SE1451190A1 - Methods, apparatus, and soil scarification and planting machine for planting tree seedlings - Google Patents

Description

15 20 25 30 wo 24113/135971 2 PCT/Fl2013/050287 planting area must be carefully scarified. This enables the seedlings to be planted in a way that is maximally efficient for forest management purposes. The aim of the scarification is to improve the molsture and temperature conditions of the soil, and to reduce the damage caused to the planted tree seedling by surrounding vegetation. The seedlings shall be planted upright and at the desired depth in uneven terrain also. To ensure quick rooting and stronger growth, the soil around the seedling must be compacted in a suitable manner after planting. lt is recommended that automatics and sensors be used to determine the soil properties and to establish a suitable planting spot. During planting, preparations should be made for the transportation and dosing of irrigation water, fertilizers, and plant protection products. ln prior art solutions, the inefficiency and ensuing high price of the operations are problematic. For example, planting equipment may be connected to the boom of an excavator, which the operator of the excavator controls from the cabin. The seedlings are planted one or two at a time in planting spots chosen by the operator. Furthermore, the known planting machines prepare the chosen planting spot by scarifying the soil with different devices before the seedling is set in place and the soil compacted around it. This is completed by machine, under the control of the excavator operator. The soil is scarified and the tree seedling planted using the movement range of the boom. The excavator remains stationary throughout the entire process. The automated work phase of the known solutions is the planting cycle that follows the scarification. Studies show that the maximum work efficiency attainable with these methods and equipment is 300 seedlings an hour, because most of the working time is spent preparing the planting spot, positioning the planting head, manually loading the seedlings into the seedling cassette in the planting head, and moving the excavator from place to place. Known solutions are described in publications Fl1193l5B, U20020340, CA2281161, US4067268, US2004/0050310, and EP0205412.

An object of the invention is to establish a method and an apparatus for continuous and automated planting of tree seedlings. A particular object of the invention is to facilitate a continued movement of the forwarder or other work machine during scarification or planting. 10 15 20 25 30 wo 2013/135971 3 PCT/F 12013/050287 SUMMARY According to the invention there is provided a method according to claim 1, an apparatus according to claim 4, and a soil scarification and planting machine according to claim 12.

According to a first example aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for scarification of soil and planting of tree seedlings by at least one apparatus connected to a work machine which apparatus comprises a frame structure and at least one combined scarification and planting head mounted on the frame structure for forming a planting spot in the soil and for planting a seedling in the formed planting spot, and the method comprises: - progressing by the work machine substantially continuously along the ground, and performing with at least one apparatus and at least one scarification and planting head steps: - pressing the scarification and planting head against the ground at a first distance from a previous planting spot or from the work machine for forming a new planting spot; - locking the scarification and planting head substantially horizontally in relative to the ground; - compacting the planting spot with the scarification and planting head; - planting the tree seedling in the formed planting spot with the scarification and planting head; - lifting the scarification and planting head from the ground; and - unlocking the scarification and planting head.

Preferably returning the scarification and planting head to a return position from the planting spot after unlocking the scarification and planting head.

Preferably loading a new seedling automatically into the scarification and planting head from a seedling transportation system comprised by the work machine (1) or from seedling trays transported on the work machine or from other seedling transportation and packaging solutions for a next planting cycle. 10 15 20 25 30 Wo 2013/135971 4 PCT/Fl20l3/050287 According to a second example aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for soil scarification and planting of tree seedlings which apparatus comprises a frame structure and combined scarification and planting head which is movable by the frame structure for forming a planting spot in the ground and for planting a seedling in the formed planting spot, and a first end of the frame structure is attached in connection with the scarification and planting head and a second end is attachable on the work machine, and the apparatus comprises: - at least one scarification and planting head mounted to the frame structure; and - horizontal position control means which are configured, during substantially continuous progressing of the work machine along the ground, to: - regulate the distance of the scarification and planting head from the work machine; - keep the scarification and planting head in place substantially horizontally relative to the ground during planting.

Preferably the horizontal position control means are further configured to return the scarification and planting head from the planting spot to a return position after unlocking the scarification and planting head.

Preferably the apparatus comprises vertical position control means of the scarification and planting head, and the frame structure comprises a frame to which are connected the vertical position control means and the horizontal position control means.

Preferably the horizontal position control means comprise distance regulating means to control the distance between the scarification and planting head and the work machine and to control velocity of the scarification and planting head relative to the ground.

