Double-disk openers with aluminum boots work well in well-prepared seedbeds and dry soil. Blades bolt on to allow use of a broad range of depth-gauging attachments.

Double-disk openers with cast-iron boots are also available. They are heavier and have greater clearance inside of double-disk openers for better performance in wet, sticky soils.

*NOTE: The down pressure figures are based on 25.4 mm (1 in.) of push rod showing above spring.

BD11 fertilizer metering system

The seed and fertilizer metering systems are powered by the end wheel. A heavy-duty, high-strength No. 40 roller chain provides a positive drive. Spur gears and sprockets are machined to provide a more accurate fit for longer life. Gears can be interchanged for either a slow or fast speed.

The half-speed drive reduces the feed shaft speed by one-half, which allows for the very low seed rates required for crops such as rape and sorghum. It also permits higher seed index settings for large seeds such as soybeans. The resulting greater flute exposure reduces seed damage sometimes caused by forcing seeds through the opening between the shutoff and feed cup housing.

Depth band for the cast-iron boots offer cost-effective depth control.

Choose aluminum boots for prepared seedbeds and dry soil. They provide up to 53.5 kg (118 lb) of down pressure. Cast-iron boots deliver as much as

56.2 kg (124 lb) of down pressure, making them ideal for wet, sticky conditions.

Double-disk outside scraper are designed to scour/remove soil and residue from the furrow opener and are recommended for use in damp, sticky soil conditions.

• Not compatible with depth-gauging press wheels
• Not compatible with Tru-Vee attachment

Adjustable depth gauge wheels are for double-disk openers with an aluminum boot. The adjustable depth gauge wheel mounts to the double-disk opener at one side and firms one furrow wall, preventing soil from crumbling into the furrow.

Two tines scratch along the furrow walls, drawing the soil over the seed. It gauges the depth of the furrow from 1.3 cm (0.5 in.) to 8.9 cm (3.5 in.) and is for 19.1-cm (7.5-in.) or 25.4-cm (10-in.) row spacing.

Depth gauge press wheels for better seedbed

Depth-gauging press wheels assist in controlling furrow depth and promote seed-to-soil contact for good germination. Press wheels have smooth sides to reduce soil throw and leave a better-looking seedbed.

1x12 press wheel

2x13 press wheel

4x12 double-rib press wheel

A variety of sizes and types are available to match seed-to-soil contact requirements. Available wheels are:

• 2.5-cm x 30.5-cm (1-in. x 12-in.) single
• 5.1-cm x 33-cm (2-in. x 13-in.) single
• 10.2-cm x 30.5-cm (4-in. x 12-in.) double-rib

Why cover crops?

With proper management and the right selection of cover crops, you can slow soil erosion, improve soil health, enhance water availability, suppress weeds, control pests and diseases, increase biodiversity, and reap numerous other benefits for your farm’s health and profitability. Cover crops act as a protective shield for the soil, reducing the impact of heavy rains and wind, which in turn minimizes topsoil loss. They improve soil structure by adding organic matter and fostering beneficial soil microorganisms, which enhances nutrient cycling and retention.

Additionally, cover crops can break up compacted soil layers, improving root penetration and water infiltration. By suppressing weeds, they reduce the need for chemical herbicides, leading to more sustainable farming practices. Cover crops also provide beneficial habitat for insects and pollinators, boosting on-farm biodiversity. Furthermore, they can help in sequestering carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. Overall, integrating cover crops into your farming system can lead to more resilient and productive agricultural landscapes, ultimately enhancing long-term profitability.

What tool works best for you?

N500C No-Till Air Drill

The N500C model machines provide extensive crop compatibility, making them an excellent choice for customers looking to seed multiple crops and crop blends using a single tool. These machines can be customized with two unique rollers in multiple sizes to meet the specific needs of each operation. Refer to the crop compatibility link by roller below. Additionally, the N500C is capable of seeding in various soil conditions and residue types. Featuring the Pro-Series No-Till opener, it is designed to handle a wide range of conditions, from heavy residue to lightly worked soils. For more information, see the Sales Manual links below.

N500C crop compatibility

N500C model

1590 No-Till Box Drills

Box Drills are an excellent choice for seeding cover crops, offering simplicity and high placement accuracy. Equipped with the Pro-Series No-Till opener, the 1590 Box Drill can handle a variety of conditions, from heavy residue to lightly worked soils. The 455 and BD11 Series Box Drills, featuring a double disk opener, are ideal for tilled seed beds. They also provide wider widths and a range of spacing options. For more information, see the Sales Manual link below.

Box Drills

Already have an Air Seeder?

C-Series Air Cart tendering

Any John Deere air cart compatible tools are excellent options for seeding cover crops. Air carts come with multiple tanks, enabling you to combine or blend your cover crop mixes effectively. With a wide range of meter roller options, air carts can be easily tailored to meet your specific cover crop needs and paired with the most suitable tool for the job. For more information, see the Sales Manual links below.

Air Seeding

Air cart roller information