Abstract: A sprig planting machine is provided and includes a hopper for holding sprigs. A first conveyor is disposed below the hopper and receives sprigs from the hopper. Sprigs on the first conveyor are conveyed to a discharge point where the sprigs are discharged and fall downwardly onto a second conveyor. The second conveyor conveys the sprigs in a direction generally opposite to the direction of movement of the sprigs on the first conveyor. Prior to being discharged from the second conveyor, at least some of the sprigs are engaged by a counter rotating agitator that agitates and fluffs the sprigs. Eventually sprigs pass underneath the counter rotating agitator and are discharged from a discharge end of the second conveyor onto the underlying ground. As the machine moves over the ground, the sprigs can be planted in a broadcasted manner or the sprigs can be planted in rows.

Abstract: Methods for planting sugarcane seed are provided to achieve high sugarcane plant densities per unit area. The methods include providing sugarcane seed pieces in an appropriate length, preparing the soil for planting the sugarcane seed by creating rows of wide furrows or wide seedbeds, placing the sugarcane seed on the prepared soil in a random orientation to form a layer of sugarcane seed or in an orientation perpendicular to the direction of the furrows or seedbeds, and covering the sugarcane pieces with soil. Soil preparation includes creation of wide rows of furrows, flat seedbeds or raised seedbeds, with each row ranging in width from about 0.5 meters to about 3.1 meters.

Abstract: Methods for planting sugarcane seed are provided to achieve high sugarcane plant densities per unit area. The methods include providing sugarcane seed pieces in an appropriate length, preparing the soil for planting the sugarcane seed by creating rows of wide furrows or wide seedbeds, placing the sugarcane seed on the prepared soil in a random orientation to form a layer of sugarcane seed or in an orientation perpendicular to the direction of the furrows or seedbeds, and covering the sugarcane pieces with soil. Soil preparation includes creation of wide rows of furrows, flat seedbeds or raised seedbeds, with each row ranging in width from about 0.5 meters to about 3.1 meters.

Abstract: This invention is a multi-row full stalk sugar cane planter which utilizes a fully automatic hydraulically driven feed and distribution system to place cane stalks on the field in three or more successive rows including the row directly beneath the planter. A hydraulically driven, continuous chain, feed conveyor moves cane stalks in the semi-vertical position and in multiple columns toward a primary and optional secondary rotating distribution drum system. A pressure compensating proportioning control valve monitors pressure at the primary distribution drum motor and automatically compensates for high pressure spikes by slowing or hesitating the feed of cane stalks to the primary distribution drum. The special valve can be easily adjusted on the fly to compensate for differing field and weather conditions. A series of hydraulic secondary distribution drums are also provided to insure proper planting and placement of the cane stalks in three or more rows.

Abstract: A transversely elongated planter is provided for connection with and elevated support from the lift hitch mechanism of a heavy duty farm tractor and includes a large volume sugar cane billet storage bin (approximately 10,000 pound capacity) shiftable between front and rear transport and planting positions, respectively. Planter bin has variably openable access openings in the front wall of the bin forward of which rearward facing work persons are seated when the bin is in the rearward planting position and each workmen seat is supported immediately above and to the front of a downwardly tapering chute for receiving sugar cane billets, the lower ends of the chutes being preceded and followed by furrow opening and furrow closing structure, respectively.