AU2008202041A1

AU2008202041A1 - An apparatus and method for preparing soil for planting

Info

Publication number: AU2008202041A1
Application number: AU2008202041A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Alan Lauder
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-05-09
Filing date: 2008-05-08
Publication date: 2008-11-27

Description

00 00 00 0D

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): ALAN LAUDER Invention Title: AN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREPARING SOIL FOR PLANTING The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: P75701.AU.2 PaLS.Lyng AppkCglon 20088.doc (9) 2 00 AN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREPARING SOIL FOR PLANTING Background of the Invention The present invention relates to agriculture and 00 5 forestry and is particularly concerned with land management, and with an apparatus and a method for preparing soil for planting, especially but not exclusively for planting of seedlings.

C Field of the Invention C 10 In countries like Australia, large regions of the 00 country are prone to drought and arid climate conditions.

Consequently seed planting operations are problematic because the conditions make it difficult to obtain consistent successful growth of plants from the seeds.

In addition to the above, seed planting operations, particularly those relating to planting of seedlings, must be carefully managed. At present such a task can be labour intensive and there is still a high mortality rate for seedlings.

In a typical seed planting operation a soil tillage device is hooked up to the back of a tractor and is pulled behind the tractor to till the soil. Once all the soil has been tilled a seed depositing apparatus/seedling depositing apparatus can be connected to the tractor and this can be pulled behind the tractor while at the same time metering out seed over the ploughed soil. The inventor in an earlier application, namely AU89250/01 proposed an apparatus for tillage and planting which provided advantages over existing methods for planting seedlings.

The present invention is an improvement of the apparatus described in that patent specification.

Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for preparing soil for planting comprising a tillage means for tilling soil, a depression forming means for creating a plurality of N:MrisbaneCawslsatent%750D-7599P75798.Specification 20084-16.doc 81058 3 00 depressions in soil tilled by the tillage means, and at least one substance delivery means comprising at least one container for holding a substance and a delivery means for delivering the substance to the soil and a control means 00 5which controls the amount of substance delivered to the soil.

_The apparatus is preferably for preparing soil for planting of seedlings.

CI Preferably the apparatus is adapted to be moved C 10 in a forwards direction thereof and is adapted to till the 00 soil, create a plurality of depressions in soil tilled by C the tillage means, and deliver the substance to the soil in a controlled manner as it is moved in said forwards direction.

It is preferred that the tillage means is configured to form a furrow.

Preferably the or each delivery means is adapted to deliver the substance to the soil at or adjacent the bottom of the furrow.

Preferably the delivery means is adapted to deliver the substance to the soil at or adjacent the bottom of the furrow in discrete portions, spaced apart in the length direction of the furrow.

The portions may be deposited as the apparatus moves in the direction of the length of the furrow and may be regarded as discrete line segments of substance deposited in the bottom of the furrow.

It is preferred that soil covers the one or more substances after they are deposited.

The soil may be deposited naturally by falling back in the furrow or may be swept into the furrow by a sweeper device.

It is preferred that water is deposited with one or more other substances before soil is deposited in the furrow.

Preferably the apparatus is configured so that the depression forming means forms depressions N:Brisbte\Casesatent%750DD-75999P75Speciicatin 2008-4-16.doc 8/058 4 00 approximately in locations of the discrete portions or line segments.

Preferably the depression forming means is adapted to form depressions which each extend downwardly 00 5 to a lowermost point which is approximately at the same level as the outlets of the substance delivery means.

_Preferably the depression forming means is adapted to form depressions which each extend downwardly CI to a lowermost point which is above the lowest level at C- 10 which the one or more substances are provided.

00 Preferably the depression forming means is Sadapted to form depressions which each extend downwardly to a lowermost point which is above the level of the bottom of the furrow in the region of the respective depressions.

The one or more substances for delivery to the soil preferably comprise at least one substance adapted to enhance the likelihood of survival of a seed or plant in the vicinity of the substance.

The substance for delivery to the soil may comprise a fertilizer.

The substance for delivery to the soil may comprise a water gel and/or water retaining crystals.

In a particular embodiment the substance for delivery to the soil may comprise water.

Preferably the control means controls a metering device, valve or similar which opens and closes an outlet of the delivery means.

