WO1996005717A1 - Seeding implement and seeding method - Google Patents

Seeding implement and seeding method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1996005717A1
WO1996005717A1 PCT/AU1995/000521 AU9500521W WO9605717A1 WO 1996005717 A1 WO1996005717 A1 WO 1996005717A1 AU 9500521 W AU9500521 W AU 9500521W WO 9605717 A1 WO9605717 A1 WO 9605717A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tyne
seed
ground
incision
furrow
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU1995/000521
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ellis John Aurisch
Original Assignee
Ellis John Aurisch
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ellis John Aurisch filed Critical Ellis John Aurisch
Priority to AU32476/95A priority Critical patent/AU3247695A/en
Publication of WO1996005717A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996005717A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00—Sowing
    • A01C7/006—Minimum till seeding
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C5/00—Making or covering furrows or holes for sowing, planting or manuring
    • A01C5/06—Machines for making or covering drills or furrows for sowing or planting
    • A01C5/062—Devices for making drills or furrows
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
    • Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an improved seeding implement assembly of the type which is the subject of the Applicant's co-pending International Patent Application No. PCT/AU93/00187. Accordingly, the patent specification of International Patent Application No. PCT/AU 93/00187 is incorporated herein by reference and form part of the disclosure of this invention.
  • an assembly including a tyne for cutting an incision through the ground with minimal soil disturbance at the surface of the ground, and a seed discharge means for mounting at the rear of the tyne.
  • the tyne has a deep ripping point disposed at its base to deeply rip the soil below the ground surface allowing for fertiliser to be deposited deeply into the ground.
  • a furrowing means is preferably provided behind the tyne for opening up the ground so as to form a main furrow in which seed may be deposited at a level above the bottom of the incision. Again this is done with a minimal disturbance of the soil at the ground surface.
  • a pair of soil deflector means are preferably disposed either side and rearwardly of the tyne for forming a seed furrow on each side face of the main furrow.
  • a linkage may be provided for connecting the assembly to a travelling frame which traverses the ground.
  • the linkage is adapted for suspending the assembly in a prescribed operative working position with respect to the travelling frame and the ground so that there exists a working spatial relationship between the tyne and the seed discharge means.
  • Biasing means are preferably provided for biasing the tyne into the prescribed working position and compensating means are preferably included with the linkage to elevate the assembly for clearing an obstacle obstructing the travel of the tyne.
  • the compensating means is preferably adapted to initially elevate both the tyne and the seed discharge means to try and clear the obstacle, whilst substantially simultaneously maintaining the relative prescribed operative working position between the tyne and the seed discharge means.
  • the relative angular position of the point is preferably altered in response to this initial elevation of the tyne so as to mitigate the lifting effect of deep ripping caused by the point as the position of the point nears the surface of the ground.
  • a method for seeding a crop including cutting an incision through the surface of the ground with minimal soil disturbance at the ground surface, forming a main furrow along the incision, again with a minimal disturbance of the soil at the ground surface, and depositing seed in the main furrow below the ground at a level above the bottom of the incision.
  • the bottom of the incision is preferably deeply ripped and fertiliser is preferably deposited at a first prescribed level in a first line proximate to the bottom of the incision.
  • the method preferably includes forming a pair of seed furrows at the level (being a second prescribed level) above the bottom of the incision, the seed furrows being disposed at the sides of the main furrow laterally to each side of the first line, and depositing the seed into these seed furrows in second lines.
  • the method then preferably includes covering all of the furrows and forming a central ridge along the surface of the ground between the second lines, directly above the first line.
  • the deep ripping, depositing of seed and covering of the furrows is preferably performed continuously and at substantially relatively constant depths with respect to each other, at least during the time that the cutting of the incision and the deep ripping is caused to temporarily fluctuate in depth due to minor obstacles or obstructions being encountered during the cutting.
  • the method also preferably includes altering the relative angular position of the deep ripping in response to the temporary fluctuations in depth so as to mitigate the lifting effect of deep ripping closer to the surface of the ground.
  • a further object of this aspect of the invention is to provide an improved seeding method which achieves more efficient utilisation of fertilisator and the ability to achieve greater plant stooling.
  • a seeding implement assembly for mounting to a travelling frame so as to engage the ground traversed by the travelling frame, said assembly comprising:
  • a tyne for being directly connected to said linkage, said tyne having a deep ripping point disposed at the base of the tyne and a ground cutting means for cutting an incision through the ground for the tyne to follow;
  • a seed discharge means for mounting to the rear of said tyne
  • said linkage being adapted to normally suspend said tyne and said seed discharge means in a prescribed operative working position with respect to the travelling frame and ground, so that there exists a working spatial relationship between said tyne and said seed discharge means;
  • biasing means for biasing said tyne into said prescribed operative working position
  • said linkage includes compensating means for use in clearing an obstacle obstructing the travel of said ground cutting means, said compensating means being adapted to elevate said tyne and said seed discharge means so as to clear the obstacle whilst simultaneously substantially maintaining the relative said prescribed operative working position between said tyne and said seed discharge means until at least said tyne is impeded from maintaining said working position by the obstacle.
  • the relative angular position of said point is altered in response to elevation of said tyne so as to mitigate the lifting effect of deep ripping caused by said point as the position of said point nears the surface of the ground.
  • said tyne is planar and is provided with a leading rectangular cutting edge sloped rearwardly from the bottom thereof to define a nose portion for cutting through the ground.
  • the tyne is able to slice through the ground and lift any surface material free from the ground enabling the material to flow around the nose portion, disposing of the need for a cutting wheel.
  • the seeding implement assembly includes a fertiliser discharge means interposed between said tyne and said seed discharge means so that fertiliser can be deposited into the incision formed by said tyne immediately behind the point of said tyne.
  • the seeding implement assembly includes a trailing furrowing means for opening up the ground behind said tyne to form a main furrow in which seed may be deposited at a level above the incision bottom.
  • said furrowing means includes a pair of soil deflector means disposed either side and rearwardly of said tyne for forming a furrow on each side face of the main furrow.
  • said pair of deflector means each include an inner and an outer deflector member arranged to displace soil from the seed furrow formed thereby, said inner deflector members being adapted for deflecting the soil centrally, so as to form a central ridge of soil between the seed furrows.
  • covering means disposed behind said furrowing means to cover said seed deposited into the furrow.
  • a corresponding pair of said covering means are provided for covering said furrows.
  • said pair of covering means are arranged to deflect covering soil for said furrows so as to maintain the form of said central ridge of soil between the furrows additional to covering said furrows.
  • a seeding implement assembly for mounting to a shank for attachment to a travelling frame so as to engage the ground traversed by the travelling frame, said assembly comprising:
  • a tyne for direct connection to the shank, said tyne having a deep ripping point disposed at the base thereof and a ground cutting means for cutting an incision through the ground for the tyne to progress therethrough;
  • a seed discharge means for mounting to the rear of said tyne
  • a fertiliser discharge means interposed between said tyne and see discharge means so that fertiliser can be deposited into the incision formed by said tyne;
  • trailing furrowing means for opening up the ground behind said tyne to form a main furrow in which seed may be deposited at a level above the incision bottom; and a pair of soil deflector means disposed either side and rearwardly of said tyne for forming a seed furrow on each side face of the main furrow.
  • said pair of deflector means each include an inner and an outer deflector member arranged to displace soil from the seed furrow formed thereby, said inner deflector members being adapted for deflecting the soil centrally, so as to form a central ridge of soil between the seed furrows.
  • a method for seeding a crop comprising:-
  • Figure 1 is a side elevation of a seeding implement disposed in its normally operative working position with respect to the travelling frame and the ground in accordance with the first embodiment;
  • Figure 2 is a similar view to figure 1 showing the assembly in its maximum retracted position with both the tyne and the seed discharge means elevated from the ground as would arise when encountering a relatively immovable obstacle;
  • FIG 3 is a front end view of the seeding implement assembly as shown in figure 1 of the drawings with the springs removed;
  • Figure 4 is a rear end view of the seeding implement assembly as shown in figure 1 of the drawings;
  • FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the seeding implement assembly shown in figure 1 with the linkage and travelling frame removed, but showing the seed discharge means in more detail with the seeding and fertiliser boots attached thereto;
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tyne and seed discharge means of the seeding implement assembly shown in figures 1 to 6;
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of the support plate for the seed discharge means shown in figure 6;
  • Figure 8 is a rear top view of the support plate shown in figure 7 of the drawings;
  • Figure 9 is an underside view of the support plate shown in figure 7 of the drawings;
  • Figure 10 is a rear end underside view of the support plate shown in figure 7 of the drawings.
