stony soils, check out the video on our home page!
Finally, remember when comparing prices that, with Cross Slot, you have a true ultra-low-disturbance one-pass system. The opener separately places fertilizer at seeding and handles previous crop residues spread directly off the back of the combine. The opener itself is about $3,300 and the control system for say 40 openers adds about $400 per opener. Apples with apples!
