SMP by Spapperi, a new seeding and mulching system

The SMP pneumatic seed drill designed by the manufacturer Sapperi in Perugia also performs pre-sowing mulch laying using plastic or biodegradable cellulose film. This innovative seed drill is ideal for planting grasses and corn seeds with a diameter greater than 4 mm or within capsules. The SMP is available in trailed versions for operations on 2, 3 and 6 rows, features a wide range of accessories to add to the basic profile ranging from equipment for fertilization to localized treatments such as a drip irrigation system with a hose slipped under the film. A technical note reported, “The seed drill is suitable for all spring or summer crops with inter-row spaces of 76, 38 or 19 cm. Moreover, the machine can cope with the most extreme work conditions in that it is capable of ensuring absolutely top level results, even for dry-crop cultivations, that is, without irrigation.” These capabilities are not the only strong points of the Sapperi seed drill, according to the operator’s intention, can carry out weeding on a reduced scale. It is also possible to eliminate all post-sowing operations or substantially reduce mechanical weeding. An advantage with the SNP for production costs pointed out by the Umbrian manufacturer is that the implement not only increases production/hectare with the reduction of crop surface but also make use of the spring-summer double cycle in sequence. This means the double cycle for corn silage with second drip irrigation irrigation combined with a second double cycle for sorghum or sunflower for silage or seed. In substance, the SMP seed drill is certain to be welcomed on the market, as appeared obvious in the field demonstration trials on the Casalina di Deruta farm.