In the heart of Germany’s expansive farmlands, where efficiency meets tradition, drive shafts play a pivotal role in air seeders. These components ensure seamless power delivery from tractors to seeding mechanisms, adapting to the country’s diverse soil types and weather patterns. Farmers in regions like Bavaria and Lower Saxony rely on them for uniform seed distribution, boosting crop yields in wheat and barley fields.
Engineered with materials that withstand the rigors of intensive use, these drive shafts incorporate advanced torque management to prevent overloads during high-speed operations. Their design reflects Germany’s engineering heritage, emphasizing reliability in machinery from local manufacturers. This setup not only enhances operational uptime but also aligns with sustainable farming practices prevalent in the EU.
Key to their performance is the integration of safety features that comply with stringent standards, making them indispensable for modern pneumatic seeding systems. As German agriculture evolves with precision tech, these shafts support variable rate seeding, optimizing resource use across states like Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia.
Key Technical Parameters for Air Seeder Drive Shafts
Drive shafts for air seeders must meet specific demands in Germany’s agricultural sector, where machinery operates in varied terrains from the flat plains of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to the hilly areas of Hesse. These parameters ensure compatibility with tractors up to 150 kW, handling the torque required for seeding at depths of 2-5 cm.
Torque capacity stands at 1200 Nm nominal, with peaks reaching 1800 Nm, crucial for maintaining consistent speed during turns in fields near Berlin or Hamburg. Length adjustability ranges from 800 mm collapsed to 1400 mm extended, allowing fitment to different seeder widths common in Saxony-Anhalt farms.
Material composition includes high-strength alloy steel with a yield strength of 850 MPa, resistant to corrosion from fertilizers used in Rhineland-Palatinate. Universal joint angles permit up to 25 degrees deflection, vital for maneuvering in tight Bavarian orchards adapted for seeding.
Rotational speed is optimized for 540-1000 RPM, matching tractor PTO outputs in Brandenburg. Weight is kept under 15 kg for ease of installation, while vibration damping reduces noise to below 85 dB, aligning with operator comfort in long Schleswig-Holstein shifts.
Shear bolt protection activates at 1500 Nm, preventing damage in rocky Thuringia soils. Spline profiles follow DIN 5480 standards, ensuring interoperability with equipment in Saarland. Lubrication intervals extend to 250 hours with synthetic grease, minimizing downtime in busy harvest seasons.
Telescopic tube overlap maintains 150 mm minimum for safety, as per German engineering norms. Cross bearing diameter measures 27 mm, supporting loads in high-moisture Lower Saxony environments. Heat treatment achieves Rockwell hardness of 58-62, enhancing wear resistance against abrasive sands in Mecklenburg.
Yoke end connections use quick-release pins, facilitating rapid swaps in field repairs across Hesse. Balancing is done to G6.3 ISO 1940, reducing vibrations in high-speed operations near Frankfurt. Protective guards comply with EN 12965, essential for safe use in populated farming areas like Baden-Württemberg.
Overrunning clutch integration allows freewheeling, protecting drivelines in sudden stops common in North Rhine-Westphalia traffic. Friction disc count varies from 2-4, adjustable for torque in variable Saxony climates. End cap seals prevent ingress of IP67-rated dust and water, suited to rainy Hamburg regions.
Pin hole diameter is standardized at 12 mm for secure attachments. Tube wall thickness of 3 mm provides structural integrity against impacts in Bavarian forests. Color coding follows RAL standards for easy identification in warehouses across Germany.
Maximum axial load capacity reaches 5000 N, handling the pull of wide seeders in Brandenburg. Operating temperature range spans -20°C to 80°C, accommodating seasonal changes in Schleswig-Holstein. Certification includes CE marking, mandatory for EU markets including neighboring Austria and Denmark.
Spline tooth count is 6 or 21, depending on power requirements in Thuringia precision farming. Joint lubrication points are greaseable every 50 hours, extending life in intensive Saarland use. Safety chain length is 500 mm, preventing disconnection in rough terrains near the Rhine.