  • Figure 11 is a side elevation of a seeding implement disposed in its normally operative working position with respect to the travelling frame in the ground in accordance with the second embodiment;
  • Figure 12 is a front end view of the seeding implement assembly as shown in figure 1 of the drawings;
  • Figure 13 is a rear end view of the seeding implement assembly as shown in figure 1 of the drawings;
  • Figure 14 is a rear end view of the saddle arrangement detached from the shank of the chisel plough tyne, in accordance with the second embodiment
  • Figure 15 is a perspective view of the tyne and saddle arrangement detached from the shank in accordance with the second embodiment
  • Figure 16 is an upper perspective view of the saddle arrangement detached from the tyne and shank in accordance with the second embodiment
  • Figure 17 is an underside view of the saddle arrangement and tyne detached from the shank in accordance with the second embodiment
  • Figure 18 is a side elevation of the saddle arrangement detached from the tyne, but attached to the shank of a "Ryan" tyne, in accordance with the third embodiment;
  • Figure 19a is a side elevation of a seeding implement disposed in its normally operative working position with respect to the travelling frame in the ground in accordance with the fourth embodiment, and showing the deflector plate in a first position;
  • Figure 19b is a similar view to figure 19a, but showing the deflector plate in an elevated position.
  • Figure 20 is a top view showing the finger harrow separately from the implement.
  • the first embodiment is directed towards a seeding implement assembly 11 which is suspendedly mounted to a fixed bar 13, extending longitudinally of a travelling frame (not shown) which is trailed along the ground behind a prime mover (not shown) in accordance with conventional farming practice.
  • the assembly 11 includes a linkage 17 comprising a pair of first arms 17a and a pair of second arms 17b, a deep ripping tyne 21 , a furrowing means 14, a pair of soil deflector means 15 each comprising an outer and an inner deflector member 15a and 15b respectively, a fertiliser discharge means 23, a seed discharge means 25, covering means in the form of a pair of covering soil deflector plates 29, and biasing means 27.
  • the tyne 21 is planar and is provided with a leading rectilinear cutting edge defining a nose portion 19 for cutting through the ground, which in the prescribed operative working position as shown in figure 1 of the drawings, is sloped rearwardly from the bottom 31a to the top 31b.
  • the tyne is also provided with an upper mounting plate 20 which is disposed at the top of the tyne and projects rearwardly thereof for connecting the tyne to the linkage 17, and also for supporting the furrowing means and covering means.
  • the tyne 21 is provided with a deep ripping point 41 at the base thereof which is substantially planar, delta shaped and blunt nosed.
  • the tyne 21 is formed of relatively thin material, for example, six millimetre thickness steel plate, so that the nose 19 can cut through the ground creating an incision. Consequently the assembly can pass through stubble and other surface material without major blockages. Any extraneous surface material tends to be lifted free from the ground enabling it to flow around the front of the tyne, avoiding the likelihood of it being pressed into the ground where it can rot and affect germination, a problem encountered with the use of cutting and press wheels. Additionally, loose obstacles can flow past the tyne in a similar manner without causing undue lifting of the assembly, a problem arising with the use of wheels which tend to roll over obstacles such as stumps causing undue lifting.
  • first arms 17a of the linkage are pivotally mounted at their lower ends to either side of the front part of the mounting plate 20 of the tyne 21 and the pair of second arms 17b are mounted to the rear part of the mounting plate.
  • Both of the first arms 17a and second arms 17b are respectively outwardly curved as shown in figures 1 and 2 of the drawings. This curvature is important to maximise the elevation that can be achieved from lifting of the assembly with respect to the fixed bar 13, enabling the relative angular position of the tyne 21 to be altered and be maintained in its altered position to mitigate the lifting effect of the deep ripping caused by it, as it approaches the maximal elevated position, as shown particularly in figure 2 of the drawings.
  • the off-set parallel linkage arrangement of the arms forms part of a compensating means, whereby the spacing between the pivotal axes of the upper ends of the first and second arms is marginally greater than the spacing between the pivotal axes of the lower ends of the first and second arms.
  • this spacing between the upper ends is approximately 9.25 inches and the corresponding spacing between the lower ends is 8.875 inches.
  • the biasing means 27 comprises two tension springs, 27a and 27b which are respectively connected to the pair of first arms 17a and the pair of second arms 17b, as shown in figure 1 of the drawings.
  • the relative angular position of the tyne 21 is allowed to alter with respect to changes in the angular positioning of the pair of second arms 17b, enabling a controlled lifting effect to be achieved on the tyne when encountering an immovable obstacle.
  • the general plane of the point 41 is brought from an initial attacking angle with respect to the ground, as is shown in figure 1 of the drawings, when in the prescribed operative working position as is required for deep ripping, to a substantially parallel position with respect to the ground as the assembly is elevated as is shown in figure 2 of the drawings.
  • the lifting effect on soil caused by the point 41 reduces as it nears the surface of the ground, enabling the point to be lifted from out of the ground, minimising soil disturbance at the surface and mitigating the lifting of any underlying clay to the surface.
  • the nose portion 19 is disposed contiguously with the front of the ripping point 41 and consequently with the resultant tyne, there is no leading catching edge or face, as is in the case of a normal tyne and point configuration, on which stubble can accumulate and catch, making it difficult to remove without manual effort. Moreover, due to there being no catching edge or face, any stubble accumulated along the nose portion can simply drop and fall away from the tyne by elevating it from the ground and shaking it if necessary.
  • the relative anterior location of the ripping point with respect to the front and rear of the assembly as a whole has the advantageous effect of lessening the side draft force upon the frame when turning.
  • the furrowing means, soil deflector means and covering means are all integrally formed in a saddle shaped bracket arrangement 16 which is fixedly attached at the sides of the upper mounting plate 20 and the top of the tyne 21 to extend rearwardly therefrom by suitable means such as welding and pinning provided by the pins 33.
  • a cover plate 35 surmounts the furrowing means 14 and the pair of soil deflector means 15 so that the furrowing means 14 and the outer deflector members 15a effectively depend from the cover plate 35 in a substantially upright position when in the prescribed operative working position.
  • the furrowing means comprises a pair of soil deflector plates 14a and 14b which are substantially planar and winged shaped, being oppositely angled to project out laterally from either side of the tyne and each having triangular cutouts defining a trailing upstanding edge 16a flared outwardly from the rear of the pendent portion of the tyne, and an oblique sweeping edge 16b disposed rearwardly of the upstanding edge 16a.
  • the outer deflector members 15a are contiguous with the corresponding soil deflector plates 14a and 14b, being disposed rearwardly of the sweeping edge 16b of each deflector plate thereof.
  • the inner deflector members 15b are in the form of tabs fixedly mounted to the inner surface of the saddle arrangement 16 proximate to the rear of that portion of the saddle arrangement constituting the soil deflector plates 14a and 14b respectively.
  • the inner deflector members 15b are angularly disposed with respect to the inside surface of the saddle arrangement 16 so that each soil deflector means 15 is effectively V-shaped in plan.
  • the distal ends of the inner deflector members 15b are spaced apart a prescribed distance to allow for forming a central ridge which will be described in more detail later.
  • the flared portion of the deflector plates 14a and 14b, defined by the upstanding edge 16a initially open the top part of the ground along the incision behind the tyne to form a main furrow at a prescribed level above the bottom of the incision formed by the tyne.
  • the soil deflector means 15 each engage the ground laterally, rearwardly of the position of the upstanding edges 16a of the deflector plates, and deflect the soil behind the sweeping edges 16b, either side to actually form a pair of discrete seed furrows on each side face of the main furrow.
  • the outer deflector members 15a channel confronting soil outwardly of the saddle arrangement and the inner deflector members 15b channel confronting soil inwardly, enabling the furrows to be formed. Furthermore, the inner deflector members 15b, by virtue of their spaced apart relationship, allow the inwardly channelled soil to effectively form a central ridge, as previously described.
