Abstract: A method of sowing watermelon seeds is provided, specifically a method for sowing triploid seedless watermelon seeds and enhanced watermelon pollenizer seeds in the same seedling tray through the use of a mechanical seeder.

Abstract: A method of sowing watermelon seeds is provided, specifically a method for sowing triploid seedless watermelon seeds and enhanced watermelon pollenizer seeds in the same seedling tray through the use of a mechanical seeder.

Abstract: A method of managing timberland generally includes planting within a plot a first genetic tree crop of a first tree species that is selected for at least a first tree trait in a substantially linear pattern defining a first plurality of adjacent substantially linear beds at a first crop spacing and at a first row spacing between adjacent substantially linear beds. The method further includes interplanting a second genetic tree crop of the first tree species that is selected for at least a second tree trait in the first plurality of adjacent substantially linear beds at a second crop spacing that is shorter than the first crop spacing, such that adjacent substantially linear beds include trees of the first and second genetic tree crops.

Abstract: A method of managing timberland that utilizes multiple genetic crops. The method comprises planting within a plot of land a first genetic crop in a substantially linear pattern. This first genetic crop is selected for yielding trees with high lumber values. The first genetic crop is planted at a first crop spacing and at a first row spacing that is beneficial to yielding trees with high lumber value. Interplanted along the substantially linear pattern is a second genetic crop. The second genetic crop is selected for yielding trees for other than lumber value. The second genetic crop is planted at a second crop spacing that is shorter than the first crop spacing. Pruning the first genetic crop occurs at a time such that the final value of the first genetic crop will be maximized. Harvesting of the second genetic crop occurs at a time when either the final value of the first genetic crop will be maximized or the final value of the second genetic crop is high.

Abstract: A material dispensing device delivers material directly into the ground. According to one embodiment of the material dispensing device, the device comprises an elongated hollow shaft, a receptacle, a helical flange and on or more openings formed in the shaft or helical flanges. The receptacle is disposed adjacent one end of the shaft for holding material. The receptacle is communicatively open to the shaft such that the material or a liquid-material mixture dissolved from at least a portion of the material can flow from the receptacle into the shaft. The helical flange is secured to the shaft. The shaft and helical flange are configured such that rotation of the shaft and flange causes the material dispensing device to be driven into the ground. The one or more openings formed in the shaft or helical flange disperse the material or the liquid-material mixture into the ground.

Abstract: A process and apparatus improves the fertility of soil, helps detoxify hazardous chemicals in the soil, and reduces erosion of the soil. The system provides implantation apparatus for injecting or implanting water and earthworm cocoons in the soil. The depth at which cocoons are implanted is selected. The temperature of the ambient air and soil at the implantation depth is selected. A determination is made with respect to whether the soil is too wet for planting. Physical soil conditions are selected. The soil in which cocoons are being implanted is evaluated to determine the selected physical soil conditions, including the presence of chemicals known to be toxic to earthworms. Worm species are selected to improve selected ones of the soil conditions. Cocoons of the selected worm species are encapsulated. The encapsulated cocoons are placed in the implantation apparatus with water. Openings are made in the soil. The implantation apparatus implants water and cocoons in the openings.

Abstract: A planter for the mechanized planting of sea oats in beach or other difficult planting areas. The planter includes a calibrator that automates the release of sea oat plants through various release tubes as the planter moves over a chosen planting area. The calibrator controls the release of each plant at re-selected distances. Growth agent is introduced through ancillary mechanisms either through the release tubes or just behind each tube. A plow in front of each release tube creates a furrow into which each plant is deposited, and a series of grates are strategically positioned to control the reflow of planting soil back into each furrow after release and to then smooth any remaining soil adjacent the filled in furrow. The planter is towed behind a tractor through nominal hitches, and a chair and planting support rack is provided for an operator positioned in the center of the planter.

Abstract: A method of managing timberland generally includes planting a first tree crop in first and second rows each having tree spacing between adjacent trees and a first row spacing between the first and second rows. The method further includes planting a first planting of a first energy crop in the first row spacing. The method further includes planting a second tree crop in a third row having tree spacing between adjacent trees and a second row spacing between the second and third rows, wherein the second row spacing is different from the first row spacing. The method further includes planting a first planting of a second energy crop in the second row spacing.

Abstract: An underwater seeding apparatus which comprises a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member and a cross member. The first longitudinal member is positioned in a parallel relationship to the second longitudinal member and the cross member is attached to the first and second longitudinal members to define a substantially U-shaped frame. At least one thine is attached to the cross-member. The tine opens a furrow in an underwater sediment flow when the apparatus travels along the floor. Means for distributing a seed matrix in the furrow and means for closing the furrow are attached to the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved method of cultivating kava plants is disclosed in which a growth medium is formed form a mound formed over a leveled bed of porous rocks, such as volcanic cinders. The bed material is substantially free of organic matter. The mound material is comprised of gravel smaller than the bed material, such as volcanic gravel, and includes organic matter. The kava plants are grown in the mound material. The plants can be harvested by lifting the plant from the mound using a modified forklift assembly. Relatively high mounded rows of other material can alternatively be used. An improved method of producing kava seedlings is also disclosed in which the apical tips of kava plant stems are cut. After buds develop along the stems, the stems are harvested, sectioned, and used to generate a large number of seedlings. Harvesting of remaining rootstock from the parent plant is delayed after harvesting of the stems to promote an increase in kavalactone concentration.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for planting aquatic plants underwater on the bottom of estuaries whereby an aquatic plant which is ready for transplanting is positioned in a planting nipple having an angular groove in its upper portion. When the planting nipple is brought into contact with the estuary bottom, sea grass plants which are positioned on the angular groove, are planted on the estuary bottom. A plurality of planting nipples are incorporated on the periphery of a planting wheel. A watercraft is used to position the planting wheel with its planting nipples over an area to be planted is provided for. With the process and apparatus of this invention, sea grass plants can be planted on the bottom of an estuary in a semiautomated fashion.

Abstract: A process for planting aquatic plants underwater on the bottom of estuarys where an aquatic plant which is ready for transplanting is positioned in a holder having a device for retaining the transplantable plant and a thin base. When the holder is brought into contact with the underwater bottom the thin base engages the underwater bottom and secures the holder including the plant in underwater bottom. A watercraft having apparatus for positioning the holder incorporating the aquatic plant on the bottom of an estuary is also provided for. With this apparatus and the holder of this invention aquatic plants can be planted on the bottom of estuary in a semiautomated fashion. The holder also incorporates an organic buttom which retains the aquatic plant during the planting process.

Abstract: A load control device applicable on agricultural machinery in general and in particular on machinery used for direct planting, so that the working components in contact with the ground will maintain the same load constantly at all times for any ground profile condition. An oil-pneumatic device is provided with a fluid compressor connectable to the tractor's power take-off by a cardan shaft and an electromagnetic clutch that can be powered from the tractor's electrical system or by an independent source, including a compressor with its associated pressurestat which governs it in order to maintain the air pressure required by the circuit. The compressor supplies a tank of compressed air, to which is connected at least one hydraulic cylinder whose upper and lower chambers are each connected to intermediate air and oil collecting reservoirs.