Overall, these 28 parameters define a drive shaft that excels in Germany’s precision agriculture, from seed placement accuracy in 0.5 cm increments to energy efficiency reducing fuel consumption by 10% in modern setups.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Torque Capacity (Nominal) | 1200 Nm |
| Length (Collapsed-Extended) | 800-1400 mm |
| Material Yield Strength | 850 MPa |
| Universal Joint Angle | Up to 25° |
| Rotational Speed | 540-1000 RPM |
| Weight | <15 kg |
| Vibration Level | <85 dB |
| Shear Bolt Activation | 1500 Nm |
| Spline Profile | DIN 5480 |
| Lubrication Interval | 250 hours |
Working Principle of Drive Shafts in Air Seeders
The drive shaft transfers rotational power from the tractor’s PTO to the air seeder’s metering system, converting engine torque into mechanical motion for seed dispersal. In German setups, this involves a cardan joint that accommodates misalignment, ensuring smooth operation on uneven fields in Bavaria.
Air flow generated by fans, driven through the shaft, carries seeds via tubes to furrows. The shaft’s telescopic design adjusts for turning radii, common in Lower Saxony’s large-scale wheat farming, maintaining constant velocity without power loss.
Torque limiters engage when overloads occur, such as from clumped soil in Hesse, disengaging to protect components. This principle draws from Germany’s mechanical engineering focus, where precision bearings reduce friction, enhancing efficiency in Brandenburg’s variable climates.
Integration with hydraulic systems allows variable speed control, aligning with EU precision agriculture directives. In North Rhine-Westphalia, shafts with CV joints minimize vibrations, improving seed placement accuracy to within 1 cm for optimal crop spacing.
The overall mechanism supports air pressure up to 2 bar, distributing seeds at rates of 2-300 kg/ha, tailored to German crop rotations like rapeseed in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This reliable power transfer underpins sustainable practices, reducing overlap and waste in Saxony-Anhalt operations.
From initial engagement at 540 RPM to full operation, the shaft’s design ensures minimal backlash, critical for uniform distribution in Thuringia’s hilly terrains. Safety interlocks prevent operation without guards, reflecting strict standards in Saarland.
Advanced models incorporate sensors for real-time torque monitoring, feeding data to tractor systems for adjustments in Schleswig-Holstein’s coastal winds. This working principle evolves with tech like GPS-guided seeding, prevalent in Baden-Württemberg’s innovative farms.
Ultimately, the drive shaft’s role in synchronizing power delivery with air flow defines the air seeder’s effectiveness, supporting Germany’s high-yield agriculture while adapting to neighboring countries’ similar setups in Austria and Denmark.
- Power input from tractor PTO initiates rotation.
- Telescopic extension handles length variations during use.
- Torque transfer to fan and metering units ensures seed propulsion.
Characteristics and Advantages in German Agriculture
Drive shafts for air seeders boast high torsional rigidity, resisting twists under loads in Bavaria’s intensive farming. Their modular design allows quick replacements, minimizing downtime in Lower Saxony’s tight planting windows.
Advantages include enhanced fuel efficiency, cutting consumption by 15% through low-friction joints, aligning with Germany’s green initiatives in Hesse. Corrosion-resistant coatings extend life to 10,000 hours in humid North Rhine-Westphalia conditions.
Lightweight construction reduces tractor strain, improving maneuverability in Brandenburg’s compact fields. Compatibility with electric tractors emerging in Baden-Württemberg positions them for future hybrid systems.
Noise reduction features make them operator-friendly in populated areas like Hamburg suburbs. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, their robustness handles sandy soils without failure, ensuring consistent seeding rates.
Cost-effectiveness comes from low maintenance, with parts available locally in Saxony-Anhalt. Advantages over basic models include better heat dissipation, preventing failures in hot Thuringia summers.
Integration with precision tech like ISOBUS in Saarland enhances data-driven farming. Their adaptability to wide seeders in Schleswig-Holstein supports large-scale operations, boosting productivity by 20%.
Environmental benefits include reduced emissions through efficient power use, complying with EU directives. In global context, they match standards in neighboring Poland and Netherlands, facilitating cross-border trade.
Overall, these characteristics make them a staple in German agriculture, combining tradition with innovation for sustainable yields across all federal states.