  • the soil deflector means hold inwardly falling soil in dry ground, momentarily, to enable concurrent depositing of seed in the furrow in the manner described hereinafter.
  • the lower most ends of the soil deflector means 15 are disposed at a level above the position of the point 41 so that the depth of the seed furrows is significantly less than the depth of the incision formed by the tyne.
  • the covering soil deflector plates 29 are integrally formed with the cover plate 35, essentially forming a pair of trailing wings which project rearwardly and obliquely from the end of the assembly.
  • the covering soil deflector plates 29 are also substantially planar and of triangular shape, being disposed in alignment directly behind the respective furrowing soil deflector plates 15 so as to engage the soil at the outside of the respective furrows 151 and deflect the same laterally across the furrows, inwardly to the other side of the furrows.
  • the shape of the deflector plates 29 form a central passage directly aligned with the rear of the tyne, which passage is an inverted V-shape. Consequently, the deflector plates 29 accommodate passage of the central ridge through the rear of the saddle arrangement maintain its shape between the two seed furrows.
  • the cover plate 35 is formed with a plurality of apertures, two of these apertures 37 accommodate fertiliser boots 43 which form part of the fertiliser discharge means and two of the apertures 39 accommodate seed boots 47 which form part of the seed discharge means.
  • the two fertiliser apertures and boots are disposed towards the centre, either side of the mounting plate 20, immediately behind the rear of the pendent portion of the tyne 21 and are connected to fertiliser delivery tubes 49 to deposit fertiliser 55 from a fertiliser discharge source, behind the tyne and into the bottom of the incision formed behind the deep ripping point 41.
  • the seed apertures and boots are disposed rearwardly of the fertiliser apertures and boots, but are disposed further laterally with respect to either side of the centre line defined by the tyne and anteriorly with respect to the covering means.
  • the seed apertures and boots are precisely positioned so that seed 57 delivered thereto from a seed discharge source via respective seed delivery tubes 51 is deposited directly into each seed furrow 51 immediately after soil is deflected to the outside by the soil deflector means 15 forming the seed furrows and prior to the soil being deflected back to the inside by the covering means.
  • a fertiliser deflector plate 45 is fixedly attached to the underside of the cover plate 135 to depend therefrom between the fertiliser apertures and the rear of the pendent portion of the tyne so as to guide discharged fertiliser along the rear of the tyne so that it may be deposited at the bottom of the incision created by the tyne prior to this being covered by soil as a consequence of the subsequent furrow formation and covering.
  • the travelling frame is set up so that a bank of seeding implement assemblies are provided which are spaced apart laterally an optimum distance to promote stooling, for example, in some soil types, 14 inches apart.
  • the fertiliser and seed discharge means of the assemblies are respectively connected via fertiliser and seed delivery tubes to fertiliser and seed discharge sources and the travelling frame is drawn by a prime mover along a paddock to be sown, with the assemblies being brought into engagement at a prescribed working position with respect to the ground.
  • each assembly continuously cuts an incision through the surface of the ground through which the tyne constituting the deep ripping implement follows.
  • the tyne continuously deep rips the ground along the bottom of the incision by virtue of the deep ripping point being disposed at an appropriate angle of attack with respect to the ground below the surface.
  • the narrow extent of the tyne and the consequent incision that is formed enables deep ripping to occur with minimal surface disturbance.
  • the fertiliser discharge means continuously deposits fertiliser proximate to the bottom of the incision immediately upon the deep ripping of the ground by the tyne so that fertiliser is disposed centrally of the row at maximum depth.
  • the furrowing means 14 forms a main furrow and the soil deflector means 15 forms two seed furrows in the side walls of the main furrow, either side of the incision at a relatively close spacing, for example 4-6 inches apart, and at a much shallower depth than the incision.
  • the seed discharge means subsequently and continuously deposits seed into the seed furrows which then are immediately covered by the covering means.
  • the one line of fertiliser provides adequate nutrient to the two lines of seed within a row. This not only maximises the effect of the fertiliser used, but also reduces the proportional amount of fertiliser required for the seed. Furthermore, greater spacing between the rows can be achieved whilst maintaining yield, a corollary of which is improved stooling. Additionally, the remaining central ridge channels water resulting from precipitation into the covered furrows, which is particularly advantageous in non-wetting soils.
  • the parallel linkage arrangement translates this retardation into an elevation of the assembly with respect to the fixed bar of the travelling frame and by virtue of the off-set parallel arms, causes the front of the tyne to elevate more quickly than the rear of the tyne decreasing the angle of attack of the point thereby mitigating the lifting effect and the deep ripping caused by the tyne as the point moves towards the surface. Consequently, minimal surface disturbance is caused mitigating the lifting of any underlying clay or the like, improving conservation of the soil.
  • the second embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment except that the implement has been adapted to fit on as an attachment to an existing shank for a chisel plough.
  • the implement dispenser s with the parallel linkage and spring biased compensating means, and also the rear covering means.
  • the implement utilises the curved shank 101 of an existing chisel plough tyne for attachment to the fixed bar (not shown) of the travelling frame by a bolted fixing arrangement which forms part of the fertiliser deflector plate 45, as shown in figure 11 of the drawings.
  • the implement is attached to the shank 101 by means of the saddle shaped bracket arrangement 103 and not directly via the tyne 105.
  • Mounting of the tyne 105 to the saddle arrangement 103 is reinforced by a portion of steel rod 107 welded to the interior of the tyne 105 and to the adjoining sides of the saddle arrangement 103.
  • a stubble plate insert 109 precisely configured to the arcuate shape of the shank 101 is fixedly mounted between the top of the tyne, the cover plate 111 and the shank 101 to effectively form an infill panel for the purposes of deflecting stubble from being caught up on the front of the shank.
  • the stubble plate insert is provided with a leading edge which is rectilinearly disposed with the leading edge of the tyne 105 to facilitate stubble deflection and removal.
  • a light finger harrow can be trailed behind the seeding implement to cover the seed furrows in moist soils, where the soil is not sufficiently sandy to fall back of its own accord to cover the seed in the furrows following the passage of the seeding implement.
  • the third embodiment is substantially similar to the previous embodiments, except that the seeding implement assembly is modified for attachment to a "Ryan" tyne shank arrangement, as is shown in figure 18 of the drawings.
  • the implement assembly lends itself to being made as an attachment for existing types of tynes and shanks therefor, reducing the cost of the system and hence making it more appealing to farmers.
  • the fourth embodiment is substantially identical to the third embodiment showing the inclusion of the light finger harrow, but includes an important alternative arrangement with respect to the formation of the furrows and the depositing of seed.
  • the implement assembly includes a central seed boot 131 additional to the two side seed boots 47.
  • the central seed boot 131 is centrally and slightly forwardly disposed of the two side seed boots 47 and is adapted to have a third seed delivery tube connected thereto so as to deposit seed centrally of the main furrow, immediately behind the shank 101.
  • a pivotal central deflector plate 133 shown in dashed outline is pivotally mounted about a hinge 135 to the rear of the shank 101 inside of the saddle shape bracket arrangement 103 to repose in a working position as shown in figure 19a of the drawings.
  • the deflector plate 133 is rearwardly angled and is of limited transverse extent to define a gap between the outer longitudinal side edges thereof and the adjacent inner side walls of the side wings of the bracket arrangement 103. Consequently, the deflector plate is free to pivot about the horizontal axis of the hinge 135.
  • the deflector plate 133 has multiple functions, one being for partly covering the deep incision made by the tyne 105 so as to cover the fertiliser deposited therein. A second is to simultaneously form a central furrow between the two side furrows formed by the side wings of the bracket arrangement 103. Thirdly, in conjunction with these two functions, the deflector plate functions to deflect seed deposited from the third seed delivery tube and boot 131 , rearwardly of the plate and into the central furrow formed thereby.
  • an adjustable finger harrow 137 which includes a three pronged finger assembly 139 mounted within a tubular sleeve 141.
  • the sleeve 141 is pivotally mounted to the upper rear end of the saddle arrangement 103 and is provided with a thumb screw 143 to adjustably locate the finger assembly 139 axially of the sleeve.
  • Each of the fingers of the finger assembly 139 are provided with a wear plate 145 and are positioned in laterally spaced relationship to each other, so as to respectively align with each of the seed furrows to cover the same.