Preferably the horizontal position control means comprise turning actuators for turning the frame horizontally relative to the work machine and for positioning the scarification and planting head horizontally relative to the frame. 10 15 20 25 30 wo 2013/135971 5 PCT/F 12013/050287 Preferably the vertical position control means comprise vertical actuators for moving the frame vertically relative to the work machine and for positioning the scarification and planting head vertically relative to the ground and for compacting the planting spot.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a hydraulics system onto which the horizontal position control means and the vertical position control means are connected.

Preferably the apparatus comprises one or more pressure accumulators wh ich are connected to the hydraulics system in order to increase vertical and horizontal velocity of the frame. The accumulators ensure a sufflcient supply of hydraulic power from ancillary equipment, e.g. tractor forwarders.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means for positioning the apparatus in transport position for road transportation, preferably the means for positioning the apparatus in transport position for road transportation comprise a vertical actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder.

According to a third example aspect of the invention there is provided a scarification and planting machine for planting of tree seedlings comprising: - a work machine, and - an apparatus for soil scarification and planting of tree seedlings comprising a frame structure and a combined scarification and planting head which is movable by the frame structure for forming a planting spot in the ground and for planting a seedling in the formed spot, and a first end of the frame structure is mounted in connection with the scarification and planting head, and a second end is attached on the work machine, and the apparatus comprises: - at least one scarification and planting head mounted to the frame structure; and - horizontal position control means which are configured, during substantially continuous progressing of the work machine along the ground, to: - regulate the distance of the scarification and planting head from the work machine; - keep the scarification and planting head ln place substantially horizontally relative to the ground during planting. 10 15 20 25 30 wo 2013/135971 6 PCT/Fl2013/050287 Preferably the horizontal position control means are further configured to return the scarification and planting head from the planting spot to a return position after a locking of the scarification and planting head is released.

Where required, water or some other liquid can be sprayed into a planting tube to irrigate the planted seedling, to administer plant protection products or fertilizers, or, in particular, to keep the tube clean. An irrigation tank can be connected to the work machine for this purpose.

The apparatus may be fitted either to a vehicle such as a work machine or to a remote- or GPS-controlled unmanned unit.

Preferably the frame structure comprises actuators such as control cylinders facilitating curvilinear motions of the work machine. ln practice, these actuators can be horizontal cylinders of the frame structure and the scarification and planting head.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a combined scarification and planting head for soil scarification and planting of tree seedlings. Preferably the apparatus comprises a frame solution that is configured to hold the scarification and planting head in place relative to the ground surface or to the planting spot during planting, while the work machine keeps moving without interruption. Preferably the equipment further comprises an automated seedling feed system from e.g. the seedling transportation packaging or seedling storage to the planting tube of the scarification and planting head. Preferably the apparatus also comprises a solution for turning (e.g. automatically) the equipment into transport position for road or carrier transportation. Naturally, instead of using the apparatus to prepare a mound the apparatus enables for planting a seedling in a previously prepared mound using the telescopic boom method.

Preferably the apparatus is mounted on a tractor, in most cases at the rear. The apparatus may be mounted on other work machines also. The method for scarifying the soil and/or planting tree seedlings can also be implemented using 10 15 20 25 30 wo 2013/135971 7 PCT/Fl2013/050287 machines that have been specially designed for soil scarification and planting. The apparatus can be used as a whole as a continuous and automated soil scarification and planting device, or alternatively just as a soil scarification device, wherein the seedlings are planted using a different method. When using the equipment to prepare a continuous scarification trail, it is possible to switch off the properties (e.g. automatics) that keep the scarification and planting head stationary relative to the ground.

The method and the equipment allow for the planting of the seedlings in an appropriate manner in varying conditions. Work productivity with the method and equipment according to the invention is estimated to be many times better than with the current and prior art planting devices. The increase in productivity in comparison to the mechanized planting tools described previously really comes to the fore in large planting sites, where there is less need to change the direction of the work machine and where the planting area-specific preparation and transfer costs of the apparatus according to the invention and a forvvarder or other work machine relative to area size are low.

The method and apparatus according to the invention can be used to implement e.g. the work cycle presented below while the machine unit progresses through the planting area at an optimized and if applicable, varying speed. At the beginning of the work cycle, the scarification and planting head of the apparatus is near the rear of the frame of the forwarder or other work machine. The apparatus can be mounted at the front of the forwarder or other work machine, which makes it easier for the operator to follow the automated soil scarification and planting process. ln some cases, the apparatus may also be mounted on the side of the work machine.

