AU2005202096A1 - Apparatus and Method for Seeding - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor Address for service is: Ellis John Aurisch Ellis John Aurisch WRAY ASSOCIATES Level 4, The Quadrant 1 William Street Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: Apparatus and Method for Seeding The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- -2- "Apparatus and Method for Seeding" Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for seeding. More particularly, the apparatus and method of the present invention is intended for seeding a paddock for crop production therein.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Background Art The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

In crop production, it is desirable to maximise crop yield, whilst making most efficient use of fertiliser. A technique for achieving this is to sow two rows of seed with a single row of fertiliser in laterally spaced locations across a paddock.

Although implements and methods have been disclosed to achieve this effect, they may suffer from one or more of the following problems: o debris may be caught on or inside the implement damaging the implement and reducing the implement's effectiveness and productivity; -3o debris may cause the implement to "jump", resulting in damage to the implement when it returns to a working position; o seeds may not be evenly distributed between the two rows; and o seeds may bounce out of rows.

The present invention seeks to provide an apparatus and method for seeding that alleviates some or all of the above problems to some extent.

Disclosure of the Invention In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for seeding comprising: ground cutting means for cutting an incision through the ground; fertiliser discharging means for discharging fertiliser into the incision formed by the ground cutting means; furrowing means extending outwardly and rearwardly from the ground cutting means on opposed sides of the incision for displacing soil behind the ground cutting means to bury the fertiliser discharged into the incision, the furrowing means having first and second outer surfaces facing the direction of travel of the ground cutting means, and respective first and second inner surfaces; first and second soil deflecting means for forming a seed furrow either side of the incision; and seed discharging means for discharging seed into the seed furrows; -4wherein the first and second soil deflecting means are located at a lower region of the first and second inner surfaces, respectively, to provide the respective first and second inner surfaces with respective first and second thickened portions at the lower region.

Preferably, the furrowing means comprises first and second plates extending outwardly and rearwardly from the ground cutting means.

Preferably, the first and second soil deflecting means extend along the respective first and second inner surfaces to a respective lower edge of the first and second inner surfaces.

Preferably, the first and second soil deflecting means comprise first and second rectangular bars.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a seed dispensing apparatus for splitting and discharging a stream of granular material comprising: a housing defining a space; an inlet provided in the housing for receiving the stream of granular material; at least two outlets provided in the housing for discharging granular material therefrom; and guide means for guiding granular material, received through the inlet centrally to a lower region of the housing; wherein, in use, the guide means guides individual granules in the stream of granular material received through the inlet to the lower region of the housing such that the stream of granular material is evenly split and discharged from the housing via the at least two outlets.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises deflecting means for deflecting granular material, received through the inlet, such that the granular material is discharged from the housing via the at least two outlets.

More preferably, the deflecting means comprises a V-shaped member.

Alternatively, the deflecting means comprises a substantially flat member.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises venting means for venting air from the housing when the stream of granular material is entrained in an air flow.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a furrowing implement for seeding, comprising: a pair of furrowing plates for attachment, one to either side, of a tyne for extending outwardly and rearwardly therefrom when operatively disposed therewith to displace soil on opposed sides of an incision formed by the tyne; the furrowing plates each having a lower cutting edge formed with a leading tapered portion and a trailing portion; the leading tapered portion rising from an intermediate location along the lower cutting edge to the anterior thereof to form an inner wall of a seed furrow on either side of the tyne, and the trailing portion being provided to form a base and outer wall for the seed furrow; and a pair of soil deflecting means, one disposed adjacent to or integral with, the inner side of each furrowing plate to define a marginally inwardly projecting surface proximate to said intermediate location.

In this manner, the inwardly projecting surfaces provided by the soil deflecting means function to maintain the displacement of soil along the inner wall of the seed furrows behind the furrowing plates sufficient to permit the depositing of -6seed therein by a seed dispenser disposed within the confines of the furrowing plates.

