A massive “all-in-one” machine by NEXAT handles every work step in production agriculture, including soil cultivation, sowing, crop protection and harvesting.

The holistic crop production system is based on an interchangeable carrier vehicle, which is driven horizontally on the field and vertically on roads. The technology needed for each step in production can be installed as a module in the system tractor, and the system can operate autonomously. The company says swapping modules can be done by one person in 10 minutes — with plans to automate this step in the future. The system does not require additional, separate undercarriages.

The system has working widths from about 19 feet to nearly 79 feet. NEXAT’s electric generators are currently powered by two independently driven 550 hp diesel engines, but the system is prepared to be powered by green hydrogen fuel cells. As each module is integrated, its weight is transferred onto the carrier vehicle and optimized so that it becomes a self-propelled machine. This enables the implements to be guided more accurately and with less slip, reducing the vehicle’s fuel consumption and CO2-emissions. NEXAT says the system delivers 50% more power with 40% less weight.

The vehicle can be used for controlled traffic farming and is prepared for full autonomization because it has a constant working width. NEXAT says 95% of the total arable area is never overrun again by the machine, providing a possible 10-20% yield increase. Typically, farm equipment drives over 60-80% of the field. Felix Kalverkamp, managing director of NEXAT, says those yield increases could translate to a 20-50% increase in profitability for a grower.

The company envisions growers using the machine will experience additional benefits like sustainable soil improvement through continuous humus build-up, significant CO2 savings, and erosion prevention. Kalverkamp says environmental and economic sustainability played a central role in the machine’s development. The modular design reduces acquisition costs and energy savings of 20-40%, compared to conventional machines.

The system has been successfully used in crop production under real conditions for 3 years. It won a gold Agritechnica Innovation Award in 2022.  

NEXAT was founded in 2017 by Kalverkamp Innovation GmbH with cooperation from other agricultural manufacturers. Swedish ag equipment company Väderstad helped with the development and adaptation of specific module solutions, and it plans to offer these for the new crop production system in the future. NEXAT is dedicated to the development, production and distribution of the new plant production process.

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