# Current Status and Future Directions for Combined Tillage and Sowing Technology and Equipment
## 2 Status of Development of Combined Tillage and Sowing Machines
### Combined Rotary Tillage and Sowing Machine
The transmission mode is mainly a chain or gear type, and the processing cost is lower than that of vertical rotary tillage and sowing combination machines. The machines are generally more suitable for operations in small and medium-sized plots, with strong adaptability to meet operational needs under different conditions [7; 26]. NONGHAHA has developed the 2 BMFS-6/12 no-tillage fertilizer planter. The machine has a compact structure and can perform no-tillage sowing operations while covered by upright corn stover. It can also complete straw returning and other related operations [27]. The HAOFENG company manufactured a 2 BMXS-3/10 strip rotary tillage fertilizer planter. This machine uses a horizontal rotary tilter to crush stubble and fine soil and can be paired with a no-tillage seeder for strip sowing and fertilizer application. Special sensors are installed on the seed and fertilizer tanks to monitor the amounts of seed and fertilizer in real-time [28]. Table 1 presents a compilation of typical machinery. The combined rotary tillage and sowing machine prepares the tilled soil by crushing and leveling it with the front rotary tiller, creating an excellent seedbed for subsequent sowing. Compared to standard planters, this machine effectively reduces operational costs and cycle duration while mitigating the soil compaction resulting from repeated ground entry. Furthermore, it addresses the issue of human errors leading to miss plowing and leakage sowing. However, owing to its substantial size and weight, this machine necessitates a high power input, resulting in elevated power consumption and poor inter-component collaboration. Further research should emphasize structural and technological innovation to enhance the quality of critical links by implementing new structures, methods, and technologies. Additionally, efforts should be made to reduce operational power consumption, explore inter-component collaboration and interoperability among related institutions, conduct mechanistic investigations, and assess operational stability across different environments. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt}} \hline \hline
**Model/Manufacturer** & **Operating Mode** & **Overall Structure** & **Technical Parameters** \\ \hline Saphir 7 combined mechanical precision planter/LEMKEN [24] & Vertical rotary tillage and mechanical sowing & Working width: 2.5–4 m Tractor PTO Requirement: \(\geq\)60 kW \\ \hline s-drill plus seed drills/Kverneland [25] & Vertical rotary tillage and pneumatic sowing & Working width: 3–6 m Tractor PTO Requirement: \(\geq\)120 kW \\ \hline
2 BMFS-6/12 no-tillage fertilizer planter/ NONGHAHA [27] & Horizontal rotary tillage and mechanical sowing & Working width: 1.9 m Tractor PTO Requirement: 40–58 kW \\ \hline
2 BMXS-3/10 strip rotary tillage fertilizer planter/ HAOFENG [28] & Horizontal rotary tillage and mechanical sowing & Working width: 1.8 m Tractor PTO Requirement: 37–44 kW \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular} Note: 1. Rotary tillage unit; 2. Sowing unit.  
\end{table} 
Table 1: Typical equipment for rotary tillage and sowing combination machines.