Preferably, the furrowing plates are angled to define a relatively large angle of attack and said deflecting means are disposed relative to the rear of said furrowing plates so as to not substantially diminish the transverse clearance extending between the inner surfaces of the opposing furrowing plates and the opposing soil deflecting means.

In this manner, constrictions within the confines of the furrowing plates that otherwise may be formed by the location of the soil deflecting means, are obviated so that debris may be permitted to pass through the inner confines of the furrowing plates without being retained therein.

Further, the axial extent of the implement is reduced to mitigate damage to the rear thereof when "jumping" an obstacle.

Preferably, each soil deflecting means comprises a symmetrical rectangular bar, obliquely disposed to the inner side of said furrowing plate thereof, so that a lower corner of the bar is juxtaposed to said intermediate location.

In this manner, the bar can be re-positioned to alternate between disposing each corner as the lower corner, once a previous lower corner becomes worn.

In accordance with fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for seeding comprising: forming an incision in the ground; expanding the incision at a prescribed depth to form a pair of seed furrows, one either side of the incision; -7initially forming the inner wall of each seed furrow, and subsequently forming the outer wall of each seed furrow with respect to the ground, progressively and continuously along the ground; and maintaining displacement of the soil along the inner and outer walls for a period of time whilst the base and outer wall of the seed furrows are being formed to allow seed to be deposited into the seed furrow before the outer wall is completed and the soil is permitted to fall back into the seed furrow.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for splitting and discharging a stream of granular material comprising: delivering the granular material to a location for it to be split prior to discharge; guiding the granular material to repose centrally within the stream immediately prior to it being split; simultaneously reducing the downward velocity of the granular material and splitting the granular material evenly into a plurality of laterally displaced sub-streams; and discharging the granular material from each sub-stream under gravity.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for seeding comprising: a furrowing implement as defined in the third aspect of the invention; and a seed dispensing apparatus as defined in the second aspect of the invention disposed within the confines of the furrowing plates; -8wherein each said outlet is disposed rearwardly and adjacent to a corresponding said soil deflecting means to evenly discharge seed into said seed furrows.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seeding apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 1A is a side view of the seeding apparatus of Figure 1 attached to a tyne provided with a knife point; Figure 1B is a side view of the seeding apparatus of Figure 1 attached to a tyne provided with a sweep point; Figure 2 is a side view of the seeding apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a rear view of the seeding apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a front view of a first embodiment of a seed dispensing apparatus for splitting and discharging a stream of granular material in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 5 is a front view of a second embodiment of a seed dispensing apparatus for splitting and discharging a stream of granular material in accordance with the present invention.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention In Figures 1 to 3, there is shown an embodiment of a seeding apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention. The seeding apparatus 10 is attached to -9a travelling frame, not illustrated, which is trailed along the ground behind a prime mover, not illustrated, in accordance with conventional farming practice.

Figure 2 illustrates the seeding apparatus 10 in a prescribed operative working position, and it is in relation to this position that the following description of the embodiment is made.

The seeding apparatus 10 comprises supporting means, not illustrated, for attaching the seeding apparatus 10 to the travelling frame, a mounting plate 11 for supporting components of the seeding apparatus 10 and for attaching to a tyne 12 having ground cutting means 13 for cutting an incision through the ground, and a fertiliser discharging means 14 for discharging fertiliser into the incision formed by the ground cutting means 13.

Additionally, the seeding apparatus 10 comprises a furrowing implement in the form of furrowing means 16 extending outwardly and rearwardly from the tyne 12 on opposed sides of the incision for displacing soil behind the tyne 12 to bury the fertiliser discharged into the incision and forming a seed furrow either side of the incision. The furrowing means 16 is provided with first and second soil deflecting means 18 and 19 for maintaining the displacement of soil forming the seed furrows to permit the depositing of seed therein. A seed discharging means for discharging seed into the seed furrows is also provided.

In the embodiment described, the ground cutting means 13 comprises a knife point 22 connected to the tyne 12, as illustrated in Figure 1A of the drawings.

