Method and application unit for applying seed dressing compositions, dressing application device, seed tube and seeding device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for applying a dressing composition to falling plant propagation material (K), which includes: - detecting the free-falling plant propagation material with a first sensor; - determining a trigger time (ta) and triggering an applicator device (330) to release an aliquot (D) of the dressing composition toward a predetermined material collision zone (T); - scanning a scanning zone (A) in which the plant propagation material is free-falling within, around, or thereafter within the collision zone with a second sensor; and - determining whether the aliquot has hit the plant propagation material (K). The present invention also relates to respective application units (200), application devices (130), seeding devices (100), and seed tubes (210). The seed tube includes a second sensor mounting means for mounting a second sensor configuration (370) to cover the scanning zone (A). The present invention, in particular, enhances the accuracy, reliability, and controllability of dressing applications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for applying a seed dressing composition, an application unit, a dressing application device, a seed tube, and a seeding device that enable improving the accuracy and reliability of application.

Background Art

[0002] In agriculture, precision seeders are used to introduce seeds into the soil. Precision seeders have a small seeding coulter or hoe blade that forms a groove several centimeters deep in the cultivated soil. Plant propagation materials such as seeds held in a reservoir container and supplied to a separating element are individually placed in these grooves or furrows. Then, the furrows are closed again by a trailing filling means, for example, by a so-called harrow. Another possible application is to deposit fine particles or pelletized seeds in the seed furrows. The advantage of these agricultural machines for sowing plant propagation materials is the precise and uniform depth positioning of the seeds, which leads to a reduction in consumption by birds and more uniform field germination compared to widespread scattering where the plant material is dispersed widely or randomly across the entire cultivated land.

[0003] To support the growth of crops, the use of seed dressings containing chemical substances or bio-derived substances is a conventional practice in agriculture for protecting seeds and seedlings from fungi, bacteria, and insects. In this regard, each active substance or combination of active substances is applied directly to each individual seed in the form of a coating. Seed dressings generally contain, in addition to the actual active substances having a bactericidal, growth-promoting, and / or insecticidal effect, an adhesive for improving the adhesion to the seeds, as well as a dispersant and a colorant.

[0004] For example, seeds are known to be treated in a unified manner by seed producers, a process known as seed dressing. Here, the field of seed coating technology can be utilized to coat seeds or seed aggregates or pellets with agriculturally useful substances using drum coaters, rotary coaters, tumble drums, fluidized beds and dispensing beds, via batch coating processes or continuous coating processes. Typically, seeds are introduced into a coating machine, where they are brought into contact with a seed coating containing one or more active ingredients and any other ingredients. This is usually done in one or more layers, so that the outer layers can be introduced continuously, for example, into a rotating drum.

[0005] There are many problems with human exposure to dust generated from the final product, particularly during the formation, process, handling, transport, and sowing of pre-coated seeds in this manner. Another problem is the limited shelf life of biological or biosimilar active ingredients, and the inability to adapt the composition or combination of active ingredients to general conditions at sowing. This is especially true when coated seeds are handled by farmers or agricultural workers, as mechanical loads during the sowing process inevitably cause partial wear of the applied crop protection product within the seeder, resulting in the generation of fine seed dressing dust contaminated with the active ingredients. In particular, in the now-common pneumatic precision seeders, where partial vacuum or overpressure may be applied to the separation element to introduce seeds into the soil in a controlled manner, this fine seed dressing dust is blown up and scattered by the airflow of the blower. In this regard, fine seed dressing dust can accumulate inside the seeder, which can limit the functional performance of the system and potentially pose a danger to the system operator. However, the more or less uncontrolled leakage of seed dressing dust from the seeder into the surrounding area is a particular problem, as it can be dangerous to humans and animals, especially insects.

[0006] In consideration of the aforementioned problems of pre-coating technology, the applicants have recently proposed a method and device for applying a seed dressing composition to plant propagation material by coating, spraying, or "shooting" aliquots of the dressing in the form of droplets or spray beams in free fall at the moment of sowing. Here, individual separated plant propagation material is sensed by a sensor array, the fall line is calculated or estimated, and the dressing composition is applied along the spray trajectory by an outlet device including a nozzle coupled to an application valve, depending on the calculated intersection of the fall line and the spray trajectory, which determines the impact position. Such methods and devices can be found, for example, in International Publications 2021 / 032630, 2021 / 032633, 2021 / 032632, 2021 / 032633, and 2021 / 032634, which are hereafter generally referred to as "high-precision seed processing" aspects.

