This summer, a new model of leek planter was presented in the Ain region of France. The demonstration was organized by Agrivaloire, which specializes in the sale of leek plants, asparagus shoots, and equipment. The new machine is designed to meet the needs of growers who prepare the soil in beds before planting to obtain very loose soil. "We have been hearing about a leek planter developed by Dutch manufacturer Basrijs for several years now. Last year, we came to various growers to try out the standard model, which has been around for 15 years. The machine aroused a great deal of interest," explains Enya Vermuë, director of Agrivaloire.
© Agrivaloire
New model: Support wheels positioned in the tractor's track
While the first approach proved positive, the standard model is very suitable for flat planting, but not so much for planting on very loose beds. A new prototype was therefore developed based on feedback from French growers during demonstrations organized in 2024. This new prototype was evaluated this summer. "This model retains the recognized characteristics of the other Basrijs models, but is distinguished by a key feature. Its support wheels are positioned in the tractor track, a configuration designed for growers who prepare the soil before planting to obtain very loose soil."
© Agrivaloire
The advantages of the standard model kept
The model has a performance of around 3,000 plants/hour/planting unit and allows operators to work while seated. The plants are placed on a conveyor belt that feeds them to two planting discs (metal and rubber), which gently grasp them by the leaves. Another advantage is that you can customize the number of rows, row spacing, and range of options available, with spacing adjusted by pinions, without belts.
© Agrivaloire
Straight planting
"This new model, like the old one, helps to plant really straight. Thanks to Orbitrol, the rotation of the discs is synchronized with the progress of the tractor, ensuring straight, twist-free planting. The thin discs help to achieve a very narrow furrow, which preserves the structure of the soil and encourages better recovery."
© Agrivaloire
A leek planter that is easy to use and maintain
Benoit Pérusset, farmer at Manziat, has been using this new leek planter since the start of the season. He praises the ease with which the new machine can be used. "First of all, it is a much simpler planter in mechanical terms. You can see very clearly how the leek is planted, straight or at an angle, and the machine is very easy to maintain." There are also economic benefits, since using the machine cuts labor costs by 30%, compared to planting with holes (punching machines), for an initial investment starting at €17,000 [19,894 USD].
Agrivaloire will be at the IAD IBD trade fair in Bordeaux from October 7th to 9th.
For more information:
Carla Vermuë
Agrivaloire
[email protected]