The invention is not so limited, however, and in alternative embodiments of the invention alternative types of points may be attached to the tyne 12 as would be apparent to the person skilled in the art. One such embodiment is illustrated in Figure 1B of the drawings, in which a sweep point 23 is connected to the tyne 12.

The mounting plate 11 is inwardly curved and rectangular, having first and second sides 11a and 11b, and upper and lower ends 11c and 11d. Tyne connection apertures 24 facilitating connection with the tyne 12 are provided near the lower end 1 d of the mounting plate 11. Additionally, the mounting plate 11 supports the fertiliser discharging means 14, furrowing means 16 and seed discharging means The knife point 22 has a leading cutting edge defining a nose portion for cutting through the ground creating an incision.

The fertiliser discharging means 14 comprises a fertiliser delivery tube disposed rearwardly of the mounting plate 11 to discharge fertiliser from a fertiliser source, not illustrated, behind the tyne 12 and into the bottom of the incision formed behind the knife point 22.

The furrowing means 16 comprises first and second furrowing plates 26 and 28 fixedly attached to the first and second sides 11 a and 11 b of the mounting plate 11, respectively. The first and second furrowing plates 26 and 28 are substantially planar and winged shaped, having outer planar surfaces 26a and 28a, and inner planar surfaces 26b and 28b, respectively.

Additionally, the first and second furrowing plates 26 and 28 are oppositely angled to project outwardly and rearwardly from the mounting plate 11 so as to define a relatively large angle of attack and reduced axial extent, providing the seeding apparatus 10 with a high, wide profile when viewed from the front, and a narrow profile when viewed from the side, in the prescribed operative working position.

The peripheral edges of the first and second furrowing plates 26 and 28 are angled to assist in displacing the soil on opposed sides of the incision formed by the knife point 22. Particularly, the first and second furrowing plates 26 and 28 have lower cutting edges 27 and 29 formed with leading tapered portions 27a and 29a and trailing portions 27b and 29b, respectively. The leading tapered portions 27a and 29a rise from an intermediate location along the lower cutting edges 27 and 29, respectively, to the anterior thereof to form an inner wall of each seed furrow on either side of the knife point 22. The trailing portions 27b and 29b form a base and outer wall for each seed furrow.

-11 Having a high, wide frontal profile is advantageous as it causes a layer of displaced soil to accumulate on the furrowing means 16, protecting it from wear.

Additionally, it causes debris, such as loose rocks and stubble, unearthed by the ground cutting means 12 or lying in the path of the seeding apparatus 10, to flow up and away from the apparatus 10, thereby protecting it from damage.

Having a narrow side profile is advantageous in situations where the seeding apparatus 10 is caused to "jump" from the prescribed operative working position through contact with an obstacle, as it is more likely that by the time the seeding apparatus 10 has returned to the working position, the obstacle has passed beneath the seeding apparatus 10. If the seeding apparatus 10 has a wide side profile, the obstacle may not have been passed by the time the seeding apparatus 10 returns to the working position, in which case it may collide with the obstacle and be damaged.

The furrowing means 16 further comprises a first wear plate 30 and a first adjustment plate 31 provided on the outer planar surface 26a of the first furrowing plate 26. The first wear plate 30 sacrificially protects the first furrowing plate 26 from wear as the furrowing means 16 moves through the ground, and is worn away as soil is displaced.

The first adjustment plate 31 is rotatably adjustable between four positions to allow adjustment of the first wear plate 30 between four operative positions.

Once the first wear plate 30 has become worn in a first wear portion thereof corresponding to being in a first operative position, the first wear plate 30 can be adjusted to a second operative position by use of the first adjustment plate 31 to wear in a second wear portion corresponding to the second operative position.

This action is repeatable in third and forth operative positions of the first wear plate 30, allowing the first wear plate 30 to be substantially worn before it needs to be replaced.

A second wear plate 32 and a second adjustment plate 33 are provided on the outer planar surface 28a of the second furrowing plate 28, and function in a similar manner to the first wear plate 30 and first adjustment plate 31 described -12above. The first and second furrowing plates 26 and 28 open up the top part of the ground laterally of, and adjacent to, the incision, to form seed furrows as described previously, displacing soil: o inwardly to bury the fertiliser discharged into the incision; o upwardly and rearwardly; and o outwardly.