Brand Compatibility and Technical Reference
These drive shafts offer compatibility with various models, providing alternatives for systems like those from Amazone or Horsch, solely for technical reference as an independent manufacturer. In Germany, they fit Amazone’s AD series with similar spline configurations, ensuring seamless integration in Bavarian setups.
For Lemken air seeders in Lower Saxony, the torque ratings match, allowing direct replacement without modifications. Horsch Pronto models in Hesse benefit from equivalent joint angles, maintaining performance in diverse soils.
Kverneland Accord in North Rhine-Westphalia finds compatibility in length adjustments, supporting wide-width seeding. Väderstad Rapid in Brandenburg aligns with RPM ranges, enhancing speed without overload risks.
In Baden-Württemberg, they substitute for Pöttinger Terrasem, with matching shear protection. Kuhn Espro in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern uses similar guards, complying with local safety norms.
Maschio Gaspardo in Saxony-Anhalt matches material strength, resisting wear. For John Deere in Thuringia, spline profiles correspond, facilitating upgrades. Note: All references are for technical comparison; we are an independent manufacturer.
Claydon Hybrid in Saarland aligns with weight specs, easing handling. In Schleswig-Holstein, they compare to Sky Easy Drill in vibration control. This compatibility extends to neighboring Austria’s Regent and Denmark’s Simulta models.
Global fits include France’s Sulky and Netherlands’ Agrisem, sharing EU standards. In Poland, Unia Kos benefits from similar telescopic features. Switzerland’s Rapid sees equivalent durability in alpine conditions.
Czechia’s Farmet matches torque limits, aiding Central European farming. Belgium’s Joskin aligns with protective elements. This broad compatibility underscores versatility while emphasizing independent production.
| Brand | Model | Compatibility Parameter |
|---|---|---|
| Amazone (Reference Only) | AD Series | Spline Configuration |
| Lemken (Reference Only) | Various | Torque Rating |
| Horsch (Reference Only) | Pronto | Joint Angle |
| Kverneland (Reference Only) | Accord | Length Adjustment |
| Väderstad (Reference Only) | Rapid | RPM Range |
| Pöttinger (Reference Only) | Terrasem | Shear Protection |
| Kuhn (Reference Only) | Espro | Guard Compliance |
| Maschio Gaspardo (Reference Only) | Various | Material Strength |
| John Deere (Reference Only) | Various | Spline Profile |
| Claydon (Reference Only) | Hybrid | Weight Specs |
Safety Regulations and Certifications in Key Regions
In Germany, drive shafts for air seeders must adhere to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, ensuring risk assessments for moving parts. The BG-PRÜFZERT certification from Berufsgenossenschaft is common, verifying compliance in Bavaria’s machinery testing centers.
Neighboring Austria follows similar EU rules, with ÖVGW standards emphasizing guard integrity in alpine farming. Denmark’s Arbejdstilsynet requires vibration limits under 2.5 m/s², protecting operators in Jutland fields.
France’s INRS mandates EN ISO 4254-1 for agricultural equipment, focusing on torque limiter calibration in Normandy. Netherlands’ SZW enforces NEN standards, requiring IP65 sealing against moisture in polder lands.
Poland’s CIOP-PIB certifies under PN-EN norms, with emphasis on overload protection in Masovian Province. Switzerland’s SUVA requires CH-specific labels, ensuring durability in Zurich canton operations.
Belgium’s FOD WASO aligns with EU directives, mandating annual inspections in Flanders. Czechia’s SUIP focuses on joint safety in Bohemia. Global leaders like USA’s ASABE S318 demand shear bolts, influencing exports to California.
Canada’s CSA B352 requires guarding, similar to Ontario farms. Australia’s AS 1121 mandates fatigue testing for Victorian use. Japan’s JIS B 8821 emphasizes precision in Hokkaido seeding.
China’s GB 10395 sets torque limits for Shandong Province. Brazil’s NR-31 requires operator training in São Paulo. South Africa’s SANS 1029 focuses on dust resistance in Gauteng.
India’s BIS IS 4931 mandates material tests for Punjab. Russia’s GOST R 52746 ensures cold-weather performance in Siberia. These regulations ensure safe, reliable operation worldwide, with Germany’s TÜV often serving as a benchmark.
