Semeato and No-Till

Semeato adopts the No-Till System as one of its pillars of development, offering solutions that go beyond machines. Our commitment is to sustainable agriculture, using innovation and technology to promote a more efficient, profitable and
ecological management.

What is No-Till ?

The Direct Planting System (SPD) is not just a no-till planting technique. It is based on three fundamental principles:

Minimal soil disturbance

For stronger, healthier soil

Permanent soil cover

Nature´s shield against erosion

Species diversification

Boosting resilience and productivity

This system reduces erosion, preserves soil moisture, improves biodiversity, and promotes sustainability.

It is no coincidence that no-till farming is recognized by the FAO as the only system capable of producing food while conserving natural resources.

Here at Semeato, we believe No-Till is the future of agriculture, which is why we fully integrate it into our products.

Semeato’s drills, planters, and multiple machines are developed to optimize No-Till under any type of soil and climatic condition.

History No-Till in Brazil

The history of No-Till in Brazil begins in 1969, in Rio Grande do Sul, with the first direct seeding experiment using a machine imported from the USA.

This pioneering practice yielded promising harvests, but it was the partnership between Semeato and EMBRAPA-Trigo that helped popularize No-Till.

In 1977, Semeato, together with EMBRAPA, developed a special disc kit for its PS-6 machines, making direct seeding on a much larger scale possible. Since then, the area under no-till has grown exponentially, and today, more than 27 million hectares in Brazil are cultivated with this system.

Timeline of No-Till Farming in Brazil
1969:

First experiment in RS (Rio Grande do Sul) with a “Buffalo” seeder

1977

Semeato launches a kit adapted for No-Till

Atualmente

27 million hectares under No-Till in Brazil

Seeding in No-Till Farming

Seeding is the key point for no-till success.

From a financial perspective, the planting operation concentrates a large share of the production costs used in managing a crop.

In soybeans, 69.6% of the total inputs used in the crop are applied in planting; 41.9% of the labor needed to manage the crop is used in planting; and 15.9% of the operational cost of the crop is applied in the planting operation — thus, 47.7% of the total cost of the soybean crop is allocated during seeding.

In corn, costs allocated during planting reach 49.6% of the total crop cost.

From a qualitative standpoint, several factors interfere with planting quality, among which stand out:

01.

Seed

Seed physiological quality is essential because it reflects the crop’s yield potential.

Yet, without adequate physical and morphological quality—uniform size and shape—performance suffers: irregular seeds impair metering and distribution, reduce grain drill/planter efficiency, and hinder the establishment of the target plant stand.

02.

Machine

Planting equipment must operate reliably across diverse soil textures and residue loads, with effective residue cutting, precise furrow opening, and accurate metering, placement of seeds, fertilizers at the specified rates and target depths.

03.

Speed and planting quality

Speed has a direct influence on planting quality.
It directly affects seed metering, seed placement depth, and soil mixing.

04.

Cover crops

The type, volume, and distribution on the soil surface influence the performance of the machine.

05.

Soil conditions

The soil’s moisture content and physical characteristics (structure, density, etc.) affect the performance of the machine and the development of the crop.

Benefits of No-Till Planting

Curiosity

The FAO recognizes No-Till System as the only system capable of producing food while conserving natural resources.

Erosion Reduction

Covered soil protects against wear.

Moisture Preservation

Cover crops keep water in the soil.

Greater Biodiversity

Crop rotation improves life in the soil.

Sustainability and Profitability

Efficient production with lower environmental impact.

Semeato values no-till farming because we believe the success of the farmer depends on practices that ensure a balance between productivity and environmental preservation.

Choosing the Ideal Machine

The ideal machine is one that meets each farmer’s needs. To choose the ideal planter, the following factors should be considered:
Property size
Available tractor power
Crops rotation used
Fertilization system
Crop types
Soil type
Available manpower
Technological level
Terrain topography

Semeato offers a range of equipment adaptable to various conditions, ensuring the producer to choose the perfect solution for their crop.

See machines

Why does Semeato invest in no-till system?

For Semeato, No-Till represents more than technological innovation — it is a philosophy of respect for the environment and the future of agriculture.

Our machines are designed to optimize the processes of this system, offering efficient and sustainable solutions to producers around the world.

Explore more about the System No-till