Italian manufacturer Maschio has introduced the SC Pro-Bio rotary cultivator, specifically designed to target cover crop incorporation, resulting in improved soil organic matter.
Maschio’s SC Pro-Bio has been designed to break down and incorporate crop residues, cover crops and green manures. Plant debris are mulched and mixed with fine soil in the top few centimetres of the profile, thereby speeding up the decomposition and transformation of residue into compost-like material.
The company, whose products are imported and distributed in New Zealand by the Power Farming Group, suggests that adding a front flail mower to the operation can improve mulching and organic matter breakdown, particularly in thicker cover crops.
Suitable for use with tractors from 110hp and 170hp, the SC Pro- Bio is equipped with 6 ‘L’ type blades per flange, operating at 540rpm or 1,000rpm, to achieve a rotor speed of up to 300rpm.
To achieve a uniform working depth across the full 2.8 or 3.1 metre working width of the machine, the SC Pro-Bio has four depth wheels to ensure optimum stability and uniformity – particularly at shallow settings. Working at depths of 3cm to 6cm the SC Pro-Bio can work to speeds of up to 10km/h.
To aid aeration, with the aim of increased breakdown, the rear hood can be adjusted hydraulically from the tractor seat to allow perfect control of soil mixing.