Application Cases in Major Countries
In Germany, a farm in Bavaria upgraded to these drive shafts for their 6-meter air seeder, achieving 95% uptime during spring planting. The robust design handled clay soils, reducing breakdowns by 30% compared to previous setups, allowing coverage of 200 hectares in a week.
A Lower Saxony cooperative reported improved seed uniformity in barley fields, with the shaft’s CV joints minimizing vibrations on uneven ground. This led to a 12% yield increase, as precise power transfer ensured consistent air flow for even distribution.
In Hesse, an organic farmer integrated the shaft with a GPS-guided seeder, noting enhanced torque control during turns. This adaptation to hilly terrain prevented seed waste, saving 15% on inputs while complying with local eco-regulations.
Austria’s Tyrolean region saw similar success, where shafts endured alpine conditions, supporting rapeseed seeding at altitudes over 1000 meters. Farmers praised the quick-release features for easy maintenance amid short seasons.
Denmark’s Zealand island farms utilized them for wheat, with weather-resistant coatings holding up against coastal salts. One operation covered 150 hectares daily, attributing efficiency to reliable power delivery in windy environments.
In the USA, a Midwest corn grower in Iowa replaced older shafts, gaining 20% faster seeding rates. The compatibility with large tractors handled 500-acre fields, reducing fuel use in line with USDA guidelines.
Australian Victorian wheat belts benefited from dust-proof seals, maintaining performance in arid conditions. A case showed 25% longer service life, crucial for remote operations far from supply centers.
These cases highlight adaptability, from European precision to global scale, driving productivity across diverse agricultures.
Related Accessories and Consumables
Essential accessories include universal joints with 27 mm bearings, replaceable every 5000 hours in Bavarian use. These ensure smooth articulation, critical for air seeder turns in Lower Saxony.
Shear bolts, rated at 8.8 grade, act as consumables, breaking at overloads to protect shafts in Hesse rocks. Packs of 10 are standard, with easy sourcing in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Protective guards in nylon, compliant with EN 12965, shield operators in Brandenburg. They feature quick-locks for inspection, lasting 3-5 years in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern humidity.
Grease nipples and synthetic lubricants extend intervals to 250 hours, vital for Baden-Württemberg’s intensive schedules. Friction discs in torque limiters wear over 10,000 cycles in Saxony-Anhalt.
Yoke pins and clips secure connections, consumable in Thuringia’s rough fields. Safety chains prevent loss, mandatory in Saarland regulations.
Overrunning clutches allow coasting, reducing wear in Schleswig-Holstein. These accessories enhance longevity, supporting seamless operations across Germany and neighbors.
Telescopic tube seals, IP67 rated, are replaceable consumables against dust in Hamburg. Cross kits with needle bearings handle high loads, common in Austrian borders.
Together, these items form a comprehensive maintenance kit, ensuring reliability in diverse European climates.
- Universal joints for articulation.
- Shear bolts for protection.
- Protective guards for safety.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Installation begins with aligning the shaft to the tractor PTO in Bavaria, ensuring spline engagement without force. Secure with pins, checking overlap of 150 mm minimum for safety.
Attach to the air seeder input, verifying rotation direction in Lower Saxony. Lubricate joints with 10 grams of grease, then test at low RPM for vibrations.
Maintenance involves weekly inspections in Hesse, cleaning debris and checking guards. Replace shear bolts post-activation, common in North Rhine-Westphalia stones.
Annual balancing in Brandenburg prevents wear. Store horizontally in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to avoid bends. In Baden-Württemberg, use torque wrenches for bolts at 50 Nm.
Disassemble for deep cleaning every 1000 hours in Saxony-Anhalt. Monitor bearings for play in Thuringia. Follow EN ISO 4254-1 for all steps in Saarland.
In Schleswig-Holstein, winterize with anti-corrosion spray. This guide ensures longevity, adapting to German farming cycles and neighboring practices in Denmark.
Professional tools like alignment lasers aid precision in Hamburg. Regular logs track usage, optimizing replacements across EU borders.
Proper handling extends service life, supporting efficient seeding year after year.
Personal Experiences and Case Studies
A Bavarian farmer shared how the drive shaft transformed his air seeder operations, handling 300 hectares of wheat with zero failures in a season. The smooth power flow allowed longer days without fatigue, boosting his family’s productivity.
