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HOW THE MRB SYSTEM OPERATES
Efficiency of seeding and optimal application of fertilizers in one pass
The MRB® system places nitrogen and sulphur-containing fertilizers at the optimal distance from seeds, creating favourable conditions for root development and promoting the formation of a high-quality seedbed.
The MRB® III System is Bourgault's most advanced and reliable in-row fertilizer placement system.
HOW THE MRB SYSTEM OPERATES
Fertilizers applied between rows are supplied through a separate distribution line to the MRB® coulters, which are installed in the front row of the seeding complex.
MRB® disc coulters (highlighted by red arrows) are mounted centrally between the seed coulters (highlighted by green arrows).
Thus, each MRB® coulter applies the required amount of fertilizer for two seed rows. A safe amount of starter fertilizer can then be applied to a single seed row.
If high rates of starter fertilizer are required, some can be applied between rows using MRB® openers to ensure seed safety.
This approach ensures the most effective nitrification of the soil and, as a result, an increase in the overall nutritional potential and moisture supply of the entire plant.
NITRIFICATION PROCESS
All urea-based fertilizers (46-0-0 and 28-0-0) are converted into plant-available forms in the presence of the enzyme urease, which primarily converts urea into NH3. Bacteria then initiate the nitrification process, ultimately leading to the formation of nitrate, which promotes active root development and plant growth. By applying the required fertilizer rates between rows using the MRB® system, nitrogen fertilizers are avoided from being placed too close to the seeds, preventing root damage and reduced yield.
Stage 1 – Ammonia
Immediately after application, ammonia (NH3, shown in red in the figure) begins to be released. Ammonia is highly toxic to germinating seeds and is particularly mobile in dry soil. Only by applying it between rows can the negative effects of ammonia, such as root burn and dieback, be avoided. Fertilizers applied with the MRB® system are typically placed 3-4 cm deeper than the seeding layer. This ensures they are always in a zone with greater moisture availability, which is the key to high efficiency, as they dissolve in soil moisture and are effectively transferred to the plant.
Stage 2 – Ammonium
The ionic transfer of hydrogen from water and clay particles in the soil gradually converts ammonia into ammonium (NH4+, shown in orange in the figure). Ammonium dissolves in soil moisture and is absorbed by the root system. Unlike ammonia, ammonium is not very mobile in the soil, as it readily binds with soil water and organic matter. With the MRB® system, conversion into a plant-available and safe form of nitrogen occurs very quickly—within two days of fertilization.
Stage 3 – Nitrate
Certain bacterial strains in the soil convert ammonium (NH4+) into nitrate (NO3-, shown in green in the figure). Nitrate is highly mobile in the soil and is also susceptible to denitrification (resulting in the release of gaseous nitrous oxide N2O, which is freely released into the atmosphere), leading to soil leaching. Therefore, it is crucial for every farmer to choose a fertilization system that minimizes the time nitrate remains in the soil before developing plants can absorb it.
Nitrate in the soil acts as a "bait" for the root system: plants, upon detecting fertilizer, begin to rapidly form new root hairs, directing them toward the fertilizer source. Numerous studies have shown that when fertilizer is applied between rows, the root system extends to 10-15 cm by the time the plants reach the one- to two-leaf stage.
THE DESIGN OF MRB OPENERS WHICH HAS BEEN THOUGHT OUT TO THE MINUTE WILL ALLOW YOU TO:
Place nitrogen and sulfur-containing fertilizers at an optimal distance from the seeds, creating favorable conditions for the development of the root system.
Maintain soil moisture by minimizing soil disturbance and creating a high-quality seedbed.
Accelerating root development to achieve high-quality and uniform germination is the first and most important step towards a bountiful harvest, especially in dry conditions.
MRB III system design
The parallelogram connection of the MRB® coulter arms ensures that the disc attack angle and the orientation of the fertilizer output through the liquid fertilizer tubes are maintained at a constant level, regardless of the working depth.
Hydraulic control . The MRB®III system's openers are raised and lowered hydraulically. This feature is convenient for locking the MRB®III openers when not in use.
Easy depth adjustment . Clips installed on the hydraulic cylinder rods are used to adjust the depth (one 6 mm thick clip allows for a 13 mm depth adjustment). For maximum convenience, additional clips are stored on the upper mounting pin of the hydraulic cylinder.
The large, wear-resistant coulter disc (Niaux 200) with a diameter of 51 cm is made of boron steel, providing excellent strength and flexibility. The disc is set at a 4.5° angle to create a furrow wide enough to place fertilizer without excessive soil disturbance.
Double bearing hub unit . Reliable hub and
The spindle assembly provides maximum durability
Service life. The triple-lip seal protects the hub bearings and allows for large amounts of grease to be injected without damaging the seals. The bolt-on hub can be quickly removed for replacement or repair.Strong and reliable cast parts . Thanks to careful
Thanks to engineered cast components, MRB®III systems are able to handle the harshest conditions without the risk of breaking or bending.The adjustable carbide scraper ensures high-quality furrowing and disc cleanliness in a variety of conditions. The carbide edge ensures a long service life, even when working in abrasive soils.
25.4 mm diameter needle bearings . Due to the particular importance of reliability and durability, the MRB® pivot assembly is equipped with 25.4 mm diameter pins on needle bearings, which have a service interval of 250 hours.
Scraper position adjustment . The position of the scraper relative to the disc edge can be precisely adjusted in 3 mm increments to ensure optimal results even as the disc wears. Scraper down pressure adjustment. The pressure of the carbide scraper on the disc can be quickly adjusted to suit specific seeding conditions.
The outer scraper A is designed to throw back soil for better furrow closing after the disc passes. It also facilitates the disc's work on crop residue and prevents dirt from sticking to the disc. For less soil tillage, a support closing wheel B can be installed, equipped with a spring to adjust the downforce and washers to adjust the position relative to the disc.
Навесное оборудование
MRS lll Inter-row Fertilizer Racks
The MRS III system is the ideal choice for conditions where crop residue management is not a top priority during seeding. MRS III tines feature fewer moving parts and ensure fertilizer placement at an optimal distance from the seed.
The AccuSet™ depth control system allows you to independently monitor and instantly adjust the seeding depth of your PLX™ openers and the fertilizer placement depth of your MRS III shanks, directly from your smartphone, tablet, or tractor cab.
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