Incorporation Equipment

(click on any picture for a larger view)

This is the machine used to install the demonstrations. It consists of a single shank sub-soiler fitted with a coulter and a fertilizer hopper. Estimated cost is less than $1,000.

The research machine was designed to fit most any tractor with a category 1 hitch and was easily transported on a small utility trailer.

A close-up of the coulter and shank. The shank was run 12" deep. Phosphorus fertilizer was delivered to the base of the shank through a piece of 2" exhaust pipe welded to the back or the shank. The large diameter of the pipe minimizes clogging.

The smooth blade cutting coulter in front of the shank allows the machine to incorporate phosphorus into heavy sod with little surface disturbance. This leaves a smooth transplanting surface. Trees are planted along the cut made by the machine. Early attempts without the coulter resulted in excessive surface disturbance.

We used a Soda-Flo fertilizer hopper manufactured for use on a tobacco transplanter. The openings below the metering plate were drilled out to increase the fertilizer flow from the hopper. Fertilizer capacity is small, for commercial use a larger hopper would be better.

For research use, the hopper was driven by an 12 volt electric gear motor coupled directly to the hopper shaft. This allowed use on any tractor. The shaft turned at 50 rpm. Hydraulic or ground drives would also work.

Fertilizer was delivered through 11/2" PVC pipe from the hopper to the metal pipe on the shank. Again, the large diameter pipe minimized clogging.

One more shot of the machine in action on a foggy fall day in Watauga County.

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