The new Maestro SW Dry from Horsch is North America’s first bulk-fill dry fertilizer planter. 

Featuring two integral fertilizer compartments with a combined capacity of 5 tons, the Maestro SW Dry allows farmers to take advantage of the economic benefits of dry fertilizer, as well as eliminate potential runoff issues associated with broadcast applications. 

Fertilizer can be applied 2-5 inches horizontally from the furrow and 1.5-4 inches below seed depth, and applications can be made variable rate via ISOBUS control or Horsch monitor.

The Maestro SW Dry is available in three models. The SW1630 is 40 feet wide with 16 rows using 30-inch spacing. The SW2420 is 40 feet wide with 24 rows and 20-inch spacing. The SW2430 is 60 feet wide with 24 rows and 30 inch spacing. 

All models feature 83 bushels of seed-holding capacity, as well as two 2.5-ton fertilizer tanks, allowing customers to apply one or two fertilizer blends at planting.

The dry fertilizer system uses highly accurate meters driven by electric motors for highly consistent, accurate application rates. The pneumatic system includes large hoses for unobstructed flow during high-rate fertilizer applications. Furthermore, each opener hose is equipped with a stainless-steel sleeved blockage monitor to instantly alert the operator in case of blockage.

Other standard features on the Maestro SW Dry planter include electric-driven row units with curve compensation and independent section control, hydraulic down pressure, a weight transfer system, and large diameter cart tires. The unit is designed for maximum efficiency by offering accurate seeding at higher speeds, combined with the industry’s highest seed and fertilizer carrying capacity to reduce frequency of refills.