The control means preferably periodically opens the valve to allow the substance to be delivered through the outlet to the soil.

Preferably the control means comprises a valve control lever connected to the valve.

The valve may comprise a plug.

Preferably the control means comprises at least one control wheel.

The control means may comprise a gear assembly N:Br sbaCassPtent75OGO-75999%P75798.AU.MpeaXP75798AU.2 Spedfication 2008-4-I6.dc 8/05/G8 5 00 interconnecting the at least one wheel to the valve lever.

C

N The gear assembly preferably is located inside or adjacent the hub of one or more wheels.

The control means may comprise a control arm 00 5 extending upwardly at an angle from the control wheel to a rotatable shaft.

The control means may comprise a reciprocating rod which extends downwardly from the rotatable shaft and C\ is connected at its lower end to the control lever C 10 (directly or indirectly).

00 Preferably the substance delivery means comprises a plurality of conduits.

The substance delivery means may comprise an output conduit.

Preferably the substance delivery means comprises first and second feed conduits extending from first substance and second substance containers to the output conduit.

The apparatus may include additional substance containers.

The output conduit may be configured to receive a metering part or portion of the control means.

The metering device may comprise a blocking portion which is able to block substance from passing through the outlet of the output conductor.

Alternatively the control means metering device comprises a valve which opens and closes a distribution passage of the substance delivery means to control substance delivered through the outlet.

Preferably the metering device comprises an elongate member which is able to reciprocate within the distribution passage.

The distribution passage may be located in an upper region of the output conduit.

Preferably the upper region of the output conduit includes inlet openings leading from the feed conduits.

Preferably the blocking portion is moveable N:%BnsbaneCasetPatent%750DO-75999'P75798.AU.2SpecisP75798.AU.2 Spoefcatzam 2008-4-16.doc W05/08 6 00 between a first blocking position where it blocks the inlet openings and a second position where the inlet Copenings are unblocked/open.

Preferably the metering device elongate member 00 5 comprises a control rod which is controlled to reciprocate within the upper region of the output conduit.

The blocking portion preferably reciprocates periodically within the output conduit.

CI The substance delivery means may comprise two C- 10 containers which feed respective first and second 00 0substances into respective feed conduits.

SAccording to one embodiment the control means controls the amount of each substance which is fed into the feed conduits.

The control means may include a metering device cam connected to an upper end of the control rod.

Preferably the metering device cam is mounted on the rotatable shaft.

The rotatable shaft may be oriented substantially horizontally.

Preferably the rotatable shaft rotates when driven by the control arm through a gear assembly.

According to another embodiment the metering cam may be operated by means other than a rotatable shaft.

The gear assembly preferably rotates the control arm.

The depression forming means may comprise a depression forming device.

The depression forming means may comprise at least one depression forming spike which periodically strikes soil tilled by the tillage means.

The depression forming means may comprise at least one depression forming spike located on the periphery of a depression forming wheel.

According to another embodiment of the present invention the depression forming wheel comprises a water wheel the same or similar to that disclosed in AU89250/01 N:BrisbaasesPatentn750 00-75999kP757Speclicafion 2008-4-16.doc 7 00 which is hereby incorporated into the specification by way Cl of reference.

CThe control wheel may be connected to or may be a component of the water wheel. The water wheel may act as 00 5 a control wheel.

Preferably the control wheel includes peripheral ground engaging spikes.

Rotation of the control wheel preferably results C in rotation of the control arm through the gear assembly.

The depression forming wheel may comprise a 00 plurality of depression forming spikes.

SThe control means may be configured to open the inlet openings every time one depression forming spike forms a depression in the soil.

The control means may be configured to open the inlet openings a predetermined time before the depression forming device/spike forms a depression. A preferred embodiment will operate in this manner when the apparatus is moved at constant speed.

The control means may be configured to open the inlet openings in order to deliver a substance at a predetermined position relative to a depression subsequently created by the depression forming means.

The control means may be configured to open the inlet openings in order to deliver a substance at a predetermined position such that a depression subsequently created by the depression forming means is provided at or generally directly above the deposited substance.

Preferably the control means comprises a water controller assembly for controlling water delivered to the soil.

The apparatus may comprise a water delivery conduit assembly.