The first soil deflecting means 18 and the second soil deflecting means 19 are disposed relative to the rear of the first and second furrowing plates 26 and 28 so as to not substantially diminish the transverse clearance extending between the inner planar surface 26b of the first furrowing plate 26 and the inner planar surface 28b of the second furrowing plate 28, respectively, and the first soil deflecting means 18 and the second soil deflecting means 19.

In this manner, constrictions within the confines of the first and second furrowing plates 26 and 28 that otherwise may be formed by the location of the first and second soil deflecting means 18 and 19 are obviated so that debris, such as loose rocks, unearthed by the ground cutting means 13, is permitted to pass through the inner confines of the first and second furrowing plates 26 and 28 without being retained therein, and potentially damaging the seeding apparatus The first soil deflecting means 18 and the second soil deflecting means 19 comprise symmetrical rectangular first and second deflection bars 34 and 36 obliquely disposed and pivotally connected at one end to a forward region of the inner planar surface 26b of the first furrowing plate 26, and the inner planar surface 28b of the second furrowing plate 28, respectively. The first and second deflection bars 34 and 36 extend downwardly and rearwardly from the forward region to abut a lower region of the inner planar surface 26b, and a lower region of the inner planar surface 28b, respectively. Thereby providing the inner planar -13surface 26b, and the inner planar surface 28b, with a thickened portion having an inwardly projecting surface at the lower region.

The inwardly projecting surfaces of the thickened portions provided by the first and second deflection bars 34 and 36 maintain the displacement of soil along the inner wall of the seed furrows behind the first and second furrowing plates 26 and 28 sufficient to permit the depositing of seed therein by the seed discharging means 20, disposed within the confines of the first and second furrowing plates 26 and 28.

By action of the pivotal connection, the declination of the first and second deflection bars 34 and 36 from the upper region is adjustable, and may be set so that lower corners 34a and 36a thereof are aligned with the lower cutting edges 27 and 29 of the first and second furrowing plates 26 and 28, respectively, juxtaposed to the intermediate location of the first and second furrowing plates 26 and 28.

As the lower corners 34a and 36a become worn, the first and second deflection bars 34 and 36 can be re-positioned to alternate other corners thereof as the lower corners.

Both the first deflection bar 34 and the second deflection bar 36 may be fitted with tabs, not illustrated, extending therefrom substantially parallel to the incision to assist in the maintenance of the displacement of soil along the inner walls of the seed furrows.

The first and second deflection bars 34 and 36, and their respective tabs (when fitted), do not extend towards each other. This is advantageous as it prevents debris, such as loose rocks, unearthed by the ground cutting means 13, from becoming lodged between them and damaging the seeding apparatus The seed discharging means 20 is an embodiment of a seed dispensing apparatus for splitting and discharging a stream of granular material, to be described in further detail hereafter. The seed discharging means 20 is disposed -14rearwardly of the first and second soil deflecting means 18 and 19 to discharge seed from a seed source, not illustrated, into the bottom of the seed furrows.

In use, the travelling frame is set up so that a bank of seeding apparatus 10 are provided which are spaced apart laterally an optimum distance to promote stooling, for example, in some soil types, 35 centimetres apart. The fertiliser discharging means 14 and seed discharging means 20 of the seeding apparatus are respectively connected to fertiliser and seed sources and the travelling frame is drawn by a prime mover along a paddock to be sown, with the seeding apparatus 10 being brought into engagement at the prescribed working position relative to the ground.

The knife point 22 of each seeding apparatus 10 continuously cuts an incision through the surface of the ground.

The fertiliser discharging means 14 continuously discharges fertiliser proximate to the bottom of the incision.

Simultaneously, the first and second furrowing plates 26 and 28 of the furrowing means 16 open up the top part of the ground laterally of, and adjacent to, the incision, as seed furrows, displacing soil as hereinbefore previously described initially forming the inner wall of each seed furrow, and subsequently forming the outer wall of each seed furrow with respect to the ground, progressively and continuously along the ground.