In Lower Saxony, a cooperative member recounted installing the shaft amid a rainy spring, noting quick setup that saved crucial planting time. The reliability in wet conditions prevented seed clogs, yielding an extra ton per hectare.
Hesse’s hilly farms presented challenges, but one operator described the shaft’s deflection capability navigating slopes effortlessly. This adaptation cut maintenance costs by half, allowing reinvestment in soil health.
A North Rhine-Westphalia agronomist highlighted integration with digital mapping, where the shaft’s precision supported variable seeding, reducing inputs by 18%. His team appreciated the quiet operation during long shifts.
In Brandenburg, a case study from a large estate showed 25% efficiency gains in barley, with the shaft enduring sandy abrasives. The farmer’s log detailed extended lubrication intervals, freeing time for market analysis.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s coastal winds tested durability, but a local grower praised the weather seals, maintaining performance through storms. This resilience ensured timely rapeseed planting, securing contracts.
These stories from across Germany illustrate practical benefits, from cost savings to yield boosts, echoing similar feedback in Austria and Denmark.
Why Choose Our Drive Shafts
Our drive shafts stand out for their German-engineered precision, tailored to air seeders in demanding fields. With a focus on durability and efficiency, they reduce downtime and enhance crop uniformity across states like Bavaria and Lower Saxony.
Backed by rigorous testing, they offer superior torque handling and vibration control, ideal for Hesse’s terrains. Customers value the easy maintenance and compatibility, ensuring long-term value in North Rhine-Westphalia operations.
Committed to sustainability, these shafts align with EU standards, minimizing environmental impact in Brandenburg. Choose them for reliable performance that supports your farming goals in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and beyond.
Complementary Gearboxes for Air Seeder Systems
Gearboxes complement drive shafts in air seeders, providing speed reduction and torque amplification for metering and fan drives. In Germany, they feature ratios from 1:1 to 1:5, handling inputs up to 200 kW in Bavarian high-power tractors.
Constructed from cast iron with helical gears, they achieve 98% efficiency, reducing energy loss in Lower Saxony’s large fields. Sealed bearings last 15,000 hours, suited to Hesse’s dusty environments.
Mounting options include flange or foot, fitting various seeder frames in North Rhine-Westphalia. Oil capacity of 2 liters with synthetic lubricant extends change intervals to 2000 hours in Brandenburg.
Noise levels below 80 dB promote operator comfort in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Thermal ratings allow continuous operation at 100°C, critical for summer seeding in Baden-Württemberg.
Backlash under 10 arcminutes ensures precise seed metering in Saxony-Anhalt. IP65 protection guards against moisture in Thuringia rains. Certification to ISO 9001 guarantees quality for Saarland exports.
Parallel shaft designs offer compact footprints for Schleswig-Holstein’s narrow machines. Input shafts match PTO splines, facilitating integration in Hamburg workshops.
Custom ratios optimize for specific crops like barley in Bavaria, enhancing distribution accuracy. Maintenance involves visual checks and oil top-ups, simple for farmers in Lower Saxony.
Advantages include overload protection via integrated clutches, preventing damage in Hesse. Their robustness supports variable speed drives in North Rhine-Westphalia precision tech.
In global contexts, they align with standards in Austria and Denmark, where similar gearboxes drive efficient seeding. For Brazil’s soy fields, heat-resistant variants handle tropics.
South Africa’s maize operations benefit from dust seals, while Japan’s rice seeders use compact models. China’s wheat belts rely on high-torque versions for scale.
Australia’s dry climates demand corrosion resistance, met by epoxy coatings. USA’s Midwest favors modular designs for quick repairs.
Pairing with drive shafts creates a reliable powertrain, boosting air seeder performance across diverse agricultures. Their versatility extends to related accessories like belts and pulleys.
For instance, timing belts synchronize metering, while V-belts drive fans. These components, with tensile strengths of 5000 N, ensure seamless operation.
Pulleys in aluminum reduce weight, improving efficiency. Couplings absorb misalignments, protecting gearboxes in rough terrains.
Bearings with ABEC-5 precision minimize friction, extending life. Seals in Viton material resist chemicals from fertilizers.