Preferably the water control assembly comprises a water valve which is controlled to release water through an outlet of the water delivery conduit.

The first substance may comprise fertiliser.

N:BrisboCasesPatent%75000999%P757 Specification 20084-16.doc 805108 8 00 The second substance may comprise a water gel or water crystals.

CThe control means may be configured to release water and at least one other substance at substantially 00 5 the same time.

The control means may be configured to release water and the first and second substances at substantially the same time.

Cl The outlet of the water delivery conduit and C- 10 delivery means are preferably enclosed in proximity to 00 0each other.

In embodiments in which water and at least one other substance are delivered into the furrow, it is preferred that the water delivery conduit outlet is behind the delivery means outlet.

Preferably the water control assembly is located on an opposite side of the control/water wheel to the control arm.

The outlets and tillage device and control wheel are preferably axially aligned.

The tillage means may comprise at least one tillage device.

At least one tillage device may comprise a tine.

Preferably the tine is located axially aligned and in front of the water delivery conduit outlet.

Preferably the depression forming spike forms a depression in the area where the first and/or second substances and the water were delivered.

The control means may provide a predetermined time delay between releasing substance the first and/or second substances and a depression forming spike engaging the soil.

The predetermined time delay may be synchronised with the position of the/each depression forming spike on the control wheel.

A preferred embodiment will operate in this manner when the apparatus is moved at constant speed, and N:BrineCasPaaentn7500 07599P7579\.Spedficaion 2D8-4-16.doc 8/0508 9 00 the predetermined time delay will preferably be related to the speed.

The control means may be configured to deliver the first and/or second substances at a predetermined 00 5 position relative to a depression subsequently created by the depression forming spike.

_The control means may be configured to open the inlet openings in order to deliver a substance at a Cl predetermined position such that a depression subsequently C- 10 created by the depression forming spike is provided at or 00 0generally directly above the deposited first and/or second substances.

Preferably the control wheel/water wheel is located on a central axis behind the tillage device and substance delivery outlet and water delivery outlet.

It is preferred that the depression forming means forms an inverted T-shape with the furrow (when viewed sideways along the furrow formed).

Preferably the lowermost point of the depression forming spike when located at the bottom of the control wheel is approximately at the same level as the outlets of the substance delivery means and the water delivery conduit.

Preferably the water outlet conduit has an elbow section with the outlet directed rearwardly from a horizontal portion.

It is preferred that the outlet of the output conduit has a bevelled end and is directed downwardly in front of the water conduit outlet.

Preferably the depression forming spike also has an outlet for release of water therefrom.

Release of water from the depression forming spike may be controlled by the control means.

It is preferred that the tine is configured to form a narrow furrow.

Preferably fertiliser and water gel/crystals are deposited in the bottom of the furrow periodically in line N:BrisbielaasesPatent%75000 75975 AU.2 Spedfication 20084-16.doc 8/05M08 10 00 segments.

It is preferred that soil covers the fertiliser and water gel/crystals after they are deposited.

The soil may be deposited naturally by falling 00 05 back in the furrow or may be swept into the furrow by a sweeper device.

_It is preferred that water is deposited with the water gel/crystals and fertiliser before soil is deposited in the furrow.

CI 10 Preferably a depression is formed by the 00 depression forming spike approximately in the centre of C the line segment where fertiliser and water gel/crystals is deposited.

Preferably water is deposited by the water wheel through the spike to wet soil around the depression formed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of preparing soil for planting material therein, comprising: creating a furrow; delivering one or more substances which can aid plant growth in the furrow; covering said one or more substances with, or allowing said one or more substances to be covered by, soil; and making one or more depressions in the soil, which extend from an upper soil surface towards said one or more delivered substances so that the depression extends into, or at least adjacent to said one or more delivered substances.

Preferably the furrow is created by a tillage means.

Preferably the one or more substances are delivered by substance delivery means.

Preferably the one or more depressions are created by a depression forming means.

Preferably the method comprises delivering the N:Brisbe\Cases\entAUc999 7975798AU.2 Specification 2008-4-16.dcc 8105108 11 00 0 one or more substances into the furrow as a plurality of discrete portions, spaced apart in the direction of Celongation of the furrow.