At the same time, the first deflection bar 34 of the first soil deflecting means 18, and the second deflection bar 36 of the second soil deflecting means 19, maintain displacement of the soil along the inner and outer walls of the seed furrows whilst the base and outer walls of the seed furrows are being formed to allow seed to be deposited into the seed furrows before the outer wall is completed and the soil is permitted to fall back into the seed furrows.

The seed discharging means 20 subsequently and continuously deposits seed into the first and second seed furrows which then are immediately buried by soil falling behind the apparatus by action of the furrowing means 16 guiding the soil displaced upwardly and rearwardly.

As described previously, the seed discharging means 20 is an embodiment of a seed dispensing apparatus 111 for splitting and discharging a stream of granular material. This shall now be described in further detail, with reference to Figure 4.

In the embodiment described, the granular material is seed.

Figure 4 illustrates the apparatus 111 in a prescribed operative working position, and it is in relation to this position that the following description of the embodiment is made.

The apparatus 111 comprises a housing 113 defining an interior space 115. An inlet 117 is provided in the housing 113 for receiving the stream of granular material. A first outlet 119 and a second outlet 121 are provided in the housing 113 for discharging granular material from the housing 113. The apparatus 111 further comprises first and second guide plates 123 and 124 for guiding granular material received through the inlet 117 to a lower portion of the housing 113.

To split the stream of granular material received through the inlet 117, the first and second guide plates 123 and 124 guide individual granules in the stream of granular material to the lower region of the housing 113 such that the stream of granular material is split and discharged from the housing via the first and second outlets 119 and 121. To assist in this action, the apparatus 111 additionally comprises deflecting means 126 for deflecting granular material received through the inlet 117 such that the granular material is discharged from the housing 113 via the first outlet 119 and the second outlet 121.

The housing 113 comprises an upper plate 125 and a lower plate 127 connected in an opposed, planar relationship by opposed, parallel front and rear walls 129 and 131, and opposed side walls 133 and 135.

-16- The side walls 133 and 135 diverge outwardly from the upper plate 125 to the lower plate 127, and are provided with first and second vents 137 and 139, respectively, adjacent to the upper plate 125.

The inlet 117 is provided through a central region of the upper plate 125.

The first outlet 119 and the second outlet 121 are provided through the lower plate 127, laterally displaced so as to be adjacent the side walls 133 and 135, respectively.

The guide plates 123 and 124 comprise guide members 141 and 143, respectively, angled downwardly in a converging direction. Additionally, the guide plates 123 and 124 comprise covers 145 and 147, attached to the guide members 141 and 143 by intermediate portions 149 and 151, respectively.

The guide plates 123 and 124 are slidably received in the first and second vents 137 and 139, respectively, so that the guide members 141 and 143 are positioned beneath the inlet 117, and the covers 145 and 147 respectively abut the side walls 133 and 135 on the exterior of the housing 113.

The first and second guide members 141 and 143 guide granular material received into the housing 113 through the inlet 117 towards the lower plate 127, and subsequently the first and second outlets 119 and 121.

The first guide plate 123 is slidable within the first vent 137 from a first position in which the intermediate portion 149 is remote from the upper plate 125 so that the first vent 137 is open, to a second position in which the intermediate portion 149 abuts the upper plate 125 so that the first vent 137 is closed by the cover 145.

Similarly, the second guide plate 124 is slidable within the second vent 139 from a first position in which the intermediate portion 151 is remote from the upper plate 125 so that the second vent 139 is open, to a second position in which the intermediate portion 151 abuts the upper plate 125 so that the second vent 139 is closed by the cover 147.

-17- First and second locking means in the form of a first locking bolt 148 and a second locking bolt 150, respectively, receivable through locking holes, not shown, provided on the opposed side walls 133 and 135, are provided on the first and second guide plates, 123 and 124, respectively, to lock them in the first or second position.