  • Both the central deflector plate 133 and the finger harrow 137 are respectively pivotally mounted to the implement assembly so as to clear obstacles encountered thereby. As shown in figure 19b of the drawings, the deflector plate is able to pivot upwardly to a maximal elevated position as represented by the dashed line, and in this position, helps to avoid the central seed boot 131 from becoming obstructed.
  • the two side wings of the saddle shaped bracket arrangement 103 are also provided with delta shaped wear plates 147.
  • the delta shaped wear plates 147 are each fixedly and adjustably mounted relative to the bracket arrangement by two bolts 149a 149b.
  • the leading bolt 149a fixes the leading end of the wear plate and the rear bolt 149b is mounted within a lateral slot 151 of the wear plate. Accordingly, as the bottom edge of the side wings of the bracket arrangement 103 wear, the wear plate can be adjustably disposed to take up such wear, periodically, and thereby maintain the lower end shape of the side wings, improving the longevity of the bracket.

Abstract

A seeding implement assembly including a tyne (21, 105) for cutting an incision through the ground with minimal soil disturbance at the ground surface and a seed discharge means for mounting at the rear of the tyne. The tyne has a deep ripping point (41) disposed at its base to deeply rip the soil below the ground surface allowing for fertiliser to be deposited deeply into the ground. A furrowing means (14, 103) is provided behind the tyne (21, 105) for opening up the ground so as to form a main furrow in which seed is deposited at a level above the bottom of the incision. A pair of soil deflecting means (15) are disposed either side and rearwardly of the tyne (21, 105) for forming a seed furrow on each side face of the main furrow. A method of seeding comprising depositing seed in furrows formed on each face of a main furrow disposed above a line of fertiliser is also disclosed.

Description

SEEDING IMPLEMENT and SEEDING METHOD
This invention relates to an improved seeding implement assembly of the type which is the subject of the Applicant's co-pending International Patent Application No. PCT/AU93/00187. Accordingly, the patent specification of International Patent Application No. PCT/AU 93/00187 is incorporated herein by reference and form part of the disclosure of this invention.
"BACKGROUND ART1
As a result of the inventor's further development of the subject invention of International Application No. PCT/AU93/00187, it has been determined that the construction of the seeding implement assembly can be improved by modifying the spatial orientation and form of certain of the features which are described in the embodiments of the patent specifications for these applications.
Furthermore, it has been determined that certain features of the seeding implement assembly are novel and inventive in their own right and hence are not dependent upon other features of the assembly which were hitherto believed to be important.
"DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION"
Generally, in one form of the invention there is provided an assembly including a tyne for cutting an incision through the ground with minimal soil disturbance at the surface of the ground, and a seed discharge means for mounting at the rear of the tyne. The tyne has a deep ripping point disposed at its base to deeply rip the soil below the ground surface allowing for fertiliser to be deposited deeply into the ground. A furrowing means is preferably provided behind the tyne for opening up the ground so as to form a main furrow in which seed may be deposited at a level above the bottom of the incision. Again this is done with a minimal disturbance of the soil at the ground surface.
A pair of soil deflector means are preferably disposed either side and rearwardly of the tyne for forming a seed furrow on each side face of the main furrow.
A linkage may be provided for connecting the assembly to a travelling frame which traverses the ground. The linkage is adapted for suspending the assembly in a prescribed operative working position with respect to the travelling frame and the ground so that there exists a working spatial relationship between the tyne and the seed discharge means.
Biasing means are preferably provided for biasing the tyne into the prescribed working position and compensating means are preferably included with the linkage to elevate the assembly for clearing an obstacle obstructing the travel of the tyne. The compensating means is preferably adapted to initially elevate both the tyne and the seed discharge means to try and clear the obstacle, whilst substantially simultaneously maintaining the relative prescribed operative working position between the tyne and the seed discharge means.
The relative angular position of the point is preferably altered in response to this initial elevation of the tyne so as to mitigate the lifting effect of deep ripping caused by the point as the position of the point nears the surface of the ground.
In another form of the invention, generally there is provided a method for seeding a crop including cutting an incision through the surface of the ground with minimal soil disturbance at the ground surface, forming a main furrow along the incision, again with a minimal disturbance of the soil at the ground surface, and depositing seed in the main furrow below the ground at a level above the bottom of the incision. The bottom of the incision is preferably deeply ripped and fertiliser is preferably deposited at a first prescribed level in a first line proximate to the bottom of the incision.
The method preferably includes forming a pair of seed furrows at the level (being a second prescribed level) above the bottom of the incision, the seed furrows being disposed at the sides of the main furrow laterally to each side of the first line, and depositing the seed into these seed furrows in second lines.
The method then preferably includes covering all of the furrows and forming a central ridge along the surface of the ground between the second lines, directly above the first line.
The deep ripping, depositing of seed and covering of the furrows is preferably performed continuously and at substantially relatively constant depths with respect to each other, at least during the time that the cutting of the incision and the deep ripping is caused to temporarily fluctuate in depth due to minor obstacles or obstructions being encountered during the cutting.
The method also preferably includes altering the relative angular position of the deep ripping in response to the temporary fluctuations in depth so as to mitigate the lifting effect of deep ripping closer to the surface of the ground.
In light of the above, the invention can be embodied in a number of different aspects.
It is an object of one aspect of the present invention to provide for an improved seeding implement assembly of the type which is the subject of International Patent Application No. PCT/AU93/00187. It is an object of another aspect of the present invention to provide for a seeding implement assembly and method for seeding which provides for improved deep banded seeding.
It is an object of a further aspect of the present invention to provide a method for seeding a crop which mitigates soil erosion and enhances crop root growth, in particular where there are hard pan or shallow clay soils. A further object of this aspect of the invention is to provide an improved seeding method which achieves more efficient utilisation of fertilisator and the ability to achieve greater plant stooling.
Thus, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seeding implement assembly for mounting to a travelling frame so as to engage the ground traversed by the travelling frame, said assembly comprising:
a linkage for connecting to the travelling frame;
a tyne for being directly connected to said linkage, said tyne having a deep ripping point disposed at the base of the tyne and a ground cutting means for cutting an incision through the ground for the tyne to follow;
a seed discharge means for mounting to the rear of said tyne;
said linkage being adapted to normally suspend said tyne and said seed discharge means in a prescribed operative working position with respect to the travelling frame and ground, so that there exists a working spatial relationship between said tyne and said seed discharge means; and
biasing means for biasing said tyne into said prescribed operative working position;
wherein said linkage includes compensating means for use in clearing an obstacle obstructing the travel of said ground cutting means, said compensating means being adapted to elevate said tyne and said seed discharge means so as to clear the obstacle whilst simultaneously substantially maintaining the relative said prescribed operative working position between said tyne and said seed discharge means until at least said tyne is impeded from maintaining said working position by the obstacle.
Preferably, the relative angular position of said point is altered in response to elevation of said tyne so as to mitigate the lifting effect of deep ripping caused by said point as the position of said point nears the surface of the ground.
Preferably, said tyne is planar and is provided with a leading rectangular cutting edge sloped rearwardly from the bottom thereof to define a nose portion for cutting through the ground.
By this arrangement, the tyne is able to slice through the ground and lift any surface material free from the ground enabling the material to flow around the nose portion, disposing of the need for a cutting wheel.
Preferably, the seeding implement assembly includes a fertiliser discharge means interposed between said tyne and said seed discharge means so that fertiliser can be deposited into the incision formed by said tyne immediately behind the point of said tyne.
Preferably, the seeding implement assembly includes a trailing furrowing means for opening up the ground behind said tyne to form a main furrow in which seed may be deposited at a level above the incision bottom.
Preferably, said furrowing means includes a pair of soil deflector means disposed either side and rearwardly of said tyne for forming a furrow on each side face of the main furrow. Preferably, said pair of deflector means each include an inner and an outer deflector member arranged to displace soil from the seed furrow formed thereby, said inner deflector members being adapted for deflecting the soil centrally, so as to form a central ridge of soil between the seed furrows.
Preferably, covering means disposed behind said furrowing means to cover said seed deposited into the furrow.
Preferably, a corresponding pair of said covering means are provided for covering said furrows.