When a selected distance between two seedlings to be planted successively is reached, the scarification disc of the scarification and planting head can be pressed automatically into the ground to the desired depth and at the desired force. As the machine unit moves along, soil gathers in front of the scarification disc, forming a planting spot. A primary scarification method used is spot mounding, but disc trenching, ploughing, or spotting can also be used by adjusting the design of the scarification head and control parameters. When the desired volume of soil has gathered in front of the scarification device, the scarification 10 15 20 25 30 WO 2013/135971 8 PCT/Fl2013/050287 disc is turned into a compacting position.

When the compacting position is reached, the planting spot is compacted by pressing it with the scarification disc at optimal force. lf the compacted planting spot falls to meet the set requirements, scarification is interrupted either automatically or by the operator and the scarification and planting head is returned to the initial position of the work cycle. The suitability of the planting spot is automatically assessed by sensors. After the compacting is completed, the scarification and planting head is locked in place to remain in the planting spot while the fon/varder or other work machine keeps moving without interruption. To keep the scarification and planting head in place, the movement of the forwarder or other work machine can be followed e.g. with a telescopic frame of two or more parts (Figures ta and lb), with an excavator knuckle boom (Figure 2), or with a planting sled (Figure 3). The forwarding speed of the fon/varder can be modified as the terrain requires.

Once the planting head is locked in place at the planting spot, and while the planting spot is being compacted as the forvvarder or other work machine continues moving forward, the automated planting of the tree seedling is begun by pressing the planting tube to the selected depth through the hole in the scarification disc at the planting spot. At the same time, the stabilization mechanism of the scarification and planting head ensures that the planting tube remains fixed and in a vertical position relative to the ground, wherein also the tree seedling is planted upright. The planting tube can be maintained in a vertical position either by keeping only the planting tube vertically straight, or alternatively by keeping both the planting tube and the scarification and planting head straight. lf the planting tube cannot be set all the way to the predetermined depth, planting will be terminated and a selected number of new attempts can be made at selected intervals, and if these are also unsuccessful, the work cycle can be started over again from the beginning.

When the planting tube is at the selected depth at the planting spot, the tree seedling can be automatically transferred inside the planting tube. Alternatively, in order to speed up the process the seedling can be transferred inside the planting 10 15 20 25 30 WO 2013/135971 9 PCT/Fl2013/050287 tube beforehand. Next the jaws of the planting tube are opened, and once the seedling is dropped into the planting hole the planting tube is lifted back up. After this, the soil around the seedling is compacted by pressing a compacting head of the scarification disc against the ground next to the seedling at the selected force and to the selected depth. Once the soil has been compacted, the entire scarification and planting head is lifted up to the return position. Once the return position is reached, the scarification and planting head mounted at the rear of the machine is returned to its initial position near the forwarder or other work machine in preparedness for the next work cycle. Alternatively, if the scarification and planting head is mounted in front of the machine it is returned into the initial position further away from the fon/varder or other work machine to wait for the next work cycle. Before transferring the tree seedling into the planting tube, the tree seedling is transferred automatically from a seedling transportation system of the machine onto a conveyor, and from there further along the scarification and planting head when the scarification and planting head is at the initial position of the work cycle near the work machine.

The present invention enables a new method and equipment for soil scarification and planting of tree seedlings. The method, and the apparatus that facilitates its use, are significantly more efficient than the known planting methods in terms of work profitability and related costs. For example, at the lowest speed of the forwarder the method enables a planting speed of 1000 seedlings per hour, which is estimated to be at least three times the speed achievable with the prior art methods and equipment. Another benefit of the invention is the adaptability of the equipment as an accessory for use with forwarders and other work machines. Due to this feature, the invention enables year-round utilization of expensive forwarders and other work machines, and thus increases the utility ration of these machines that helps to enhance the cost-effectiveness of forest harvesting and other work tasks that employ such machinery.

The invention can also be used to increase job opportunities available for forest machine operators during summer and therefore improve their year-round employment. This is important for keeping and acquiring skilled labour for e.g. mechanized forest work, and also in regard to the operating conditions of the 10 15 20 25 30 WO 24113/135971 10 PCT/FI2013/U50287 companies that have invested in the machines. The increased work profitability that the present invention makes possible will become further highlighted when the expected labour shortages within the forestry industry become reality, since the new planting method and apparatus requires fewer people than the current systems. The invention significantly lowers the cost of forestation, which is reflected in the enhanced profitability of forestry and increased volume of plantation. These benefits can be achieved by virtue of the method and apparatus of the invention, which is characterized by what is stated in the patent claims.