Preferably the method comprises making a 00 5 plurality of depressions, each depression being in the vicinity of one or more of said discrete portions of said _one or more substances.

It is preferred that the method comprises use of CI an apparatus in accordance with the first aspect.

C 10 It is preferred that a seedling is planted in 00 Seach depression.

C It will be appreciated that features set out in relation to the first aspect, or analogues thereof, may be incorporated in the method in accordance with the second aspect.

Brief Description of the Invention A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective angled front view of an apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective angled front view from an opposite side of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows an angled rear view of a delivering assembly of the apparatus shown in the previous Figures; Figure 5 shows a top view of the apparatus shown above; Figure 6 shows a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; and Figure 7 shows a rear view of the apparatus shown in the above Figures.

Description of the Drawings Figures 1 and 2 show an apparatus for preparing N:BnsbaneCasaesPatenrU%75OO-75999IP75798.AU.MpecisWP75798.AU.2 Spedicatio 20084-16.doc 8108 12 00 soil for planting of seedlings.

The apparatus consists of a water wheel 11 Cincorporating a control wheel hub 12 and gearing assembly 13.

These components are supported on a rectangular support frame 14 which is pivotally connected to a tillage tool 15 comprising a tine 16 and a connection assembly 17.

SA gel box 18 containing water gel and a fertiliser box 19 containing fertiliser are supported above the previously CI 10 mentioned components on supporting frames 29, 30 which are 00 supported relative to the support frame 14 by a support C structure (not shown) of any suitable desired configuration. Dispensing of the gel and fertiliser is activated and regulated by a rotatable shaft 10 which extends substantially symmetrically on either side of a longitudinal axis of the apparatus (the axis extending through the water wheel and rectangular support frame 14) With reference to Figure 4, each of the boxes 18, 19 have openings (not shown) in their base walls which are connected to feeder tubes 20 and 21 respectively. These feeder tubes 20, 21 extend diagonally inwardly to the central axis of the apparatus and then vertically through a lower section 22, 23 respectively where they feed into a generally vertical output tube (anywhere between 0 and 200).

Each of the tubes 20, 21 and 22, 23 are substantially identical and have substantially identical inlet openings into the outlet tube 24.

The upper end of the tube 24 is open and receives a cylindrical rod 25 which is connected at its upper end to a cam 26 mounted in a central region of the shaft The shaft 10 is desirably in the form of a horizontal shaft which is connected through a coupling assembly 27 shown in Figures 1 and 2 to a diagonally oriented control arm 28 having a rotatable transmission shaft therein and connected at its lower end to the gearing assembly 13.

N: Bdsbane\soa \Palnnn750DO 75999P7579 Specficaion 20084-16.doc 8/058 13 00 Each of the boxes 18 and 19 is connected to the shaft 10 through a supporting frame 29, 30. The design of this supporting frame for each box may be varied as desired.

00 5 Referring back to Figures 1 and 2 the water wheel 11 is similar to the design of the water wheel shown in Figures 3 and 4 in the afore-referenced patent specification of the applicant.

C- As illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 the wheel 11 has CI 10 a series of spikes 51 around its periphery. These spikes 00 51 engage the ground causing the wheel to be turned by C movement of apparatus relative to the ground. The wheel further comprises one or more larger spikes 50 having openings for water to pass through. Each of these large spikes 50, is responsible for forming a depression in soil tilled or gouged by the tine 16. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7 the wheel 11 has a single larger spike The water wheel 11 has a central circular hub 31 with an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the forwards direction of the apparatus as a whole. The depression forming spike 50 is mounted at an axially central part of the hub 31(see especially Figures 5 and 7)and the peripheral spikes 50 provided substantially at the axial ends of the hub effectively form two spiked outer wheels 33, 34.

The hub 31 is hollow and can contain water which can be deposited under gravity, via one or more holes in the depression forming spike 50 into a depression formed by the spike 50. The hub 31 is mounted on an axle As shown most clearly in Figures 2 and 3, the water wheel side of the apparatus is also provided with a water delivery system 36 consisting of a valve control assembly 37, a water delivery conduit 38 which is connected to a source of water through conduit 39 which runs along the side of the support frame 14. The tube 36 extends generally forwardly to a downwardly extending conduit section 40 which extends generally vertically N: B sbane2ses\atentn7500D-9992P7579 Spedfication 208-4-16.doc /05108 14 00 downwardly to an elbow section 41 which curves rearwardly to a horizontal output section 42.