Preferably, said pair of covering means are arranged to deflect covering soil for said furrows so as to maintain the form of said central ridge of soil between the furrows additional to covering said furrows.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seeding implement assembly for mounting to a shank for attachment to a travelling frame so as to engage the ground traversed by the travelling frame, said assembly comprising:-
a tyne for direct connection to the shank, said tyne having a deep ripping point disposed at the base thereof and a ground cutting means for cutting an incision through the ground for the tyne to progress therethrough;
a seed discharge means for mounting to the rear of said tyne;
a fertiliser discharge means interposed between said tyne and see discharge means so that fertiliser can be deposited into the incision formed by said tyne;
trailing furrowing means for opening up the ground behind said tyne to form a main furrow in which seed may be deposited at a level above the incision bottom; and a pair of soil deflector means disposed either side and rearwardly of said tyne for forming a seed furrow on each side face of the main furrow.
Preferably, said pair of deflector means each include an inner and an outer deflector member arranged to displace soil from the seed furrow formed thereby, said inner deflector members being adapted for deflecting the soil centrally, so as to form a central ridge of soil between the seed furrows.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for seeding a crop, comprising:-
cutting an incision through the ground;
deep ripping the bottom of said incision at a first prescribed level below the ground;
depositing fertiliser to repose at said first prescribed level in a first line;
opening up the ground at a second prescribed level above said first prescribed level to form a main furrow;
forming a pair of seed furrows at said second prescribed level on each side face of said main furrow, one said seed furrow being disposed laterally to one side of said first line and the other said seed furrow being disposed laterally to the other side of said first line;
forming a central ridge of soil between said seed furrows; and
depositing seed to repose at said second prescribed level in second lines in said seed furrows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood in the light of the following description of four specific embodiments thereof. The description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a seeding implement disposed in its normally operative working position with respect to the travelling frame and the ground in accordance with the first embodiment;
Figure 2 is a similar view to figure 1 showing the assembly in its maximum retracted position with both the tyne and the seed discharge means elevated from the ground as would arise when encountering a relatively immovable obstacle;
Figure 3 is a front end view of the seeding implement assembly as shown in figure 1 of the drawings with the springs removed;
Figure 4 is a rear end view of the seeding implement assembly as shown in figure 1 of the drawings;
Figure 5 is a side elevation of the seeding implement assembly shown in figure 1 with the linkage and travelling frame removed, but showing the seed discharge means in more detail with the seeding and fertiliser boots attached thereto;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tyne and seed discharge means of the seeding implement assembly shown in figures 1 to 6;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the support plate for the seed discharge means shown in figure 6;
Figure 8 is a rear top view of the support plate shown in figure 7 of the drawings; Figure 9 is an underside view of the support plate shown in figure 7 of the drawings;
Figure 10 is a rear end underside view of the support plate shown in figure 7 of the drawings;
Figure 11 is a side elevation of a seeding implement disposed in its normally operative working position with respect to the travelling frame in the ground in accordance with the second embodiment;
Figure 12 is a front end view of the seeding implement assembly as shown in figure 1 of the drawings;
Figure 13 is a rear end view of the seeding implement assembly as shown in figure 1 of the drawings;
Figure 14 is a rear end view of the saddle arrangement detached from the shank of the chisel plough tyne, in accordance with the second embodiment;
Figure 15 is a perspective view of the tyne and saddle arrangement detached from the shank in accordance with the second embodiment;
Figure 16 is an upper perspective view of the saddle arrangement detached from the tyne and shank in accordance with the second embodiment;
Figure 17 is an underside view of the saddle arrangement and tyne detached from the shank in accordance with the second embodiment;
Figure 18 is a side elevation of the saddle arrangement detached from the tyne, but attached to the shank of a "Ryan" tyne, in accordance with the third embodiment; Figure 19a is a side elevation of a seeding implement disposed in its normally operative working position with respect to the travelling frame in the ground in accordance with the fourth embodiment, and showing the deflector plate in a first position;
Figure 19b is a similar view to figure 19a, but showing the deflector plate in an elevated position; and
Figure 20 is a top view showing the finger harrow separately from the implement.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
As shown in figure 1 to 10, the first embodiment is directed towards a seeding implement assembly 11 which is suspendedly mounted to a fixed bar 13, extending longitudinally of a travelling frame (not shown) which is trailed along the ground behind a prime mover (not shown) in accordance with conventional farming practice. The assembly 11 includes a linkage 17 comprising a pair of first arms 17a and a pair of second arms 17b, a deep ripping tyne 21 , a furrowing means 14, a pair of soil deflector means 15 each comprising an outer and an inner deflector member 15a and 15b respectively, a fertiliser discharge means 23, a seed discharge means 25, covering means in the form of a pair of covering soil deflector plates 29, and biasing means 27.
The tyne 21 is planar and is provided with a leading rectilinear cutting edge defining a nose portion 19 for cutting through the ground, which in the prescribed operative working position as shown in figure 1 of the drawings, is sloped rearwardly from the bottom 31a to the top 31b. The tyne is also provided with an upper mounting plate 20 which is disposed at the top of the tyne and projects rearwardly thereof for connecting the tyne to the linkage 17, and also for supporting the furrowing means and covering means. The tyne 21 is provided with a deep ripping point 41 at the base thereof which is substantially planar, delta shaped and blunt nosed.
The tyne 21 is formed of relatively thin material, for example, six millimetre thickness steel plate, so that the nose 19 can cut through the ground creating an incision. Consequently the assembly can pass through stubble and other surface material without major blockages. Any extraneous surface material tends to be lifted free from the ground enabling it to flow around the front of the tyne, avoiding the likelihood of it being pressed into the ground where it can rot and affect germination, a problem encountered with the use of cutting and press wheels. Additionally, loose obstacles can flow past the tyne in a similar manner without causing undue lifting of the assembly, a problem arising with the use of wheels which tend to roll over obstacles such as stumps causing undue lifting.
The pair of first arms 17a of the linkage are pivotally mounted at their lower ends to either side of the front part of the mounting plate 20 of the tyne 21 and the pair of second arms 17b are mounted to the rear part of the mounting plate. Both of the first arms 17a and second arms 17b are respectively outwardly curved as shown in figures 1 and 2 of the drawings. This curvature is important to maximise the elevation that can be achieved from lifting of the assembly with respect to the fixed bar 13, enabling the relative angular position of the tyne 21 to be altered and be maintained in its altered position to mitigate the lifting effect of the deep ripping caused by it, as it approaches the maximal elevated position, as shown particularly in figure 2 of the drawings. Importantly, the off-set parallel linkage arrangement of the arms forms part of a compensating means, whereby the spacing between the pivotal axes of the upper ends of the first and second arms is marginally greater than the spacing between the pivotal axes of the lower ends of the first and second arms. In a typical example of the present embodiment, this spacing between the upper ends is approximately 9.25 inches and the corresponding spacing between the lower ends is 8.875 inches. The biasing means 27 comprises two tension springs, 27a and 27b which are respectively connected to the pair of first arms 17a and the pair of second arms 17b, as shown in figure 1 of the drawings.
The relative angular position of the tyne 21 is allowed to alter with respect to changes in the angular positioning of the pair of second arms 17b, enabling a controlled lifting effect to be achieved on the tyne when encountering an immovable obstacle. Moreover, due to the relative pivoting between the pair of second arms 17b and the tyne 21 , the general plane of the point 41 is brought from an initial attacking angle with respect to the ground, as is shown in figure 1 of the drawings, when in the prescribed operative working position as is required for deep ripping, to a substantially parallel position with respect to the ground as the assembly is elevated as is shown in figure 2 of the drawings. Thus, as the tyne 21 progressively elevates, the lifting effect on soil caused by the point 41 reduces as it nears the surface of the ground, enabling the point to be lifted from out of the ground, minimising soil disturbance at the surface and mitigating the lifting of any underlying clay to the surface.
Thus, as a result of the off-set linkage arrangement, the front of the tyne is tilted marginally upwardly relative to the rear of the tyne, simultaneously with the elevation of the tyne as a whole. This arrangement also enhances the rapid clearance of the cutting nose from the ground when encountering an immovable obstacle.