The apparatus described in this application is primarily but not exclusively designed for use as an accessory for a forwarder, agricultural tractor, or other suitable rough-terrain work machine. The apparatus can be mounted in front of or at the rear of the machine unit. lt can be, however, most commonly mounted at the Fear.

Different embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated or have been illustrated only in connection with some aspects of the invention. A skilled person appreciates that any embodiment of an aspect of the invention may apply to the same aspect of the invention and other aspects alone or in combination with other embodiments as well.

BRlEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The invention is described on an exemplary basis with reference to the enclosed schematical drawings: Figure fa shows a side view and Figure 1b shows a top view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which apparatus comprises a telescopic frame; Figure 2 shows a side view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprising a knuckle boom frame; Figure 3 shows an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprising a sled frame; Figure 4 shows controlled movements of an apparatus according to a preferred 10 15 20 25 30 wo 2013/135971 1 1 PCT/Fl2013/050287 embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a scarification and planting device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a road transportation position folded and lifted on top of a work machine; Figure 6 shows a scarification and planting device and a seedling feeding arrangement from a seedling transportation system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and Figures 7a-7i show an exemplary work cycle of a scarification and planting machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention equipped with a telescopic frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION ln the following description, like numbers denote like elements. lt should be appreciated that the illustrated drawings are not entirely in scale, and that the drawings mainly serve the purpose of illustrating some example embodiments of the invention.

Figures la and 1b illustrate a telescopic frame solution of an apparatus that allows for the scarification and planting head to be held horizontally stationary in a position relative to the ground surface while a forwarder or agricultural tractor keeps moving without interruption. The apparatus comprises a telescopic frame 100, and a scarification and planting head mounted on the frame 101. A first illustrated control means of the horizontal position of the apparatus is a first turning actuator, namely a horizontal movement control cylinder 102, which is located between the scarification and planting head and the frame, and a second control means shown is a second turning actuator, namely a horizontal movement control cylinder 103 of the telescopic frame for holding the scarification and planting head in place when the movement direction of work machine is changed. A first vertical position control means illustrated is a vertical movement control cylinder 104 of the scarification and planting head, which is located between the scarification and planting head and the frame. A second vertical position control means illustrated is a vertical movement control cylinder 105 of the telescopic frame, for controlling the vertical movement and positioning the scarification and planting head relative to 10 15 20 25 30 WO 2013/135971 12 PCT/Fl2013/050287 the ground and to compact the pianting spot when the work machine operates on uneven terrain. The apparatus also comprises a regulation cylinder (not shown in the Figure) for controlling the tilting of the scarification and pianting head (planting tube) when upright pianting of the seedling requires tilting. Alternatively, the apparatus further comprises a regulation cylinder (in connection with the scarification and pianting head) for controlling the tilting of the pianting tube (not shown in the Figure).

With the telescopic frame 100 and the stabiiizing mechanism 102, 103, 104, 105 for the vertical and horizontal movements described above, the scarification and planting head 101 can be held in place in a controlled manner relative to the ground while the work machine progresses uninterrupted during compacting of the planting spot, setting of the seedling into the ground and compacting, and lifting up of the scarification and pianting head. ln addition, controlling the horizontal movements allow the direction of scarification to be maintained unchanged during scarification, even as the work machine changes direction. Control of the vertical movement allows for the scarification depth be maintained desired although the work machine is fon/varding on uneven terrain. Once the work cycle is completed, the telescopic frame 100, which comprises distance regulation means such as a distance regulation actuator (e.g. a hydraulic cylinder), can be used to return the scarification and pianting head to the initial position of the work cycle.

Figure 2 illustrates a knuckle boom solution of an apparatus for holding the scarification and pianting head in place relative to the ground when the machine 1 is moving continuously. The boom solution comprises a boom frame consisting of two or more parts 200, a scarification and pianting head 201 that is mounted on the boom frame, and a stabiiizing mechanism 202 for the frame joint. With the boom frame, the scarification and pianting head can be automatically held in position relative to the ground while the machine is moving continuously. Once the work cycle is completed, the boom frame can be used to return the scarification and pianting head to the initial position of the work cycle.