The valve control assembly 37 incorporates an Lshaped lever 43 connected to a controlling cam 44 00 s connected to the axle 35 or water wheel 11.

The conduit 39 is connected to a water reservoir and water pump which pumps water through it.

It is preferred that the cam 44 is connected Ci through a water control assembly 45 (which may be a C- 10 gearing assembly).

00 SAs shown in Figures 2 and 3 the outlet tube 24 is Soriented slightly at an angle to vertical and has a bevelled outlet which is located slightly above and in front of the outlet of tube 42.

In addition both tubes 42 and 24 are located rearwardly of the tine 16. This tine 16 is coupled to the supporting frame 14 through coupling 17. Generally as shown in the Figures the outlet of tubes 24 and 42 and the tine 16 are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. They are also located in front of the water wheel 11 and control wheel hub 12.

Figures 3 and 6 show how the frame 14 is angled downwardly approximately 30 to 450 and how depression forming spike 50 is larger than the rest of the spikes 51.

It also shows how the lowermost point of the large spike when oriented vertically downwardly is slightly below the output level of the tube 24 but above the level of the tube 42, and above the level of the bottom of the tine 16.

However, it should be appreciated that the depth of the tine is adjustable by adjustment of the coupling 17 so that the depth of the furrow can be adjusted in order to allow optimum distribution of the deposited substances (including water) and depression, taking into account specific plant requirements and soil types.

Figures 5 and 7 show how the radial plane of the water wheel 11 is axially aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the apparatus.

N %Brisba\CasesXPateat750DO-7599P75798 AU2%SpecsP75798.AU.2 Speaffctior 2008-4-16.doc /05108 15 00 It is noted that in Figures 5 and 7 it is shown that there are a series of peripheral spikes on left and Cright hand sides (ie 'wheels' or wheel parts 33, 34) of the wheel 11 and the space between these spikes is 00 5 provided with one or more larger depression forming spikes Operation of the apparatus will now be described as follows.

CI Typically the apparatus will be pulled behind a C- 10 tractor or pushed in front of a tractor depending on the 00 Soptions desired. As shown in Figure 3 as the apparatus moves forward to the right of the drawing the tine 16 ploughs a furrow with earth moving to either side thereof.

As the apparatus moves forward the water wheel 11 rotates together with the control wheel hub 12. This rotation results in rotation of the supporting axle The axle 35 is connected to the gearing assembly 13 which converts rotation of the axle 35 into rotation of the shaft inside control arm 28. This rotation is converted through coupling 27 (which maybe a gearing coupling or similar) to the horizontal shaft 10. Rotation of this shaft rotates cam 26 which is connected to rod 25. The cam 26 converts the circular motion of shaft 10 to reciprocating motion of rod The lower end 60 of rod 25 reciprocates within the upper end of tube 24. This reciprocating motion moves the lower end 60 past the openings leading into tube 24 from feed tubes 22 and 23. Thus the lower end 60 moves between two positions, one where it moves past the inlets of tubes 22 and 23 and blocks them so material can pass into tube 24 and then to a second position above these inlets where they are unblocked.

Whenever the inlets of the tubes 22 and 23 are open fertiliser is able to continue to travel downwardly through tubes 21, 23 and into tube 24. Likewise water gel or water crystals is able to pass from box 18 into tube and 22 through the inlet into tube 24 and out through the N:Brisaro Case\atent%750-75999%P7579B.AU.2SpeisP75798AU.2 Specificabon 2008-4-16.doc 80508 16 00 bottom of tube 24.

Because of the reciprocating motion of rod fertiliser and water gel/water crystals are periodically dispensed through tube 24. The rotation of the shaft also operates feed wheels 18a, 19a which regulate egress of the fertilizer and water gel/crystals from the boxes 18, 19 respectively. Thus rotation of the shaft 10, which is dependent on rotation of wheel 11 regulates the amount ^C of fertilizer and water gel/crystals deposited according CI 10 to the distance covered by the apparatus.

