top of page
Air Planter™ Precision Seeding System
The Air Planter™ (AP™) is an integrated, optional system for Bourgault disc seeders, enabling both direct and precision seeding with a single unit, in a single pass! The Air Planter™ sets new standards for seeding system versatility, enabling precision seeding or direct seeding in no-till conditions, while simultaneously applying the required rates of phosphorus fertilizer with the seed and nitrogen/sulfur fertilizer between the rows. There's no need to purchase separate units for direct seeding and precision seeding—the Bourgault Air Planter™ effectively handles both!
USE OF ONE SEEDING COMPLEX FOR BOTH CONTINUOUS SEEDING AND PRECISION SEEDING
Economic benefit
Many farmers grow a variety of crops, both solid seeding and precision seeding, and Bourgault has developed a unique Air Planter™ system that allows one seeding system to be used for both solid seeding and precision seeding.
Reducing operating costs and minimizing equipment wear and tear
Bourgault seed drills are renowned for their unrivaled efficiency in managing crop residue and precise seed placement in direct seeding conditions. This allows farmers to minimize soil preparation requirements prior to seeding. Fewer passes contribute to fuel savings, minimized equipment wear, and reduced labor hours.
Preserving the root mass from the previous season will help minimize soil erosion, and the stubble will protect young plants from wind damage and help retain soil moisture.
High adaptability
One of the key development goals for the Air Planter™ system was maximum ease and convenience in switching between solid seeding and precision seeding modes. This was achieved through a meticulously designed distribution system and frame-mounted XP™ metering units, which maintain positive air pressure, ensuring unrivaled seed placement accuracy.
Reducing costs for seeding equipment and seeds
Many farmers are looking to switch from solid seeding to precision seeding to control the cost of expensive seed.
With the Air Planter™ system, you can use one seeding system to precisely seed corn or soybeans in one field, and then solid seed grains in the next! There's no need to purchase separate units for direct seeding and precision seeding—the Bourgault Air Planter™ effectively handles both tasks.
Effective application of fertilizers during sowing
The Air Planter™ precision seeding system delivers safe rates of dry fertilizer in the same row as the seed to stimulate vigorous growth during the early stages of plant development.
Full rates of nitrogen/sulphur fertilisers can be applied between rows via the MRB® system to avoid placing them too close to the seeds and preventing associated root damage.
BULK FILL SYSTEM
The Air Planter™ is equipped with a Bulk Fill System, which gently transfers seeds from the pneumatic hopper to the XP™ metering system, which is located on the frame of the seeding complex.
With the exception of an additional fan, the Bulk Fill system has no moving parts, ensuring gentle seed transfer to the XP™ Metering System. The seeds are then carefully counted by each XP™ Metering System unit, which is displayed on the Apollo monitor in real time.
Even small seeds like rapeseed are counted with 99.9% accuracy. This allows the operator to respond immediately if problems arise during seeding (such as skips, doubles, or clogged seed trays).
Seed containers for precision seeding on a pneumatic hopper
The Air Planter™ distribution system units are mounted on the underside of the PDM Pro™ metering augers, beneath the precision seeding section of the hopper. These system components feed the seeds into the pneumatic flow for further transfer to the XP™ metering tanks.Bulk Fill (primary pneumatic line)
The air flow from the primary pneumatic line transports seeds from the pneumatic hopper to the tower ejector, which is mounted on the frame of the seeding complex.Tower ejector
When the ejector is full, the accumulation of seeds blocks the air flow and, consequently, excess seed supply.Bulk Fill (ventilator and secondary air line)
The tower ejector fan delivers seed into secondary air lines connected to XP™ meters.XP™ Dispenser Capacities
When XP™ dispenser hoppers are full, seed buildup blocks airflow and results in excess seed buildup.Fans to maintain the required pressure in the measuring system
Maintains positive pressure in the XP™ metering system for accurate seed counting and planting.
XP™ Precision Seeding Measuring System
The Bourgault XP™ (eXact Placement) electric seed placement system uses positive air pressure to hold seeds on the feed disc and deliver them individually to the seed openers (both hoe and disc). Proper seed placement pressure maintains complete control over the placement of each seed, ensuring that gravity or uneven field contours do not affect the Air Planter™'s accuracy. Each seed placement unit's electric drive is independently controlled by a Topcon Apollo system, eliminating overseeding or underseeding on headlands.
The Air Planter™ precision seeding system is suitable for a variety of row spacings and seeding widths. The Bulk Fill system can deliver precision seed from the main sections of the air hopper or from the Saddle Tank™. The XP™ system includes seeding disc kits for precision seeding of corn, soybeans, canola, and other crops.
An optional divider for the measuring system allows you to feed seeds into two rows with a smaller row spacing (for example, for precision seeding of rapeseed).
This divider allows you to achieve a much more uniform seed distribution, allowing you to calculate the number of seeds/ha instead of kg/ha for crops such as rapeseed, soybeans and others.
bottom of page