Furrow Intermittent Planters

Function

Furrow intermittent planters plant seedlings in short furrows. They combine most of the advantages of continuous furrow machines, including generous soil openings and minimal soil compaction. They avoid the drawbacks of continuous furrow machines, such as high power usage by the planter and the vulnerability of furrows to erosion.

Description

Furrow intermittent planters consist of a heavy frame, a colter, a furrow expander, packing wheels, a seat for the operator, a place to store seedlings, and a device to raise and lower the colter. In some models, the operator may place the seedlings in the furrow. In other models, mechanical arms assure that each seedling is placed upright and at the desired depth. Most models can be used to plant container or bareroot stock equally well.

Operation

The operator places the seedlings directly into the spot furrows or into the mechanical seeding arms. On some models, the operator raises and lowers the colter; on others, the action is automatic, but adjustable. The seedlings must be nearly vertical when planted to assure survival.

Advantages

Furrow intermittent planters can be operated in difficult terrain and among more obstacles than continuous furrow models. They maintain the advantage of planting consistency. With intermittent planters, erosion is unlikely because of the short, widely spaced cuts.

Disadvantages

Furrow intermittent planters may require increased downtime when they are operated on rough ground. Excessive shocks and vibration may make the operator uncomfortable, especially when the operator has the added responsibility of determining when to trip the mechanism that causes the colter to penetrate the soil. Intermittent planters are more expensive than continuous furrow models.