GB1281717A - Planting method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

1281717 Planting and fertilizing machine BRUCE CHURCH INC 18 July 1969 36419/ 69 Heading AID In a machine for planting groups of seeds at well defined locations and then applying fertilizer and a stabilizer to the seeds after planting, the planting mechanism comprises a seed hopper 27 and a metering device 31 whereby seeds are allowed to fall into the horizontal tube 33 from where they are blown, at intervals, through the tube 35 and out onto the ground. The 'blower 45, 46 is controlled by a solenoid operated valve 26 which is in turn controlled by the commutator 24 which is driven by gearing from the land wheels of the planter. Two such devices are provided each being associated with its own furrowing device (12) Fig. 1 (not shown). Seeds in one furrow of each set of two are planted at a point midway between the planting locations of the other furrow, the longitudinal spacing-between fertilizer supply nozzles 61, 62 and stabilizer supply nozzles 67, 68 being arranged so that as each set of two nozzles discharge they are vertically aligned over a planted group of seeds, nozzles 61 and 67 in one furrow and nozzles 62 and 68 in the other furrow. Each seed planting tube 40 has its associated vermiculite dispenser which comprises a hopper 14 and a tube 49 open at one end and connected at the other end to the valve 26. Thus the vermiculite is discharged at the same time as each seed group and is directed towards the seeds by the deflector 54. The fertilizer and stabilizer are discharged by means of displacement pumps which also serve to meter the quantities discharged. All the discharge operations are synchronised by being driven, by means of suitable geering, from a shaft 22 which is driven from the land wheels of the machine.