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A Microplot Seeder 1
Author(s) -
McLaughlin N. B.,
TownleySmith T. F.,
Dyck F. B.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1979.00021962007100010037x
Subject(s) - seeder , sowing , row , position (finance) , mathematics , agronomy , plane (geometry) , computer science , geometry , biology , finance , database , economics
Plots with short rows provide an attractive alternative to hill plantings where seed or space is scarce. The lower planting density in short rows allows for more normal phenotypic expression and easier separation of individual plants. This paper describes an attachment for the Swift Current self‐propelled plot seeder for sowing 0.5 m rows perpendicular to the direction of travel. The attachment consists of a spade‐type opener supported by a linkage which allows it to move in a vertical plane, a seed distribution system, and a control system. Hydraulic cylinders automatically move the opener up and down and open and close the opener blades. In the down position, a 0.5 m long furrow is opened and seeds are dropped into the furrow; in the up position, the opener advances to the next row. The automatic control system both controls and synchronizes the opener movements and the dropping of seeds to ground speed. Border rows can be sown at either end of the micro plots and parallel to the direction of travel with the outside two double disc openers on the seeder.