Figure 3 illustrates a sled frame solution for holding the scarification and pianting head in place relative to the ground when the work machine (1) is moving 10 15 20 25 30 Wo 2013/135971 13 PCT/F 12013/050287 continuously. The sled frame solution comprises a frame 300 consisting of two or more parts, a planting sled 301 that is mounted on the boom frame, and a stabilizing mechanism 302 for the frame joint. With the sled frame, the scarification and planting head can be automatically kept in place relative to the ground while the work machine is in continuous movement. Once the work cycle is completed, the scarification and planting head can be returned to the initial position of the work cycle.

Figure 4 illustrates control movements of the apparatus. A distance control movement 401 illustrates control of the distance of the scarification and planting head 101 relative to the work machine. A vertical movement 402 of the frame 100 illustrates control of the vertical movement of the frame. A horizontal movement 403 ofthe frame 100 illustrates control of the horizontal movement of the frame. A vertical movement 404 of the scarification and planting head illustrates control of the vertical movement of the scarification and planting head. A horizontal movement 405 of the scarification and planting head illustrates control of the horizontal movement of the scarification and planting head. A turning movement 406 of the scarification and planting head illustrates control of the turning movement (tilting) of the scarification and planting head. A turning movement 407 of a scarification disc 107 of the scarification and planting head illustrates control of the location and position of the scarification disc. A lifting/lowering movement 408 of a planting tube 108 illustrates control of the movements of the planting tube. A vertical movement of the scarification and planting head 409 shows an example of the compacting movement of a planting mound with the scarification disc 107. A lifting/lowering movement 410 of soil compaction feet 110 illustrate control of the necessary movements for compacting the soil around a planted seedling. A turning movement 411 of the equipment into transportation position shows how the movements of the equipment can be controlled during moving the equipment into transportation position.

Figure 5 illustrates the setting of the machine-mounted apparatus 500 into transportation position by road so as to comply with the Road Traffic Act regulations. ln the transportation position, the apparatus is positioned in the load carrying space of the work machine or at the rear, on a transportation rack located 10 15 20 25 30 wo 2013/135971 14 PCT/Fl2013/050287 on top of a seedling transportation system 501. The apparatus can be lifted on board by means of e.g. the work machines own loading boom.

Figure 6 illustrates a seedling feeding solution for conveying seedlings from a seedling transportation system of a work machine to the planting tube in the scarification and planting head. Seedlings are transported in the transportation system 601 of the work machine, from where they are automatically transferred to the scarification and planting head 602 one or more seedlings at a time. ln the scarification and planting head, seedlings are automatically transferred into the planting tube at the right moment. Seedlings can be transferred from the transportation system of the work machine into the scarification and planting head and further on to the planting tube either one at a time by means of e.g. pressurized air inside the tube 603, a preloaded seedling belt, or a conveyor specifically constructed in the apparatus for the purpose; or several seedlings at a time by using the equipmenfs planting trays or the seedling's growing trays, from which the seedlings can be removed automatically and transferred to the planting tube.

Figures 7a-i illustrate operation of the telescopic boom in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention at the various stages by means of a sample work cycle.

The planting work cycle can be activated when the forwarder or other work machine 1 is either stationary or moving. During the work cycle, the forwarding speed of the work machine can vary or may stop completely. ln error situations the work cycle can be terminated, either automatically or by the operator. Following the termination order, the scarification and planting head is returned to the initial position of the work cycle.

Figure 7a: ln the initial position of the work cycle, the scarification and planting head 101 is near the rear of the working machine. The end of the scarification disc 107 faces the ground.

Figure 7b: The scarification disc is pressed into the ground to the selected depth 10 15 20 25 30 wo 2013/135971 1 5 PCT/Fl2013/050287 using the selected force.

Figure 7c: As the work machine moves, soil gathers in front of the scarification disc, forming a planting spot 2 such as a mound of soil. lf the planting spot created during the process does not meet the set requirements, the planting work cycle can be started afresh from the beginning.

Figure 7d: When the desired volume of soil has gathered in front of the scarification device, the scarification disc is turned to the compacting position.

Once in the compacting position, the scarification and planting head is locked into place relative to the ground while the work machine continues to move, as the planting spot is compacted by pressing it with the scarification disc.