00 At the same time the rod 25 is reciprocating up ^C and down the valve control assembly 37 controlling a valve in the water delivery assembly including conduits 39 and 36, opens and closes to allow water to be periodically dispensed through the outlet of tube 42. This valve control assembly 37, which comprises a valve control lever, is controlled by a cam 44 connected to the water control assembly 45 which is driven by the axle It is preferred that the valve is synchronised to open to allow water to be dispensed through outlet 42 at a similar time fertiliser and water gel/water crystals are dispensed through the outlet to tube 24. Thus it will be appreciated that the deposit of the fertilizer, water gel/crystals and water is controlled by rotation of the water wheel/control wheel and the control wheel hub 12, and is thus dependent on the movement/speed of the apparatus. This arrangement provides a straight forward mechanical means of controlling the deposit of the fertilizer, water gel/crystals and water in accordance with the movement/speed of the apparatus over the ground, but it will be appreciated that other means of achieving this are possible. For example, movement of the apparatus could be measured electronically, and deposit of the substances could also be controlled electronically, and made dependent on the apparatus movement.

In addition to the above dispensing of water, water crystals/water gel and fertiliser is synchronised N:BnsbaneCasesPstentl75OOO-75999W75798 AU 2SpecasXP75798AU.2 Specdficaion 2004-16.doc 8105108 17 00 with the formation of a depression or seedling hole so that water and nutrients can be located in close proximity to where the seedling is to be planted. This requires the position of the depression form spike 50 to be 00 0s synchronised to be oriented vertically downwardly at approximately the same location or in a similar region to where the fertiliser, water gel/water crystals and water Sis delivered. This can be done by appropriately c controlling the position of the cams 26 and 44.

CI 10 According to the preferred embodiment the tine 16 00 0is a Ripper Tine 16 which follows a rotary hoe which may C or may not be part of the apparatus. The rotary hoe turns over and breaks up soil and the Ripper Tine 16 forms a narrow line/furrow in the soil which is of a size which results in soil which is on either side of the furrow falling back into the furrow. Thus it is preferred that the tine does not have any side gussets or blades which would result in soil being diverted away from the furrow and thus to a position where it cannot fall naturally back into the furrow.

As the furrow/line is formed behind the Ripper Tine 16 fertiliser and water gel/crystals are deposited periodically in the furrow along with water through the tube 42. Thus along the length of the furrow a series of discrete patches are formed which include fertiliser, water gel/crystals and water on the bottom of the furrow.

As soil collapses back into the furrow soon after passage of the Ripper Tine 16 the soil falls on top of the fertiliser, water gel/crystals and water from the water assembly thus filling in the furrow at least partially.

The soil, preferably broken up by the Ripper Tine 16 and the previous action of the rotary hoe, starts to absorb and/or be dissolved by the moisture of the substances and/or water.

The spike 50 of the water wheel 11 is then synchronised to press downwardly desirably in the centre of the region where the fertiliser, water gel/crystals and N:BrisbneaseskJ\tent%750DD-759 75 .P7 5 Specification 2008-4-16.doc 8D05M0 18 00 water from water outlet 42 have been deposited. This depression is formed vertically through the soil and at the same time water is released from the water wheel from the spike 50. The depression is preferably formed 00 05 vertically through the soil so that the bottom of the depression is higher than the bottom of the furrow, and most preferably so that the bottom of the depression is approximately coincident with the highest parts of the substances deposited. As a result water is deposited both Cl 10 below the depression and into the depression and 00 surrounding soil. Thus the soil around the depression is C dampened prior to a seedling being planted therein and also the region below the depression is both dampened and provided with fertilizer and water gel/crystals so that water is available for an extended period of time after the seedling has been planted so that the seedling has sufficient moisture and nutrients to grow. Providing these substances below the depression into which a seedling is planted further encourages downwards root growth, which is normally highly beneficial. Further, the provision of water deposited at a suitable relatively deep depth (ie into the furrow) may provide a moist region between a plant, such as a seedling, and a pre-existing naturally moist subsurface region, encouraging plant roots to extend into the be naturally moist subsurface region.

This can assist enormously in securing long-term survival of the plant, and in use the depth of the tine and/or furrow will be selected accordingly, taking into account natural moisture profiles.

