Maximising efficiency and sustainability in farming with the Kverneland iXtra LiFe
Farming today is about more than just tending to crops and livestock; it is about making strategic decisions that drive productivity and profitability. With an ever-growing focus on sustainability, precision farming, and efficiency, the right tools can make all the difference.
The Kverneland iXtra LiFe front tank is a solution that enhances efficiency in row crop fertilisation, offering farmers greater precision, reduced waste, and a smarter approach to nutrient management.
Efficient spraying is critical for securing both yield and quality while ensuring environmental protection. Precision application of fertiliser plays a major role in this process, allowing farmers to optimise input usage and ensure crops receive the best possible care. The iXtra LiFe front tank takes this a step further by integrating seamlessly with existing farm equipment, offering a versatile and cost-effective approach to liquid fertilisation.
A key advantage of the iXtra LiFe is its ability to function independently or in combination with other implements such as seeders, planters, hoes, and cultivators. “A big advantage of the iXtra LiFe front tank is that we can operate and control the iXtra LiFe and the seeders (Monopill and Optima seeding machines) via the same screen and terminal, the IsoMatch Tellus,” says Arjan Breure, a contractor from the Netherlands. “They are also connected to each other, making it easy to switch sections of the rows at the headland, in tramlines, and in wedge-shaped fields to avoid overlap.”
With a maximum capacity of 1,300 litres, the iXtra LiFe ensures efficient application without excessive refills, while its balanced design maintains even weight distribution. The 65-litre clean water tanks on either side contribute to improved stability and ease of use. “The ISOBUS compatibility makes it possible to change from the Monopill seeder to the Optima seeder very quickly. By plugging in the IsoMatch Tellus, all data from the seeder is immediately available on one screen, avoiding any mistakes regarding working widths, row distance, and other issues,” Breure explains.
Ease of use is a defining feature of the iXtra LiFe. Unlike traditional front tanks, it does not require a PTO shaft for operation, thanks to its hydraulic-driven pump. This allows for quick and effortless hitching, with plug-and-play functionality facilitated by ISOBUS technology. Parking wheels further enhance convenience, allowing for easy storage and handling when the unit is not in use.
Technology plays a significant role in modern farming, and the iXtra LiFe is designed to integrate with digital farm management systems. With up to 18 individual sections, it enables precise row switching without overlap, ensuring that fertiliser application is as accurate as possible. The integration of IsoMatch Tellus with IsoMatch GEOCONTROL® takes precision to another level by automating row-by-row control via GPS. This not only optimises efficiency but also enhances driver comfort by reducing manual adjustments.
One of the standout features of the iXtra LiFe is its built-in iXclean system, which ensures efficient agitation and cleaning. This smart technology optimises both filling and cleaning processes, even when the tank still contains liquid. The benefits are clear: accurate application, minimised waste, and a more sustainable approach to fertilisation.
Row fertilisation is a highly efficient method of applying nutrients directly to the root zone, leading to better absorption and less environmental impact. By combining seeding and fertilisation into a single pass, the iXtra LiFe reduces soil compaction, saves time, and increases efficiency. “Due to the innovative technology from Kverneland, we are able as a contractor, by using the iXtra LiFe front tank and the seeders, to make better use of the minerals in the root zone of the soil by applying them in the row during seeding,” Breure adds. “At the same time, we are taking better care of the environment by saving fertiliser and minerals.”
Sustainability is at the heart of the iXtra LiFe’s design. The system allows farmers to use lower fertiliser rates without compromising yield, creating space in fertilisation plans for additional organic matter. This contributes to improved soil health, increased organic content, and overall better fertility in the long run.
Kverneland’s IsoMatch GEOCONTROL® further enhances the benefits of the iXtra LiFe by automating section control and variable rate application. This means that fertiliser and seed application rates are adjusted based on field conditions, reducing input costs while ensuring optimal growth conditions. The technology also offers documentation capabilities, allowing farmers to track application data and integrate it into their farm management systems. With savings of 5-10% on fertiliser and pesticides, the cost-effectiveness of this system is clear.
For farmers looking to future-proof their operations, the iXtra LiFe provides an intelligent and adaptable solution. It offers flexibility by working alongside a variety of machines, including inner-row cultivators and mechanical weeding systems. The combination of digital precision, ease of use, and sustainable application methods makes it a valuable asset for modern farms.
Precision farming is the way forward, and equipment like the iXtra LiFe ensures that farmers can maximise efficiency while reducing waste and environmental impact. By integrating seamlessly with existing technology, automating key processes, and delivering a smarter approach to fertilisation, the iXtra LiFe is setting a new standard for effective crop management. With an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and profitability, Kverneland continues to provide solutions that empower farmers to grow stronger crops and stronger businesses.