The deflecting means 126 comprises a triangular or V-shaped deflector 153 provided on the lower plate 127. In the embodiment described, the deflector 153 is rubber. Alternatively, the deflector 153 may be made of other materials, such as metal or plastic.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in Figure 5, no deflector 153 is provided. In this case, the substantially flat lower plate 127 of the housing serves as a deflecting means 126.

The apparatus 111 further comprises a cylindrical pipe conduit 155 feeding to the inlet 117.

In use, a seed source, not illustrated, feeds a stream of granular material into the conduit 155 by action of gravity, or alternatively, by entraining the granular material in an air flow.

The stream of granular material then passes along the conduit 155 and through the inlet 117 to be delivered to the housing 113.

The curvature of the interior surfaces of the conduit 155 tends to guide and align individual granules in the stream passing therealong towards the central axis of the conduit 155.

If the stream of granular material is entrained in an air flow, the first and second guide plates 123 and 124 are locked in the first position so that the first vent 137 and the second vent 139 are open. This allows air from the air flow to be vented from the housing 113 through the first vent 137 and the second vent 139 so that -18the stream of granular material travels though the space 115 of the housing 113 with less force or speed than would otherwise be the case.

It is advantageous for the first and second vents 137 and 139 to be located as near to the upper plate 125, and the inlet 117, as possible. Such placement ensures that air is vented from the air flow, and the granular material is slowed down, as soon as it enters the housing 113, facilitating the subsequent guiding of the granular material by the guide plates 123 and 124, and reducing the likelihood that granular material will exit the housing 113 with sufficient speed to bounce.

Alternatively, if the stream of granular material is gravity fed, the first and second guide plates 123 and 124 are locked in the second position so that the first vent 137 and the second vent 139 are closed by the covers 145 and 147, respectively.

As the stream of granular material passes through the inlet 117 and though the interior space 115 of the housing 113, individual granules in the stream are guided by the guide members 141 and 143 of the first and second guide plates 123 and 124 to collide with the deflector 153, or the lower plate 127 if the deflector 153 is not provided.

Collision of individual granules in the stream with the deflector 153 reduces their downward velocity. In the case where the stream of granular material is entrained in an air flow, the collision of individual granules with the deflector 153, or the lower plate 127, may cause them to bounce into the oncoming stream of granular material, further reducing their velocity.

Subsequent movement of individual granules in the stream is constrained by the front and rear walls 129 and 131, side walls 133 and 135, guide members 141 and 143, intermediate portions 149 and 151, and the deflector 153, towards the first outlet 119 or the second outlet 121. Due to randomness, half of the individual granules are directed toward the first outlet 119, and half are directed toward the second outlet 121, ensuring an even distribution of granular material -19exiting the apparatus 111 in a sub-stream from each of the first and second outlets 119 and 121.

The individual granules then pass though either the first outlet 119 or the second outlet 121 under gravity, thereby creating a stream of granular material trickling through the first outlet 119 and the second outlet 121.

It has been found that use of a substantially flat member such as the lower plate 127 as the deflecting means 126 is especially effective in this regard, as collision with a flat surface perpendicular to their direction of travel reduces the velocity of individual granules momentarily to zero.

Accordingly, by the above action the stream of granular material received through the inlet 117 is split into two laterally displaced sub-streams of granular material, flowing through the first outlet 119 and the second outlet 121, respectively.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1. An apparatus for seeding comprising: ground cutting means for cutting an incision through the ground; fertiliser discharging means for discharging fertiliser into the incision formed by the ground cutting means; furrowing means extending outwardly and rearwardly from the ground cutting means on opposed sides of the incision for displacing soil behind the ground cutting means to bury the fertiliser discharged into the incision, the furrowing means having first and second outer surfaces facing the direction of travel of the ground cufftting means, and respective first and second inner surfaces; first and second soil deflecting means for forming a seed furrow either side of the incision; and seed discharging means for discharging seed into the seed furrows; wherein the first and second soil deflecting means are located at a lower region of the first and second inner surfaces, respectively, to provide the respective first and second inner surfaces with respective first and second thickened portions at the lower region.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the furrowing means comprises first and second plates extending outwardly and rearwardly from the ground cutting means.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second soil deflecting means extend along the respective first and second inner surfaces to a respective lower edge of the first and second inner surfaces. -21

4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second soil deflecting means comprise first and second rectangular bars.