It should be noted that the nose portion 19 is disposed contiguously with the front of the ripping point 41 and consequently with the resultant tyne, there is no leading catching edge or face, as is in the case of a normal tyne and point configuration, on which stubble can accumulate and catch, making it difficult to remove without manual effort. Moreover, due to there being no catching edge or face, any stubble accumulated along the nose portion can simply drop and fall away from the tyne by elevating it from the ground and shaking it if necessary. Due to the forward projection of conventional tynes and points, removal of the accumulated stubble cannot be achieved so easily, due to the fact that the forward projection of the point provides a retaining surface on which the stubble is prevented from simply sliding off the tyne, even when it is lifted free from the ground.
It should also be noted that the relative anterior location of the ripping point with respect to the front and rear of the assembly as a whole has the advantageous effect of lessening the side draft force upon the frame when turning.
The furrowing means, soil deflector means and covering means are all integrally formed in a saddle shaped bracket arrangement 16 which is fixedly attached at the sides of the upper mounting plate 20 and the top of the tyne 21 to extend rearwardly therefrom by suitable means such as welding and pinning provided by the pins 33. A cover plate 35 surmounts the furrowing means 14 and the pair of soil deflector means 15 so that the furrowing means 14 and the outer deflector members 15a effectively depend from the cover plate 35 in a substantially upright position when in the prescribed operative working position.
The furrowing means comprises a pair of soil deflector plates 14a and 14b which are substantially planar and winged shaped, being oppositely angled to project out laterally from either side of the tyne and each having triangular cutouts defining a trailing upstanding edge 16a flared outwardly from the rear of the pendent portion of the tyne, and an oblique sweeping edge 16b disposed rearwardly of the upstanding edge 16a. The outer deflector members 15a are contiguous with the corresponding soil deflector plates 14a and 14b, being disposed rearwardly of the sweeping edge 16b of each deflector plate thereof.
The inner deflector members 15b are in the form of tabs fixedly mounted to the inner surface of the saddle arrangement 16 proximate to the rear of that portion of the saddle arrangement constituting the soil deflector plates 14a and 14b respectively. The inner deflector members 15b are angularly disposed with respect to the inside surface of the saddle arrangement 16 so that each soil deflector means 15 is effectively V-shaped in plan. The distal ends of the inner deflector members 15b are spaced apart a prescribed distance to allow for forming a central ridge which will be described in more detail later.
The flared portion of the deflector plates 14a and 14b, defined by the upstanding edge 16a initially open the top part of the ground along the incision behind the tyne to form a main furrow at a prescribed level above the bottom of the incision formed by the tyne. The soil deflector means 15 each engage the ground laterally, rearwardly of the position of the upstanding edges 16a of the deflector plates, and deflect the soil behind the sweeping edges 16b, either side to actually form a pair of discrete seed furrows on each side face of the main furrow. In this manner, the outer deflector members 15a channel confronting soil outwardly of the saddle arrangement and the inner deflector members 15b channel confronting soil inwardly, enabling the furrows to be formed. Furthermore, the inner deflector members 15b, by virtue of their spaced apart relationship, allow the inwardly channelled soil to effectively form a central ridge, as previously described.
The soil deflector means hold inwardly falling soil in dry ground, momentarily, to enable concurrent depositing of seed in the furrow in the manner described hereinafter. The lower most ends of the soil deflector means 15 are disposed at a level above the position of the point 41 so that the depth of the seed furrows is significantly less than the depth of the incision formed by the tyne.
The covering soil deflector plates 29 are integrally formed with the cover plate 35, essentially forming a pair of trailing wings which project rearwardly and obliquely from the end of the assembly. The covering soil deflector plates 29 are also substantially planar and of triangular shape, being disposed in alignment directly behind the respective furrowing soil deflector plates 15 so as to engage the soil at the outside of the respective furrows 151 and deflect the same laterally across the furrows, inwardly to the other side of the furrows. The shape of the deflector plates 29 form a central passage directly aligned with the rear of the tyne, which passage is an inverted V-shape. Consequently, the deflector plates 29 accommodate passage of the central ridge through the rear of the saddle arrangement maintain its shape between the two seed furrows.
The cover plate 35 is formed with a plurality of apertures, two of these apertures 37 accommodate fertiliser boots 43 which form part of the fertiliser discharge means and two of the apertures 39 accommodate seed boots 47 which form part of the seed discharge means.
The two fertiliser apertures and boots are disposed towards the centre, either side of the mounting plate 20, immediately behind the rear of the pendent portion of the tyne 21 and are connected to fertiliser delivery tubes 49 to deposit fertiliser 55 from a fertiliser discharge source, behind the tyne and into the bottom of the incision formed behind the deep ripping point 41.
The seed apertures and boots are disposed rearwardly of the fertiliser apertures and boots, but are disposed further laterally with respect to either side of the centre line defined by the tyne and anteriorly with respect to the covering means. The seed apertures and boots are precisely positioned so that seed 57 delivered thereto from a seed discharge source via respective seed delivery tubes 51 is deposited directly into each seed furrow 51 immediately after soil is deflected to the outside by the soil deflector means 15 forming the seed furrows and prior to the soil being deflected back to the inside by the covering means.
A fertiliser deflector plate 45 is fixedly attached to the underside of the cover plate 135 to depend therefrom between the fertiliser apertures and the rear of the pendent portion of the tyne so as to guide discharged fertiliser along the rear of the tyne so that it may be deposited at the bottom of the incision created by the tyne prior to this being covered by soil as a consequence of the subsequent furrow formation and covering. Now describing the method by which seeding of a crop is achieved, using the seeding implement assembly, the travelling frame is set up so that a bank of seeding implement assemblies are provided which are spaced apart laterally an optimum distance to promote stooling, for example, in some soil types, 14 inches apart. The fertiliser and seed discharge means of the assemblies are respectively connected via fertiliser and seed delivery tubes to fertiliser and seed discharge sources and the travelling frame is drawn by a prime mover along a paddock to be sown, with the assemblies being brought into engagement at a prescribed working position with respect to the ground.
The cutting means of each assembly continuously cuts an incision through the surface of the ground through which the tyne constituting the deep ripping implement follows. The tyne continuously deep rips the ground along the bottom of the incision by virtue of the deep ripping point being disposed at an appropriate angle of attack with respect to the ground below the surface. The narrow extent of the tyne and the consequent incision that is formed enables deep ripping to occur with minimal surface disturbance.
The fertiliser discharge means continuously deposits fertiliser proximate to the bottom of the incision immediately upon the deep ripping of the ground by the tyne so that fertiliser is disposed centrally of the row at maximum depth. Simultaneously, the furrowing means 14 forms a main furrow and the soil deflector means 15 forms two seed furrows in the side walls of the main furrow, either side of the incision at a relatively close spacing, for example 4-6 inches apart, and at a much shallower depth than the incision. The seed discharge means subsequently and continuously deposits seed into the seed furrows which then are immediately covered by the covering means. During the formation of the seed furrows, soil is deflected from the outside of the main furrow to the centre, concentrating the soil so as to form the central ridge which remains after the passage of the implement. A ground profile is consequently achieved where the seed is deep banded with fertiliser.
Significantly, the one line of fertiliser provides adequate nutrient to the two lines of seed within a row. This not only maximises the effect of the fertiliser used, but also reduces the proportional amount of fertiliser required for the seed. Furthermore, greater spacing between the rows can be achieved whilst maintaining yield, a corollary of which is improved stooling. Additionally, the remaining central ridge channels water resulting from precipitation into the covered furrows, which is particularly advantageous in non-wetting soils.
Importantly, whilst the assembly is operational, obstacles causing some impediment to the forward movement of the assembly will force the assembly rearwardly against the tension provided by the biasing means. The parallel linkage arrangement translates this retardation into an elevation of the assembly with respect to the fixed bar of the travelling frame and by virtue of the off-set parallel arms, causes the front of the tyne to elevate more quickly than the rear of the tyne decreasing the angle of attack of the point thereby mitigating the lifting effect and the deep ripping caused by the tyne as the point moves towards the surface. Consequently, minimal surface disturbance is caused mitigating the lifting of any underlying clay or the like, improving conservation of the soil.
The second embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment except that the implement has been adapted to fit on as an attachment to an existing shank for a chisel plough.
