In Lanarvilly, Brittany, two farming cooperatives—GAEC Nevez Castel and GAEC de Kerberheun—have invested in a shared AVR Ceres 450 planter, a machine that combines tillage and planting in a single pass. This innovation has reduced field operations, saved time, and improved soil conservation—a critical concern in modern agriculture.
From Multiple Passes to a Single Operation
Previously, David Chopin, a potato producer, required plowing, two passes with a rotary harrow, and ridging before planting—a labor-intensive process. Neighboring farmers at GAEC de Kerberheun used a four-row planter with 75 cm spacing, but aging equipment prompted them to seek a more efficient solution.
Their second-hand AVR Ceres 450, purchased for €80,000 (half the price of a new machine), integrates tillage, fertilization, and planting in one operation. The machine features:
- Full-width tillage for uniform seedbed preparation
- Liquid fertilizer tank for precise nutrient application (24-10 N-P blend)
- Optional insecticide applicator for integrated pest management
Improved Precision and Soil Protection
The bucket-based planting system ensures more consistent spacing compared to older belt planters. Farmers input desired plant density via a touchscreen, adjusting for variety and tuber size (typically 35/45 caliber). The machine plants tubers 15-17 cm deep in permanent ridges, reducing soil disturbance.
To combat erosion, the planter includes an anti-erosion kit—a small tine creating 5 cm-high micro-ridges every 20-30 cm, slowing water runoff. This aligns with regenerative agriculture principles, as the farm also avoids stone sieving, allowing faster post-harvest recovery.
Efficiency and Sustainability Gains
- 4-5 hectares planted daily (with RTK guidance for precision)
- 3-ton hopper capacity (1 hectare per load)
- Reduced fertilizer handling (no more 25 kg bags)
- Long crop rotations (potatoes every 5 years, with cover crops like phacelia, radish, and clover)
The AVR Ceres 450 demonstrates how shared investments in precision machinery can enhance productivity while addressing soil health challenges. For potato farmers, one-pass systems offer labor savings, better nutrient efficiency, and erosion control—key factors in sustainable agriculture.