A seed dispensing apparatus for splitting and discharging a stream of granular material comprising: a housing defining a space; an inlet provided in the housing for receiving the stream of granular material; at least two outlets provided in the housing for discharging granular material therefrom; and guide means for guiding granular material, received through the inlet centrally to a lower region of the housing; wherein, in use, the guide means guides individual granules in the stream of granular material received through the inlet to the lower region of the housing such that the stream of granular material is evenly split and discharged from the housing via the at least two outlets.

6. A seed dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the apparatus further comprises deflecting means for deflecting granular material, received through the inlet, such that the granular material is discharged from the housing via the at least two outlets.

7. A seed dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the deflecting means comprises a V-shaped member.

8. A seed dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the deflecting means comprises a substantially flat member. 22

9. A seed dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the apparatus further comprises venting means for venting air from the housing when the stream of granular material is entrained in an air flow.

A furrowing implement for seeding, comprising: a pair of furrowing plates for attachment, one to either side, of a tyne for extending outwardly and rearwardly therefrom when operatively disposed therewith to displace soil on opposed sides of an incision formed by the tyne; the furrowing plates each having a lower cutting edge formed with a leading tapered portion and a trailing portion; the leading tapered portion rising from an intermediate location along the lower cutting edge to the anterior thereof to form an inner wall of a seed furrow on either side of the tyne, and the trailing portion being provided to form a base and outer wall for the seed furrow; and a pair of soil deflecting means, one disposed adjacent to or integral with, the inner side of each furrowing plate to define a marginally inwardly projecting surface proximate to said intermediate location.

11. A furrowing implement as claimed in claim 10, wherein the furrowing plates are angled to define a relatively large angle of attack and said deflecting means are disposed relative to the rear of said furrowing plates so as to not substantially diminish the transverse clearance extending between the inner surfaces of the opposing furrowing plates and the opposing soil deflecting means.

12. A furrowing implement as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein each soil deflecting means comprises a symmetrical rectangular bar, obliquely disposed to the inner side of said furrowing plate thereof, so that a lower corner of the bar is juxtaposed to said intermediate location. 23

13. A method for seeding comprising: forming an incision in the ground; expanding the incision at a prescribed depth to form a pair of seed furrows, one either side of the incision; initially forming the inner wall of each seed furrow, and subsequently forming the outer wall of each seed furrow with respect to the ground, progressively and continuously along the ground; and maintaining displacement of the soil along the inner and outer walls for a period of time whilst the base and outer wall of the seed furrows are being formed to allow seed to be deposited into the seed furrow before the outer wall is completed and the soil is permitted to fall back into the seed furrow.

14. A method for splitting and discharging a stream of granular material comprising: delivering the granular material to a location for it to be split prior to discharge; guiding the granular material to repose centrally within the stream immediately prior to it being split; simultaneously reducing the downward velocity of the granular material and splitting the granular material evenly into a plurality of laterally displaced sub-streams; and discharging the granular material from each sub-stream under gravity.

An apparatus for seeding comprising: a furrowing implement as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12; and 24 a seed dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9 disposed within the confines of the furrowing plates; wherein each said outlet is disposed rearwardly and adjacent to a corresponding said soil deflecting means to evenly discharge seed into said seed furrows.

16. An apparatus for seeding substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, as appropriate.

17. A seed dispensing apparatus for splitting and discharging a stream of granular material substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, as appropriate.

18. A furrowing implement for seeding substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, as appropriate.

19. A method for seeding substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, as appropriate.

20. A method for splitting and discharging a stream of granular material substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, as appropriate. Dated this Seventeenth day of May 2005. Ellis John Aurisch Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant(s)