In this arrangement, as shown in figures 11 to 18, the implement dispensers with the parallel linkage and spring biased compensating means, and also the rear covering means. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the implement utilises the curved shank 101 of an existing chisel plough tyne for attachment to the fixed bar (not shown) of the travelling frame by a bolted fixing arrangement which forms part of the fertiliser deflector plate 45, as shown in figure 11 of the drawings. Thus, the implement is attached to the shank 101 by means of the saddle shaped bracket arrangement 103 and not directly via the tyne 105.
Mounting of the tyne 105 to the saddle arrangement 103 is reinforced by a portion of steel rod 107 welded to the interior of the tyne 105 and to the adjoining sides of the saddle arrangement 103.
A stubble plate insert 109, precisely configured to the arcuate shape of the shank 101 is fixedly mounted between the top of the tyne, the cover plate 111 and the shank 101 to effectively form an infill panel for the purposes of deflecting stubble from being caught up on the front of the shank. The stubble plate insert is provided with a leading edge which is rectilinearly disposed with the leading edge of the tyne 105 to facilitate stubble deflection and removal.
In this arrangement, as a result of the omission of the covering cell deflector plates, a light finger harrow can be trailed behind the seeding implement to cover the seed furrows in moist soils, where the soil is not sufficiently sandy to fall back of its own accord to cover the seed in the furrows following the passage of the seeding implement.
The third embodiment is substantially similar to the previous embodiments, except that the seeding implement assembly is modified for attachment to a "Ryan" tyne shank arrangement, as is shown in figure 18 of the drawings.
In this arrangement, as the curvature of the shank is not as pronounced as in the chisel plough shank, there is no need for the provision of a stubble plate, the top of the tyne projecting upwardly and being connected directly to the shank 121 to allow for attachment.
Accordingly, the implement assembly lends itself to being made as an attachment for existing types of tynes and shanks therefor, reducing the cost of the system and hence making it more appealing to farmers. The fourth embodiment is substantially identical to the third embodiment showing the inclusion of the light finger harrow, but includes an important alternative arrangement with respect to the formation of the furrows and the depositing of seed.
As shown in figures 19a, 19b and 20 the implement assembly includes a central seed boot 131 additional to the two side seed boots 47. The central seed boot 131 is centrally and slightly forwardly disposed of the two side seed boots 47 and is adapted to have a third seed delivery tube connected thereto so as to deposit seed centrally of the main furrow, immediately behind the shank 101.
A pivotal central deflector plate 133 shown in dashed outline is pivotally mounted about a hinge 135 to the rear of the shank 101 inside of the saddle shape bracket arrangement 103 to repose in a working position as shown in figure 19a of the drawings. The deflector plate 133 is rearwardly angled and is of limited transverse extent to define a gap between the outer longitudinal side edges thereof and the adjacent inner side walls of the side wings of the bracket arrangement 103. Consequently, the deflector plate is free to pivot about the horizontal axis of the hinge 135.
The deflector plate 133 has multiple functions, one being for partly covering the deep incision made by the tyne 105 so as to cover the fertiliser deposited therein. A second is to simultaneously form a central furrow between the two side furrows formed by the side wings of the bracket arrangement 103. Thirdly, in conjunction with these two functions, the deflector plate functions to deflect seed deposited from the third seed delivery tube and boot 131 , rearwardly of the plate and into the central furrow formed thereby.
In this manner, three seeding furrows are formed by the furrowing means.
These seed furrows are subsequently covered by an adjustable finger harrow 137 which includes a three pronged finger assembly 139 mounted within a tubular sleeve 141. The sleeve 141 is pivotally mounted to the upper rear end of the saddle arrangement 103 and is provided with a thumb screw 143 to adjustably locate the finger assembly 139 axially of the sleeve. Each of the fingers of the finger assembly 139 are provided with a wear plate 145 and are positioned in laterally spaced relationship to each other, so as to respectively align with each of the seed furrows to cover the same.
Both the central deflector plate 133 and the finger harrow 137 are respectively pivotally mounted to the implement assembly so as to clear obstacles encountered thereby. As shown in figure 19b of the drawings, the deflector plate is able to pivot upwardly to a maximal elevated position as represented by the dashed line, and in this position, helps to avoid the central seed boot 131 from becoming obstructed.
In the present embodiment, the two side wings of the saddle shaped bracket arrangement 103 are also provided with delta shaped wear plates 147. The delta shaped wear plates 147 are each fixedly and adjustably mounted relative to the bracket arrangement by two bolts 149a 149b. The leading bolt 149a fixes the leading end of the wear plate and the rear bolt 149b is mounted within a lateral slot 151 of the wear plate. Accordingly, as the bottom edge of the side wings of the bracket arrangement 103 wear, the wear plate can be adjustably disposed to take up such wear, periodically, and thereby maintain the lower end shape of the side wings, improving the longevity of the bracket.
It should be appreciated that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments herein described.
Changes in accordance with conventional design practice can be made to the specific design of the seeding implement assembly to allow the compensating means to function in the same or a similar manner as provided by the offset parallel linkage assembly of the linkage arms, without necessarily utilising the precise design described herein.

Claims

1. A seeding implement assembly for attachment to a travelling frame so as to engage the ground traversed by the travelling frame, said assembly comprising:-
a tyne having a deep ripping point disposed at the base thereof and a ground cutting means for cutting an incision through the ground;
a seed discharge means for mounting to the rear of said tyne;
a fertiliser discharge means interposed between said tyne and said seed discharge means so that fertiliser can be deposited into the incision formed by said tyne;
trailing furrowing means for opening up the ground behind said tyne to form a main furrow in which seed may be deposited at a level above the incision bottom; and
a pair of soil deflector means disposed either side and rearwardly of said tyne for forming a seed furrow on each side face of the main furrow.
2. A seeding implement assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said pair of soil deflector means each include an inner and an outer deflector member arranged to displace soil from the side face of the main furrow engaged thereby to form a said seed furrow, said inner deflector members being adapted for deflecting the soil centrally, so as to form a central ridge of soil between the seed furrows.
3. A seeding implement assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein covering means are disposed behind said furrowing means to cover said seed deposited into said main furrow.
4. A seeding implement assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a corresponding pair of said covering means are provided for covering said furrows.
5. A seeding implement assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims as dependent upon claim 2, wherein said pair of soil covering means are arranged to deflect covering soil for said furrows so as to maintain the form of said central ridge of soil between the furrows additional to covering said furrows.
6. A seeding implement assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a said furrowing soil deflector plate is substantially planar and wing shaped, and is disposed substantially upright in said prescribed operative working position.
7. A seeding implement assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims as dependent upon claim 4, wherein a said covering soil deflector plate is substantially planar and of triangular shape, and is disposed obliquely in said prescribed operative working position.
8. A seeding implement assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said seed discharge means and said fertiliser discharge means include a cover plate, overlying said furrowing means, formed with apertures to accommodate respective seed and fertiliser boots, said apertures being disposed such that a said aperture for accommodating a fertiliser boot is disposed centrally with respect to the tyne and anteriorly with respect to said aperture(s) for accommodating one or more seeding boots, such that fertiliser may be deposited immediately rearwardly and at the base of the deep ripping tyne.
9. A seeding implement assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein said apertures for accommodating at least a pair of seeding boots are disposed laterally with respect to the tyne and anteriorly with respect to said covering means so that seed may be deposited directly into the respective furrows formed on either side of said tyne prior to covering by said covering means.
10.A seeding implement assembly as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein a fertiliser deflector plate is provided to depend from the underside of said cover plate between said apertures for fertiliser boot(s) and seed boot(s) so as to partition discharged fertiliser from discharged seed and to deflect discharged fertiliser anteriorly towards the rear of said tyne.
11. A seeding implement assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a further deflector means disposed centrally and rearwardly of said tyne for covering said incision and forming a central seed furrow between the side seed furrows.
12.A seeding implement assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said seed discharge means includes a central aperture disposed between and forwardly of the side apertures to accommodate a central seed boot for depositing seed centrally into the main furrow after the incision has been partly covered.
13.A seeding implement assembly as claimed in claim 12 as dependent upon claim 11 , wherein said further deflector means is shaped to deflect seed deposited centrally by said seed discharge means into said central seed furrow.
14.A seeding implement assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims as dependent upon claim 4, wherein said covering means includes a finger harrow pivotally mounted to the rear of said furrowing means, having a plurality of fingers for covering said seed furrows.