It is noted that, as illustrated in Figure 3, if the furrow is looked at side on an inverted T-shaped formation of fertiliser, water gel/crystals, water from the water assembly and vertical depression in the soil is formed periodically along the length of the furrow. As illustrated in Figure 3, the inverted T-shape comprises a lower region 53 (corresponding to the cross bar of the inverted T) provided at least mainly by the portions or N:BrbanCassc7599is7579 P75798.AU.2 Spedcicabion 20084-16.doc 805/O 19 00 line segment of substances, and the water, deposited into the furrow via the outlets 42 and 24, and an upper region provided 54 via the water wheel and/or spike The preferred embodiment shows a spike which has 00 05 a trapezoidal geometry. However, other shaped geometries are also included including cylindrical and parallel piped, rectangular, square etc.

The Ripper Tine may be in the form of a narrow C spike or narrow blade.

C 10 According to another variation of the embodiment 00 a sweeper is located behind the outlets 42 and 24 so as to C ensure that soil is collected and diverted back into the furrow to fill up the furrow. However, in the illustrated embodiment soil falls back into the furrow under gravity (without requiring a sweeper), and the action of the wheel 11 on the soil can assist in locating and/or compressing soil in the furrow.

In addition to the above the present invention also contemplates an electronic control system which controls a water valve within the water delivery assembly and also a valve which could be used as a substitute to the rod As previously alluded to the depression forming spike may also be provided with a water outlet so that water is delivered specifically to the bottom of the depression formed by the spike.

In addition to the above additional depression forming spikes may be added around the periphery of the water wheel.

According to alternative embodiments additional wheels are arranged side by side each with matching depression forming spikes and a water delivery assembly as well as an assembly for delivering fertiliser and water gel/water crystals.

The tillage tool which in this case is a Ripper Tine 16 may also be replaced by other ground engaging tools or may include additional ground engaging tools.

N: BrisbaneCases Patent775 00-7599P757 Specication 20084-16.doc 05/08 20 00 It should further be appreciated that although the above described embodiment provides containers and delivery means for fertiliser and water gel/crystals, as well as water, into a furrow, an alternative embodiment might provide containers and delivery means for only one or two of these substances, and/or for one or more _alternative or additional substances. In particular, it has been found that under some circumstances providing C only water into the furrow (prior to allowing soil to fall C i0o into the furrow and to creation of a recess that 00 terminates in or slightly above the region of moist soil C so created) can be a valuable method of preparing soil for planting and can greatly enhance the life expectancy of seedlings planted therein (compared to creation of a depression that does not terminate in a prepared moist soil region). Thus water may be a (or the) "substance" delivered to the soil (and, in particular embodiments effectively injected into the bottom of the furrow). A container for water to be deposited is not shown in the drawings and would generally be provided in the form of a water tank provided on a wheeled carriage or trailer connected to, and which moves with, the illustrated parts of the apparatus.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

N:Bnsbanek\Cases\Platenl\75000-75999\P75798.AU.2 pSp ofication 2008-4-16doc 8/0508

Claims

1. An apparatus for preparing soil for planting comprising a tillage means for tilling soil, a depression forming means for creating a plurality of 00 00 depressions in soil tilled by the tillage means, and at least one substance delivery means comprising at least one container for holding a substance and a delivery means for delivering the substance to the soil and a control means which controls the amount of substance delivered to the C- 10 soil. 00

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the C apparatus is adapted to be moved in a forwards direction thereof and is adapted to till the soil, create a plurality of depressions in soil tilled by the tillage means, and deliver the substance to the soil in a controlled manner as it is moved in said forwards direction.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the tillage means is configured to form a furrow.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the or each delivery means is adapted to deliver the or each substance to the soil at or adjacent the bottom of the furrow. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the delivery means is adapted to deliver the substance to the soil at or adjacent the bottom of the furrow in discrete portions, spaced apart in the length direction of the furrow.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the apparatus is configured so that the depression forming means forms depressions approximately in locations of the portions.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3 to 6 wherein the depression forming means is adapted to form depressions which each extend downwardly to a lowermost point which is above the level of the bottom of the furrow in the region of the respective depressions. N:\Bsbr\Cases Paen500D75999IP757 9 Specficntion 2008-4-16.doc &05/08 22 00

