One pass, multiple benefits – The Agrisem Scalp advantage

In modern farming, the pressure to produce more with fewer inputs - and to do so in a way that builds soil health rather than depletes it - is shaping the way farmers approach cultivation, weed control and crop establishment.

For many, especially in organic or regenerative systems, finding machinery that meets these demands without compromising productivity has been a challenge. The Agrisem Scalp tool, supplied in New Zealand by NC Equipment, is designed to tackle exactly these challenges. It combines precision engineering, versatility and an environmentally minded approach to soil management.

The Scalp is built around an innovative single-blade design that works effectively where traditional multi-tine hoes or cultivators struggle. Tall weeds, heavy crop residue, or established cover crops can be difficult for conventional mechanical weeding systems to penetrate, but the Scalp’s sharp, hydraulically controlled blade delivers consistent, homogenous penetration regardless of conditions. This allows it to control large weeds and drastically reduce the number of passes required.

Its modular and scalable frame - from 4 to 24 rows, with spacing adjustable between 50 and 80cm - means the Scalp can suit different crops, row widths and farming systems. Farmers can start small and expand later or customise the machine with attachments for specific tasks. Active Isobus-controlled lateral guidance, driven by GPS or camera, ensures precision row tracking, while a GPS row-by-row cut-off system allows targeted work, saving time and reducing unnecessary soil disturbance.

The Scalp’s capabilities go beyond weed control. In full scalping mode, it can be used for stubble cultivation and seedbed preparation under crops or cover crops, with excellent ground following for uniform results. It can also handle strip sowing, establishing autumn cereals, summer crops or cover crops directly during a scalping pass. Fertiliser application - solid or liquid - can be integrated, placing nutrients precisely in the root zone for efficient uptake and reduced losses.

For organic farmers, the Scalp offers an effective, sustainable alternative to herbicides. By working under crop residue or established cover crops, it removes competitive weeds without damaging the main crop. It is also capable in no-till systems, where maintaining soil structure and minimising disturbance preserves carbon stocks and soil biology.

A key environmental benefit is water and carbon management. Scalping weeds creates a capillary break that reduces soil moisture loss. Minimal soil disturbance maintains carbon levels, and breaking down crop residues in place feeds the soil food web, improving long-term fertility. This approach is especially valuable in unpredictable weather and recurring droughts. Conserving moisture and building soil organic matter helps protect crops during dry spells and supports climate-friendly farming practices.

Practicality hasn’t been overlooked. The hydraulic downforce system ensures consistent blade engagement, while 500mm of parallelogram travel per row unit allows close ground following. Gauge wheels are non-stick and easy to adjust without tools, and accessories attach or detach quickly with a modular mounting system with settings memory. This makes switching between hoeing, scalping, sowing or fertilising straightforward.

In New Zealand, NC Equipment supports the Scalp with local knowledge, advice and service from branches in North Canterbury, Mid Canterbury and Manawatū. Their team understands the realities of farming here—from tight weather windows to the need for reliable backup at full capacity - making the Scalp a long-term asset, not just a purchase.

The appeal of the Agrisem Scalp lies in consolidating operations. By combining weed control, seedbed preparation, cover crop sowing and fertiliser application in a single pass, it saves time, reduces fuel use, and lessens wear on other machinery. These savings add up, while also supporting broader sustainability and resilience goals. Whether replacing herbicides, improving soil structure, conserving moisture, or enabling innovative crop rotations such as relay cropping, it provides a flexible platform for farmers to adapt to changing demands.

The Agrisem Scalp represents a shift from single-purpose machines toward adaptable, multifunctional equipment that evolves with a farm system. It is a tool for those who want more from each pass, protect their soil, and maintain productivity without compromising environmental goals. With NC Equipment’s backing, New Zealand farmers have access to technology that is forward-thinking and robust enough to deliver season after season.