Figure 7e: Once compacting is completed, planting of the seedling is initiated by pressing the planting tube 108 through the scarification disc into the planting spot to the selected depth. At the same time, the stabilization mechanism ensures that the planting tube remains fixed and in a vertical position relative to the ground, which ensures that the tree seedling is planted vertically. lf the planting tube cannot be pressed to the required depth, planting will be terminated; a desired number of new attempts will then be made at selected distances. lf planting cannot be completed, the work cycle will start again from the beginning.

Once the planting tube is in the required position, the jaws at the bottom end of the planting tube are opened and the seedling is dropped automatically through the tube into the planting spot.

Figure 7f: Once the seedling has dropped through the planting tube, the tube is lifted back to the upper position and the jaws of the planting tube are closed.

Figure 7g: The success of the planting is then verified by compacting the soil around the root ball of the tree seedling automatically with soil compaction feet, mounted e.g. on the scarification disc. 10 15 20 25 wo 2013/135971 16 PCT/Fl2013/050287 Figure 7h: Once the soil has been compacted, the compaction feet are returned to the upper position and the scarification and planting head is lifted to the return position, the height of which varies according to the terrain. The scarification and planting head is lifted only as high as is required to ensure that it can be returned to the initial position without touching the ground or other obstacles.

Figure 7i: Once the return position of the scarification and planting head is reached, it is returned to the initial position to await the next cycle. The new work cycle is started when the selected distance from the seedling planted during the previous work cycle is reached.

The method and the apparatus can in some cases be supplemented with attachments for removing twigs in order to make room for a mound. Twigs can be cleared from in front of the scarification device e.g. by plough or propeller so as not to spoil the mound.

The method and equipment can in some cases be supplemented with attachments for avoiding tree stumps. For example, sensors can be used to detect stumps and stumps can be avoided automatically by the movements of the frame or the boom.

The above description provides just some illustrative applications of the invention. lt will be apparent to a skilled person that the invention is not limited to the details that have been presented here, but that it can be applied in other ways to reach an equivalent outcome. Some features of the embodiments presented can be utilized without others.

As such, the foregoing description shall be considered as merely illustrative of principles of the invention, and not in limitation thereof. Hence, the scope of the invention is only restricted by the appended patent claims.

Claims (11)

20l?2>-12~30 13:04 Espaterit Oy i +3589278S2Û6 >> 923994465 P 14/1? , PCT/Fl 20131050 287 - 30~í2-20l3 17 ^ CLAlMS

1. A method for soil scarification based on spot mounding and for planting of tree seedlings in a spot mound (2) by at least one apparatus joined on a work machine 5 (1) which at ieast one apparatus is ioined on the work machine as a detachable and attachabtegaccessory and cornprises a frame structure (10, 11, 12) and at toast one combined soarification and pianting head (101) mounted on the frame structure, the method oomprising: - forrning by the at least one combined scarifioation and ptanting head a spot 10 mound (2) in the soil as a planting spot; - planting by the at least one combined scarification and planting head a tree seedling in the formed planting spot; and ~ progressing by the work machine (1) substantiaily contínuously along the ground during planting; 15 characterized by: - performing, with at least one apparatus comprising -the frame structure (10, 11, 12) comprising a tetescopic frame (100); and ~ horizontal position control means which comprise: a distance regulating means of the telescopic frame to control the distance betvveen the 20 scarification and pianting head and the work machine; a first turning actuator (103) for turning the telesoopic frame horizontally reiative to the work machine; and a second turning actuator (102) for positioning the scarification and planting head horizontalty retative to the telescopic frame; and with at least one soarification and planting head (101) mounted on a first end 25 (11) of the telescopic frame, steps: - pressing the soarification and planting head against the ground by means of the telesoopic frame at a first distance from a previous planting spot or from the work machine for forrning a new planting spot, the distance regulated by the distance regulating means; 30 - keeping the scarification and planting head substantially horizontally in place relative to the ground by the first and second turning actuators and following the work machine by the telescopic frame; - compaoting the planting spot with the scarification and planting head; - planting the tree seedling in the formed planting spot with the scarification urariøn; so.12.2o1a izohss - 3o.12.2o1s12;os:21.rnrs page 14 of -AM ENDED SHEETzmz-i 12:04:52 Received at the EPO on Dec 30, 2013 12:05:21 . Page 14 of 17 zorà-rz-so mer, separat: ny »fssaozraszoe >> 923994465 P 15/17 Pcr/Fl 2013/050 za? - 30-12-2013 18 and planting head; - lifting the scarifioation and planting head from the ground; and ~ unlooking the scarification and planting head. G1

2. The method according to claim 1, characterísed by returníng the soarification and planting head (101) to a return position from the planting spot after unlockšng the scarification and pianting head.

