Machine for planting and sealing furrow with transparent material

Abstract

Abstract A field-cultivating machine which while moving across a field forms a selectively shaped furrow in the soil, prepares the soil for planting, plants seeds or seedlings in the furrow, and then forms a closed chamber by sealing a strip of plastic film over the top of the furrow and into the soil along both sides which by limiting temperature range in the furrow, promotes seed germination and accelerates plant growth. The machine is drawn by a tractor and includes a plow and furrow-shaping structure which support the sides of the furrow while planting and sealing are completed. The soil is prepared by devices which introduce fertilizer, water, insecticide and herbicide into the furrow and then the seeds or seedlings are planted in the bottom of the furrow. A strip of translucent plastic film is continuously laid and supported over the furrow by at least one surface while the edges of the film are pressed into preformed grooves extending along the sides of the furrow. Soil discs place soil on the film edges while they are held in the grooves and packing wheels press the soil firmly against the film sealing the edges. Shaped slits are mechanically made in the film at intervals over the furrow to allow ingress of water and a limited exchange of air. This invention relates to an apparatus and method for creating a plurality of plant growth chambers in an ordinary field in which the temperature is substantially regulated for the purpose of promoting seed germination and plant growth for an initial critical growth period. In greater detail, this invention teaches the advantages of use of translucent mulch such as plastic film to seal the top of field furrows, which during the same operation, are formed, prepared for seeding and planted for the purpose of enhancing plant growth by eliminating seed and plant injury caused by frost and other harsh weather conditions.

Inventors

• 👤 Alfred D Hoadley

Bibliographic Details