15.A seeding implement assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said furrowing means is provided with adjustable wear plates at the sides thereof.
16.A seeding implement assembly for mounting to a travelling frame so as to engage the ground traversed by the travelling frame, said assembly comprising :-
a linkage for connection to the travelling frame;
a tyne for being directly connected to said linkage, said tyne having a deep ripping point disposed at the base of the tyne and a ground cutting means for cutting an incision through the ground for the tyne to traverse;
a seed discharge means for mounting to the rear of said tyne;
said linkage being adapted to normally suspend said tyne and said seed discharge means in a prescribed operative working position with respect to the travelling frame and the ground, so that there exists a working spatial relationship between said tyne and seed discharge means; and
biasing means for biasing said tyne into said prescribed operative working position;
said linkage including compensating means for use in clearing an obstacle obstructing the travel of said ground cutting means;
wherein said compensating means is adapted to elevate said tyne and said seed discharge means so as to clear the obstacle whilst simultaneously substantially maintaining the relative said prescribed operative working position between said tyne and said seed discharge means until at least said tyne is impeded from maintaining said working position by the obstacle; and wherein the relative angular position of said point is altered in response to elevation of said tyne so as to mitigate the lifting effect of deep ripping caused by said point as the position of said point nears the surface of the ground.
17.A seeding implement assembly as claimed in claim 16, including a fertiliser discharge means interposed between said tyne and said seed discharge means so that fertiliser can be deposited into the incision formed by said tyne immediately behind the point of said tyne.
18.A seeding implement assembly as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein said compensating means is formed by said linkage being constructed in the form of an offset parallel linkage assembly, comprising a pair of depending arms offset from the parallel with respect to each other, whereby the first arm is pivotally connected at one end to the frame and at the other end to the front of said tyne, and the second arm is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the frame rearwardly in spaced relation to the pivotal axis of said one end of said first arm, and at the other end of said second arm to said tyne rearwardly and in spaced relation to the pivotal axis of said other end of said first arm, such that the pivotal axis of said other end of said second arm is more elevated and closer spaced to said pivotal axis of the other end of said first arm than is the corresponding relationship between the pivotal axes of the one ends of said first and second arms.
19.A seeding implement assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein said arms are outwardly curved so that as said tyne is elevated and the angular position of said point is altered, the tyne may be accommodated at a maximal elevated position where the general plane of said point is substantially parallel to the ground, minimising the lifting effect thereof, and said cutting means is elevated from said working spatial relationship with respect to said tyne.
20.A seeding implement assembly as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein said cutting means comprises a nose portion projecting anteriorly from the front of said tyne for cutting through the ground, said nose being planar and being provided with a leading rectilinear cutting edge sloped rearwardly from the bottom thereof.
21. A seeding implement assembly as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein said deep ripping point is substantially delta shaped and is disposed at an attacking angle with the leading edge lower than the rear edge when in said normal operating position, said point being formed with a truncated blunt nose.
22.A seeding implement assembly as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 21 , and as dependent upon any one of claims 1 to 15.
23.A method for seeding a crop, comprising:-
cutting an incision through the ground;
deep ripping the bottom of said incision at a first prescribed level below the ground;
depositing fertiliser to repose at said first prescribed level in a first line;
opening up the ground at a second prescribed level above said first prescribed level to form a main furrow;
forming a pair of seed furrows at said second prescribed level on each side face of said main furrow, one said seed furrow being disposed laterally to one side of said first line and the other said seed furrow being disposed laterally to the other side of said first line;
forming a central ridge of soil between said seed furrows; and depositing seed to repose at said second prescribed level in second lines in said seed furrows.
24.A method for seeding a crop comprising:-
continually cutting an incision through the surface of the ground for a deep ripping implement to traverse;
continuously deep ripping the ground along said incision below the surface of the ground, said deep ripping causing minimal surface disturbance;
continuously depositing seed in a furrow formed below the surface within or proximate to the deeply ripped ground;
continuously covering said furrow after the depositing of seed therein;
said deep ripping, depositing of seed and covering being performed continuously along the entire longitudinal extent of said incision and at substantially relatively constant depths with respect to each other, at least during the time that said cutting of said incision and said deep ripping is caused to temporarily fluctuate in depth due to minor obstacles or obstructions being encountered during said cutting; and
altering the relative angular position of the deep ripping in response to said temporary fluctuations in depth so as to mitigate the lifting effect of deep ripping closer to the surface of the ground.
25.A method as claimed in claim 24, including continuously depositing fertiliser proximate to the bottom of said incision immediately following the deep ripping of the ground therealong and forming said furrow at a level above the incision bottom separately of said deep ripping so as to deep band the seed.
26.A method as claimed in claim 24 or 25, including forming a pair of said furrows, one at either side of said incision, each of said furrows being respectively covered after the depositing of the seed therein; and
forming a central ridge of soil between the covered furrows.
27.A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 26, including rapidly ceasing said deep ripping, depositing of seed and covering upon encountering a major obstacle during said cutting, after the entire longitudinal extent of said incision is deeply ripped, and said furrow is formed, deposited with seed and covered.
28.A seeding implement assembly substantially as herein described in any one of the embodiments with reference to the drawings where appropriate.
29.A method for seeding substantially as herein described in any one of the preceding embodiments.
PCT/AU1995/000521 1994-08-23 1995-08-23 Seeding implement and seeding method WO1996005717A1 (en)

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Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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AUPM7619 1994-08-23
AUPM7619A AUPM761994A0 (en) 1994-08-23 1994-08-23 Improved seeding implement assembly

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WO2000067551A1 (en) * 1999-05-06 2000-11-16 Lempriere Noel D In-line sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering system
FR2914532A1 (en) * 2007-04-06 2008-10-10 Lachaud Soc Par Actions Simpli Tine for e.g. harrow, has suspension arm articulated on body and on axle near upper end of arm and connected to rigid tab by dampening unit, where tab is fixed to body and extended in direction same as that of arm
GB2507748A (en) * 2012-11-07 2014-05-14 Jeffrey Thomas Claydon Method and apparatus for cultivating soil and sowing seed
CN105746048A (en) * 2016-02-29 2016-07-13 安徽邓氏机械制造有限公司 Seeding machine
EP3300554A1 (en) * 2016-09-30 2018-04-04 Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer GmbH & Co. KG Agricultural machine
CN114885640A (en) * 2022-05-30 2022-08-12 国网宁夏电力有限公司电力科学研究院 Simple ditching and seeding device for vegetation restoration in power transmission and transformation engineering and seeding method thereof

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AU1924088A (en) * 1984-06-19 1990-06-28 Deere & Company Agricultural apparatus
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000067551A1 (en) * 1999-05-06 2000-11-16 Lempriere Noel D In-line sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering system
US6408772B1 (en) 1999-05-06 2002-06-25 Noel D. Lempriere In-line sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering system
AU757701B2 (en) * 1999-05-06 2003-03-06 Noel D. Lempriere In-line sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering system
FR2914532A1 (en) * 2007-04-06 2008-10-10 Lachaud Soc Par Actions Simpli Tine for e.g. harrow, has suspension arm articulated on body and on axle near upper end of arm and connected to rigid tab by dampening unit, where tab is fixed to body and extended in direction same as that of arm
GB2507748A (en) * 2012-11-07 2014-05-14 Jeffrey Thomas Claydon Method and apparatus for cultivating soil and sowing seed
WO2014072691A1 (en) * 2012-11-07 2014-05-15 Jeffrey Thomas Claydon Method of cultivating soil
CN105746048A (en) * 2016-02-29 2016-07-13 安徽邓氏机械制造有限公司 Seeding machine
EP3300554A1 (en) * 2016-09-30 2018-04-04 Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer GmbH & Co. KG Agricultural machine
CN114885640A (en) * 2022-05-30 2022-08-12 国网宁夏电力有限公司电力科学研究院 Simple ditching and seeding device for vegetation restoration in power transmission and transformation engineering and seeding method thereof
CN114885640B (en) * 2022-05-30 2024-01-23 国网宁夏电力有限公司电力科学研究院 Ditching and seeding simple device and method for vegetation recovery in power transmission and transformation engineering

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