3. , The method according to claim 2, characterised by ioading a new seedling 10 automatically into the scarification and planting head (101) from a seedling transportation system comprised by the work machine (1) or from seedling trays (601) transported on the work machine or from other seedling transportation and packaging solutions for a next ptanting cycle. 15

4. An apparatus for soil scarification based on spot mounding and for pianting of tree seedtings in a spot mound (2), which apparatus is joinable on a separate work machine (1) as a detachable and attachabte accessory and cornprises a frame structure (10, 11, 12) and a combined scarifrcation and planttng head (101) which is rnovabie by means of the frame structure for forming a planting spot in the 20 ground and for planting a tree seediing in the formed planting spot, and a first end (11) of the frame structure is attached in connection with the scarificatton and planting head and a second end (12) is attachabte on the work machine (1), characterized in that the apparatus comprises: - a telesoopio frame (100) comprtsed by the frame structure (10, 11, 12), which 25 has, mounted on ite first end (11), at least one soarifšcation and pianting head (101), and the second end (12) of the telescopic frame is configured, during continuous progressing of the work machine (1) along the ground, to follow the work machine: and - horizontal position control means which comprise: 30 - a distance regutattng means of the telescopic frame to control the distance between the scarification and pianting head and the work machine; - a first turning actuator (103) for turning the telescopio frame (100) horizontaity relativa to the work machine; and - a second turning actuator (102) for positioning the scarification and ptanting »urarm 30.12.2013 12:01 :se - ao.12.2o1a12;os:21. This page 15 of AM EN DED SHEET2013 1205:05 Receiver! at the EPO on Dec 30, 2013 12:05:21. Page 15 of 17 zoiš-iz-so mos separat: oy +3sa927sszoa >> 923994465 P 16/1? i PCT/FI 2013/050 287 - 30-12-2013 19 head horizontally relative to the telescopic frame; and during the substantiaily continuous progressing of the work machine (1) along the ground: - the distance regulating means is configured to regulate the distance of the

5. Scarification and pšanting head from the work machine, - the first turning actuator and the second turning actuator are conflgured to keep the scarification and planting head in place by the telescopic frame substantiaiiy horizontaliy relative to the ground during planting. 10 5. The apparatus according to clairn 4, characterized in that the apparatus comprises vertical position control means (104, 105) of the scarification and pianting head, and the frame structure (10) comprises the telescopic frame (100) to which are connected the vertical position control means and the horizontal position control means (102, 103). 15

6. The apparatus according to claím 4, characterized in that the distance reguiating means are arranged to control Velocity of the scarification and planting I head (101) relativa to the ground. 20

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the vertical position control means comprise vertical actuators (105) for moving the teiescopic frame (100) vertically relativa to the work machine and for positioning the scarificatíon and planting head vertically reiative to the ground (104) and for compacting the planting spot. 25

8. The apparatus according to ciaim 5, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a hydraulics system onto which the horizontal position control means and the vertical position control means are connected. 30

9. The apparatus according to ciaim 8, charaoterized in that the apparatus comprises one or more pressure accumulators which are connected to the hydrauiics system to increase the vertical and horizontal speed of the telescopic frame. ufar1on:3o.12.2o1s 12:01:55 - 30.12.2013 12:os;21.r11is page 16 of AM ENDEÛ SHEETzina 12:15:15 Received at the EPO on Dec 30, 2013 12:05:21. Page 16 of 17 Zütfol-'EZ-BO 13:05 Espatent Oy +558927852Û6 >> 9239941365 P 17717 PCT/Fl 2013/'050 287 ~ 30-12-2013 20

10. The apperetus according to ciairn 5, characterized in that the apparatus comprises means for positioning the apparatus in transport position for road transportation, preferably the means for setting the apparatus in transport position comprise a vertical actuator such as a hydrauiic cylinder.

11. A scarification and>pianting machine for pianting of tree seediings, comprising a work machine (1) and an apparatus according to any of ciaims 4 to 10 attached to the work machine. uration:so_12.2o1s12:o1:sa - ao.12.2o1s12;os;21.rnrs page 17 of -AM EN DED SH EETzoi s 12:05:21 Receiver! at the EPO on Dec 30, 2013 12:05:21. Page 17 of 17