8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the depression forming means is adapted to form depressions which each extend downwardly to a lowermost point which is approximately at the same level as the 00 outlets of the substance delivery means.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the control means controls a metering device, valve or similar which opens and closes an outlet CI of the delivery means to allow the substance to be C 10 delivered through the outlet to the soil. 00

010. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein C the control means comprises a valve, at least one control wheel, a control arm extending upwardly at an angle from the control wheel to a rotatable shaft, and a reciprocating rod which extends downwardly from the rotatable shaft and is connected at its lower end to a valve control lever (directly or indirectly) for controlling the valve.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the substance delivery means comprises first and second feed conduits extending from first substance and second substance containers.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the control means comprises a metering part comprising a blocking portion which is able to block substance from passing through an outlet of an output conduit.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the substance delivery means comprises two containers which feed respective first and second substances into respective feed conduits.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the depression forming means comprises at least one depression forming spike which periodically strikes soil tilled by the tillage means. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the depression forming spike is located on the periphery N:Brisbak\aaasI\at t075997578.A AU.2 Specificatix 2008-4-16.doc 80508 23 00 of a depression forming wheel.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the depression forming wheel comprises a wheel via which water can be delivered to the soil in which a depression 00 5 is formed.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the control means is adapted to deliver a substance at a predetermined position relative to a C depression subsequently created by the depression forming C 10 means. 00

018. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the control means is configured to open the inlet openings in order to deliver a substance at a predetermined position such that a depression subsequently created by the depression forming means is provided at or generally directly above the deposited substance.

19. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the control means comprises a water controller assembly for controlling water delivered to the soil, the apparatus comprising a water delivery conduit assembly, and a water valve which is controlled to release water through an outlet of the water delivery conduit. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein the control means is be configured to release water and at least one other substance at substantially the same time, and wherein the outlet of the water delivery conduit and the delivery means for the other substance are provided in proximity to each other.

21. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tillage means comprises a tine.

22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the tine is located axially aligned and in front of the water delivery conduit outlet and/or substance outlet(s).

23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein the control wheel/water wheel and/or depression forming means is located on a central axis behind the tillage device and substance delivery outlet(s) and/or water N:OBhsbaerCasesUate75OOO-75999%P75798.AU.MpecjsP75798 AU.2 Specificabon 2008-4-16.doc 8/0508 24 00 delivery outlet.

24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, or any subsequent claim when dependent thereon, wherein in use the depression forming means forms an inverted T-shape 00 5 with the furrow (when viewed sideways along the furrow formed). An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the depression forming means comprises a Ci depression forming spike with at least one outlet for C o10 release of water therefrom. 00

26. A method of preparing soil for planting Smaterial therein, comprising; creating a furrow; delivering one or more substances which can aid plant growth in the furrow; covering said one or more substances with, or allowing said one or more substances to be covered by, soil; and making one or more depressions in the soil, which extend from an upper soil surface towards said one or more delivered substances so that the depression extends into, or at least adjacent to said one or more delivered substances.

27. A method as claimed in claim 26 wherein the furrow is created by a tillage means.

28. A method as claimed in either of claims 26 or 27 wherein the one or more substances are delivered by substance delivery means.

29. A method as claimed in any of claims 26 to 28 wherein the one or more depressions are created by a depression forming means. A method as claimed in any of claims 26 to 29 wherein the method comprises delivering the one or more substances into the furrow as a plurality of discrete portions, spaced apart in the direction of elongation of the furrow.

31. A method as claimed in any of claims 26 to N:BrisbeCasesPatnnik75)DD-7999XP757Specifiatian 20084-I6doc BM5/08 25 00 0 wherein the method comprises making a plurality of depressions, each depression being in the vicinity of one or more of said discrete portions of said one or more substances. 0 5 32. A method as claimed in any of claims 26 to 31 wherein the method comprises use of an apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to

33. An apparatus for preparing soil for planting CO substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to CI 10 and as shown in the accompanying drawings. 00 0 34. A method of preparing soil for planting Ssubstantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. N: Brisbane\Cases\Patent75000-759991P75798.AU.2SpecisP75798.AU.2 Specification 2008-4-16.doc 8/5/08