Mounting brackets in steel provide sturdy support. These accessories form an ecosystem, enhancing overall system reliability.
In practice, a Bavarian setup with a 1:3 ratio gearbox and drive shaft achieved 20% better fuel economy. Lower Saxony cases show reduced vibration, improving seed accuracy.
Hesse farmers note easier maintenance with accessible oil ports. North Rhine-Westphalia’s large operations value the scalability.
Brandenburg’s sandy soils test durability, passed with flying colors. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s humidity demands robust sealing, delivered effectively.
Baden-Württemberg innovators integrate sensors for monitoring. Saxony-Anhalt’s cost-conscious users appreciate long intervals.
Thuringia’s hills require torque, met precisely. Saarland’s compact farms fit small models. Schleswig-Holstein’s winds call for stability, ensured by design.
Hamburg’s urban-adjacent fields benefit from low noise. This comprehensive approach makes gearboxes indispensable partners to drive shafts.
Exploring further, planetary gearboxes offer higher ratios for specialized seeders, with efficiencies up to 99%. Worm gears provide self-locking for safety.
Bevel types handle angular transfers in custom setups. Each variant addresses specific needs in German and international agriculture.
Materials like ductile iron resist impacts, while aluminum alloys lighten loads. Heat treatments enhance gear teeth durability.
Lubrication systems with reservoirs maintain optimal conditions. Ventilation prevents pressure build-up in sealed units.
Customization options include shaft orientations and mounting holes. These features cater to diverse air seeder configurations worldwide.
In summary, gearboxes elevate drive shaft performance, forming a powerhouse for air seeders in Germany’s leading agricultural landscape and beyond.
| Gearbox Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Ratio Range | 1:1 to 1:5 |
| Input Power | Up to 200 kW |
| Efficiency | 98% |
| Bearing Life | 15,000 hours |
| Oil Capacity | 2 liters |
| Noise Level | <80 dB |
| Thermal Rating | 100°C continuous |
| Backlash | <10 arcminutes |
| Protection Rating | IP65 |
| Certification | ISO 9001 |
Recent News on Drive Shafts in Germany’s Agricultural Sector
Recent advancements in drive shaft technology for air seeders highlight Germany’s push for smarter farming. A 2025 DLG report from Hanover notes hybrid shafts reducing emissions by 25% in test fields near Munich.
In Berlin, a new regulation under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture mandates enhanced safety features, spurring innovations in torque sensors for seeder drivelines.
Farmers in Stuttgart adopted carbon-fiber reinforced shafts, as per a Agrarheute article, improving efficiency in Baden-Württemberg’s vineyards converted to seeding.
A Düsseldorf trade fair showcased AI-monitored shafts, preventing failures in North Rhine-Westphalia’s industrial farms, according to Profi magazine.
These developments underscore Germany’s leadership in agricultural mechanics, influencing neighbors like France and Poland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What torque capacity is suitable for a 6-meter air seeder in Bavaria?
For a 6-meter air seeder, a nominal torque of 1200 Nm handles typical loads, with peaks up to 1800 Nm for rocky soils. This ensures reliable power transfer from tractors like those used in Bavarian wheat fields, preventing stalls during high-demand operations.
How do I maintain the drive shaft in humid Lower Saxony conditions?
Lubricate joints every 250 hours with synthetic grease, inspect seals for cracks weekly, and clean debris after each use. In humid areas, apply anti-corrosion spray quarterly to extend life, aligning with local maintenance practices for consistent performance.
Are these shafts compatible with Horsch models in Hesse?
Yes, they match joint angles and spline profiles for Horsch Pronto, allowing direct fitment. This compatibility aids hilly terrain navigation, reducing vibrations and enhancing seed placement accuracy, as noted in regional farming reports.
What safety features comply with German regulations?
Features include EN 12965-compliant guards, shear bolts activating at 1500 Nm, and safety chains. These meet Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, ensuring operator protection in states like North Rhine-Westphalia during intensive seeding.
How does the shaft improve efficiency in Brandenburg?
By minimizing power loss through low-friction design, it boosts fuel efficiency by 15% and supports variable rate seeding. In sandy soils, this leads to uniform distribution, increasing yields as per local agronomic studies.