Experiments with strip-tilling ahead of maize crops has taken a new twist, with French maker Agrowin deciding to pair talon-like looseners with rotating hammers to beat the soil into a respectable seed-bed.

In all, the company reckons its Rotawin can do the job of four implements in just one pass, with the two cultivation elements split by a fertiliser applicator and roller, and the option of mounting a set of seeder units at the back.

The lop-sided, 320mm-wide wings on the leading legs are designed to crack, shatter and lift the ground evenly at 15-35cm below the intended crop row. 

See also: Bespoke Stripcat drill expands companion cropping options

However, there is also a 220mm-wide version of the foot that reduces disturbance and power requirement, while still breaking any compaction and improving both drainage and aeration.

Heavy-hitting double hammers then wallop the ground within the rows to break up any roots remaining from the previous crop and form a seed-bed.

The shock effect of the 40mm-thick hammers pummelling the deck apparently results in good mixing of trash and topsoil.

At the back comes a smooth roller, followed by a three-point linkage that can be used to mount seeding units for maize, oilseed rape or sunflowers. 

The system is available in 3m and 4.5m widths, with the smaller model requiring at least 210hp.