Subsoler / Seeling Planter

[kthompson]

Don't miss Art's suggestion. Tobacco is transplanted. Field conditions are way different as that ground is really worked first. But there is an opener and then right being it a slot for the plant to drop through and then wings to pull dirt tight around the plant.

I would think you could use a subsoiler to open a trench right behind it install sides (a piece of metal pipe with the back cut out would work even) to keep the trench open to drop the seeding and then disk blades (hiller) to move dirt to the seeding. This with the concept you are building a ride on unit.

The "setters" built for tobacco use have been used in many other uses even seedings. But they would need to be major reinforced to be used in unplowed ground.

 

[greenbeanman in Kansas]

Would a wavy coulter open and loosen enough of a trench for you? One like is used for no til operations?

 

[Champy]

The subsoiler actually does a pretty good job of making an opening, it just needs some "wings" to hold back the soil while you're pushing the seedling into the cut. Then the compression wheels or some type of drag would push the loose soil back to close the cut up.

The coulter really helps on untilled soil where you need to cut the sod so it can be spread apart by the wedge. Since I am disking and working the soil in an existing soybean field, I was trying to get by without the coulter (for now).

Here's a pic of the real thing:

 

[Champy]

some more pics of tree planters you can buy....

 

[kthompson]

OK, I'm going to ask.

Has anyone ever modified (add a V-type wing) to a single shank sub soiler (Fred Cain) to open a 3" trench to plant pine tree seedlings?

Heavy soils, norhtern Wisconsin application, about 1,000 seedlings.

I'm listening to advice, perhaps I have the wrong implement idea for the job.

Thanks,

No idea but you may find there is a tree setter for loan or low rent through some state or federal agency to help encourage people to plant trees. Who ever you buying your seedling from my can help there but if you can a County Agent call them.