Conservation farming today requires more than just the right implement, it demands smart solutions that help farmers optimise time, input costs and labour.

At this year’s Val Boeredag, Rula Agri once again demonstrated why it is known as a manufacturer that listens to the needs of South African farmers by showcasing its Strip till unit combined with the EasyFert system.

According to Ruan Jonas of Rula Agri, the implement was designed with one objective in mind: to accommodate the unique requirements of every farming operation.

“We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why we build our implements according to each farmer’s row spacing, soil conditions and management practices,” explains Ruan.

Built for South African conditions

The new StripTill  unit begins its operation with a cutting coulter, followed by double row cleaners and a tine that loosens the soil while placing fertiliser exactly where the farmer requires it.

Farmers can choose between different tine configurations, including a 25 mm tine or a 16 mm shank-type tine where only the replaceable tip needs to be changed when worn.

This design significantly reduces maintenance costs, as only the wear part needs replacing rather than the entire tine.

The implement also features Rula Agri’s stainless-steel vent diffuser and wavy coulters, which support optimal soil preparation and fertiliser placement.

“The demonstration unit we are showing farmers here at Val Farmers Day works to a depth of approximately 300 mm and requires around 17 to 20 kW of power per row, depending on soil conditions,” says Ruan.

Rula Agri’s Strip Till EasyFert combination attracted strong interest from farmers at Val Farmers Day, where visitors had the opportunity to inspect the implement up close and learn more about its technology and customisation options.

Hydraulic breakaway tine ensures consistent performance

One of the implement’s most distinctive features is its hydraulic breakaway tine system.

“While many similar implements use springs to apply pressure to the tine, Rula Agri uses an accumulator that is pre-charged to the desired pressure. This means every tine operates at the same pressure continuously, regardless of terrain or operating conditions. The result is more consistent soil preparation across the full working width and greater uniformity during cultivation,” explains Ruan.

The Strip Till unit is equipped with a hydraulic breakaway tine system that ensures every tine operates at a constant pressure for consistent soil cultivation.

Maintenance-free for maximum productivity

Another major advantage is that the implement has no grease points. Self-lubricating bushes replace traditional grease fittings, eliminating the need for farmers to spend time greasing the machine every morning before work begins.

For farmers, this means less maintenance and more time in the field.

EasyFert: More work in less time

The Strip Till unit is paired with Rula Agri’s EasyFert system, available in 2 000-, 4 000- and 6 000-litre tank configurations.

The EasyFert follows the implement frame and, thanks to its articulated wheels, can move independently by up to 800 mm when uneven terrain or obstacles are encountered. This ensures excellent ground following and stability.

Farmers can complete seedbed preparation and fertiliser application in a single pass, saving time, reducing fuel consumption and limiting the number of tractor passes required.

“It’s a case of killing two birds with one stone. As planting windows become increasingly shorter, this combination offers a significant advantage,” says Ruan.

Precise fertiliser placement

One of the most impressive technologies on the implement is its Venturi fertiliser metering system.

Unlike many conventional systems that rely on closed systems, EasyFert uses the Venturi principle, where air moves through the metering unit to create a vacuum. The airflow accelerates the fertiliser until it reaches the stainless-steel air diffuser, where the air is released and the fertiliser is placed precisely by gravity at the desired location.

This system offers several advantages:

  • No fertiliser is blown out of the furrow and wasted.
  • Fertiliser is accurately placed where the crop needs it.
  • The system is not dependent on a sealed tank and continues to function even when the lid is open.

This demonstration unit features three fertiliser outlets capable of placing fertiliser at three different soil depths. Farmers can also choose different outlet configurations to suit their specific requirements.

A side view of Rula Agri’s 8-row Strip Till unit with the EasyFert combination highlights the integrated design that combines soil preparation, precision fertiliser application and seedbed preparation in a single efficient pass.

Fully customisable

Rula Agri’s philosophy is simple: every farming operation is different. The StripTill can be purchased as a standalone implement or as part of a complete pre-plant combination with EasyFert, either as a tow-behind model or with frame-mounted fertiliser systems.

Different roller options are available, including:

  • A sand roller for lighter soils.
  • A more aggressive roller designed to effectively break up clods in heavier soils.

Roller pressure can also be adjusted to suit varying soil conditions.

Farmers can further choose between a rigid frame or a stack-fold frame, while larger fertiliser requirements are catered for by the Camelback range. The Camelback can carry up to 10 500 litres of fertiliser and can even handle different fertiliser products simultaneously.

Locally manufactured, locally supported

For Rula Agri, its greatest advantage lies not only in its technology but also in its ability to respond quickly to farmers’ needs. Because Rula Agri’s implements are manufactured locally at its factory in Honeydew, Johannesburg, modifications, spare parts and technical support are readily available.

“We are South African. We understand the challenges our farmers face every day, and that enables us to design implements that are perfectly suited to their needs,” says Ruan.

Rula Agri offers a range of roller options to suit different soil conditions.

Smart technology that works with the farmer

Rula Agri’s new Strip Till EasyFert combination proves that modern conservation farming is about far more than soil cultivation – it is about creating smarter, more efficient workflows.

With precise fertiliser placement, minimal maintenance, hydraulic tine control and the ability to customise every implement to the farmer’s specific requirements, Rula Agri offers a solution that helps farmers make every hectare more productive and profitable.

For farmers looking to maximise their planting window without compromising on quality or precision, this South African-built implement offers a practical solution designed specifically for local conditions.

For more information, contact Rula Agri on 011-795-1040 or visit https://rula-agri.co.za/