Monosem MS Electron Electric Onion Planter: Precision Seeding Without Chains and With Row-by-Row Control

Monosem is bringing a new solution to the precision vegetable seeding segment - the MS Electron, an electrified version of the well-known MS platform, often regarded in the field as a “classic” onion planter. The core idea is straightforward: replace mechanical drives with dedicated electric motors on each seeding unit to deliver higher accuracy, more flexibility, and a greater level of automation.

What Was Shown: First Machines and an Onion-Focused Configuration

According to early field demonstrations in Europe, one of the first MS Electron machines was presented as an 11-row, 3-meter planter equipped with a granule application system (microgranulation or localized product placement in the row). For onion production, this configuration is typical: practical logistics, consistent operation on uniform row spacing, and strong requirements for stable seeding depth.

The Key Difference: Individual Electric Drive on Every Row

On mechanically driven planters, precision often depends on chains, sprockets, tension, wear, and careful calibration. MS Electron changes that logic: each seeding unit is powered by its own electric motor, enabling functions that were previously difficult, expensive, or compromised:

• Row-by-row on/off control (useful on headlands, wedges, and pass overlaps);
• More precise control of seed spacing and rate, with flexible settings tailored to field conditions;
• Seeding synchronized to true ground speed, without the “inertia effect” of mechanical drive systems.
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56V Electrical Architecture: Scalability and Simpler Operation

A notable technical detail is the 56V system architecture. In practical descriptions of the concept, such a system is positioned to control a large number of motors (up to 128) and to operate without a buffer battery on the planter. For the operator, that means simpler electrical-system servicing and scalability across different configurations - including added modules such as microgranulation drives.

Real-Time Seeding Monitoring: SeedWatch Mini

Precision onion seeding is not only about “dropping a seed”, but also about catching skips and doubles immediately, while the field is still being planted. That’s why MS Electron is paired with SeedWatch Mini, an optical seed-flow monitoring system. The value is fast diagnostics of planting quality and quicker response to changing conditions (dust, seed grading, vacuum stability, speed).

Microgranulation “Row by Row”: MicroSmart

In vegetable production, localized microgranule application can be critical (starter fertilizers, micronutrients, biostimulants, or other products depending on the farm’s agronomy program). The MS Electron concept highlights MicroSmart control per row, meaning dosage becomes more targeted and controlled - rather than averaged across the full working width.

Where to Buy Monosem Parts in Ukraine: A Practical Option From BAS-Agro (Cherkasy)

Even the most advanced planter performs consistently only when wear parts, seeding components, and compatible spares are available quickly - without long downtime during the season.

That’s why it matters that parts for Monosem planters (and sprayers) can be selected and purchased from BAS-Agro (Cherkasy, Ukraine) via the Monosem-compatible parts catalog: https://bas.ua/shop/compatible-with-monosem-000000006-1

Why MS Electron Is Especially Relevant for Onion Seeding

Onion is a crop that reacts sharply to unevenness: differences in emergence, doubles, or skips quickly turn into non-uniform development and quality losses. MS Electron addresses the most common “pain points” in onion planting:

• Reduced overlap and over-seeding on headlands through row control;
• More stable rate and spacing when speed changes;
• Fast quality control through seed-flow sensors;
• More accurate localized microgranule placement where it improves early growth.

Monosem MS Electron is a logical next step in the evolution of vegetable precision planters: a proven MS platform combined with electric drive per unit, a 56V electrical architecture, sensor-based seeding monitoring, and row-by-row microgranulation control. For farms targeting onion quality and predictability, this electrification provides more tools to manage results - directly while planting.