1. Fertiliser application - disc systems To reduce draft & weight, management of fertiliser toxicity – Split banding options with either: Single & Double discs openers Separate disc openers Jack McHugh Contributions from Dr Jack Desbiolles (Ashworth et al., 2010) and Baker et al., (2007)

2. Single & Double discs openers Dual banding boot options: fertiliser at the bottom of the furrow with shallow seed delivery on partially closed furrow. Poor seed banding Function of soil flow – can be inconsistent Speed Moisture Texture Liquid fertiliser development and seed firming devices Bio blade – lateral separation

4. Split banding with Separate Disc Openers Leading Coulters – banding boot/knife/nozzle. Triple disc configuration – set: deep/shallow/centred/offset (set deep offers furrow tilth for seed pressing) Disc - Disc associations – paired sgl disc openers, triplets for mid row banding. Lots of clutter, increased mass, cost draft, penetration Disc - Tyne Hybrids – sgl fertilising disc followed by an adjustable narrow shank sowing tine

5. Key points Fertiliser can damage germinating crops by salt and ammonia burn effects Damage is crop and soil specific - proximity of soil moisture and fertiliser to the seed row – critical factors Disc sown are more susceptible – poor separation Triple discs and disc blade hybrids are more reliable Double or single shoot seeding systems Liquid or gas fertiliser offer more options Increase seeding rate in poor conditions Sow into moist soil