[0007] The hit rate, defined as the percentage of plant propagation material that actually receives a shot of the dressing composition out of the total number of plant propagation materials sown, is rarely exactly 100%. Reasons why individual plant propagation materials may not be hit by the dressing composition include internal factors such as calculation errors, incorrect assumptions, inaccurate initialization, internal fluctuations in spray pressure, trigger delays, and misalignment of components that may exist from the beginning or occur over time, as well as external influences such as climate and changes within the seeds. To ensure reliable hits to plant propagation materials, a wider spray angle may be used, or the volume of the dressing may be increased by using two or more nozzles to improve the hit rate. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to increase the hit rate of precision seed processing. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a method and device that allows for the accurate, reliable, easy-to-use, sustainable, and versatile application of a dressing composition to plant propagation material while it falls from a separation device onto a surface below, while at the same time reducing chemical waste, providing a simpler application apparatus and / or a method and device that has easier yet reliable control and reduces environmental impact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This objective is at least partially solved by a method for applying a dressing composition having the features of independent claim 1, an application unit for applying a dressing composition having the features of independent claim 11, a seed tube having the features of independent claim 17, a dressing application device having the features of independent claim 18, and a seeding device having the features of independent claim 19.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is based on the general idea of ​​detecting plant propagation material falling during or after a shot using additional sensors and adjusting the calculation of the predicted trigger time when the fail rate, defined as a reversal of the hit rate, is increasing or too high.

[0011] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is a method for applying a dressing composition to plant propagation material, preferably seeds, in particular granular seeds, which are individually separated by a separation means of a seeding device, released therefrom, and fall onto a surface below, and this is - The first sensor configuration detects plant propagation material that is free-falling within a predetermined detection zone, - Determining a trigger time for triggering a triggerable applicator device, which is provided to release aliquots of the dressing composition toward a predetermined hit zone where the aliquots may hit the plant propagation material during free fall, based on the detection of plant propagation material, wherein the hit zone is preferably defined by the spray trajectory of the dressing composition discharged from the applicator device. - Triggering a triggerable applicator device at a predetermined trigger time to discharge aliquots of the dressing composition toward the hit zone, - The second sensor configuration scans a predetermined scanning zone in which plant propagation material is free-falling, within or around the hit zone, or afterwards. - The method includes determining whether an aliquot has come into contact with plant propagation material based on the scanning results, wherein the scanning results are preferably distance information.

[0012] As used herein, “free fall” means falling onto a surface below due to gravity, as opposed to a constrained setting by some seeding manipulators that manipulate plant propagation material into soil. Therefore, “free fall” includes the possibility that the plant propagation material may come into contact with the walls of guide means such as seed tubes.

[0013] As used herein, the “hit zone” is the space in which an aliquot of the dressing composition is expected to strike the plant propagation material. In its simplest form, this may be the point where the line of fall of the plant propagation material intersects the spray trajectory of the applicator device.

[0014] As used herein, the “scanning zone” is the space in which the plant growth material is expected to be present when, after, or immediately before the dressing comes into contact with it.

[0015] As used herein, “plant propagation material” refers in particular to granular seeds or dummy seeds that can be pelletized. In some embodiments, the method may be adapted for use with other plant propagation material as well, such as seedlings, cuttings, or other larger, irregularly shaped materials. Note that any detection, scanning, hitting, dropping, or any other event relating to plant propagation material refers to one individual specimen of plant propagation material unless otherwise indicated.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method is - If the determination reveals that the plant propagation material did not hit the aliquot: this further includes adjusting the parameters used in determining the trigger time for the next plant propagation material.

[0017] In some embodiments, determining the trigger time is - To determine the time shift from the detection of plant propagation material to the application of the dressing composition. - Calculating the trigger time as the sum of the detection time and the time shift, while applying further variable addends and / or variable coefficients multiplied by the time shift or a unary of the polynomial representing the time shift, wherein the parameters include variable addends and / or variable coefficients, Includes.

[0018] Here, deciding on a time shift is - Determining the fall time of plant propagation material from its detection until it reaches the hit zone, - Determining the flight time of an aliquot from its ejection by the applicator device until it reaches the hit zone, - Calculating the time shift by including the fall time and / or flight time as additives, wherein the parameters preferably include variable coefficients multiplied by the fall time and / or flight time, or the unary of the respective polynomials representing the fall time or flight time. Includes.

[0019] In some specific embodiments, determining the time shift includes determining the fall time of the plant propagation material from its detection until it reaches the hit zone, and determining the fall time includes - determining the fall speed of the detected plant propagation material and - calculating the fall time of the plant propagation material based on the fall speed and the distance between the detection zone and the hit zone.

[0020] Here, - detecting the plant propagation material may include detecting the first passing time when the plant propagation material passes through the first position within the detection zone and detecting the second passing time when the plant propagation material passes through the second position within the detection zone, where the second position is located downstream of the first position along the falling direction of the plant propagation material, and the first position and the second position are preferably the cross-sectional area or diameter transverse to the falling direction of the plant propagation material, - the fall speed of the detected plant propagation material can be calculated based on the first elapsed time, the second elapsed time, and the distance between the first position and the second position.

[0021] Alternatively, if the second passing time can be dispensed with without detection, the fall speed can be predetermined based on the geometry and physics of the movement.

[0022] In some specific embodiments where determining the time shift includes determining the flight time of an aliquot from its discharge by an applicator device until it reaches the hit zone, determining the flight time includes - determining the shot speed of the aliquot of the dressing composition discharged from the applicator device and - calculating the flight time of the aliquot based on the shot speed and the distance between the discharge port of the applicator device and the hit zone. including.

[0023] Here, - Detecting plant propagation material may include detecting the offset of plant propagation material detected in the detection zone. Determining the flight time may include calculating the predicted impact location of the plant propagation material in the hit zone based on the detected offset in the detection zone, and calculating the flight time based on the shot velocity and the distance between the applicator device's outlet and the predicted impact location.

[0024] As used herein, the “predicted collision location” is the location where an aliquot of the dressing composition is expected to collide with the plant propagation material. In its simplest form, this may be the point where the fall line of the plant propagation material intersects the spray trajectory of the applicator device, or, in a more complex case, a location calculated based on the initially detected offset.

[0025] In some embodiments, the determination is - As expected scanning results, determine the predicted time of hit or the predicted location of plant growth material after hit, - By evaluating the scanning results, the detection hit time or the detection location of the plant propagation material after the hit is determined as an actual scanning result. - By comparing the predicted hit time and the detected hit time, or the predicted position of the plant growth material after a hit with the actual detected position of the plant growth material after a hit as a result of the scan, the difference between the expected scan result and the actual scan result is obtained. Includes.

[0026] In some embodiments, adapting is - Statistically evaluating the difference between expected and actual scanning results for multiple plant propagation materials or over a predetermined time period, and - To determine whether a significant shift has occurred based on statistical evaluation. - If the decision is affirmative, the parameters will be fitted; otherwise, they will not be fitted. Includes.

[0027] Statistical evaluation presents two problems: • The processing is not fast enough, and therefore, the necessary corrections can be predicted more accurately by statistical evaluation, making immediate correction of the plant propagation material being processed impossible. - Because the plant propagation material corresponds to a Gaussian or Poisson distribution pattern, making judgments based on a single plant propagation material may lead to noisy / jump-filled control. This may help overcome the problem. Statistical evaluation across a large number of plant propagation materials may help facilitate control. In this regard, statistics with minimal significance would be advantageous.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method includes machine learning to adapt parameters, particularly when determining the trigger time.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method is - To detect whether the applicator device was actually triggered at the determined trigger time, and / or whether an appropriate aliquot of the dressing composition was actually discharged after the trigger. - To suppress scanning of the scanning zone and determine whether it was detected that the applicator device was not triggered at the determined trigger time and / or that no appropriate aliquot of the dressing composition was discharged after the trigger, It also includes.

[0030] In some embodiments, multiple seed detection sensors covering a detection zone are controlled in a continuous manner so that cross-detection can be avoided.

[0031] A further aspect of the present invention is an application unit for applying a dressing composition to plant propagation material, preferably seeds, in particular granular seeds, that falls during sowing, the application unit being formed to accommodate a sowing device having separation means for individualizing the plant propagation material supplied from a reservoir container and releasing the plant propagation material by free fall, the application unit is - A seed tube defining a drop space for plant propagation material, the seed tube being formed to receive plant propagation material from a separation means, and to allow the plant propagation material to fall through the drop space while being optionally guided by the walls of the seed tube, and to fall further onto a surface below after exiting the seed tube, - A first sensor configuration formed and positioned to detect plant propagation material that has fallen into a predetermined detection zone within the falling space, - A triggerable applicator device formed and positioned to discharge aliquots of a dressing composition received from a dressing composition supply unit, having an outlet directed towards a hit zone defined by the intersection of the spray trajectory of the dressing composition discharged from the applicator device and the fall space, so as to strike free-falling plant propagation material, the hit zone preferably located outside the seed tube, and the applicator device having a triggerable application valve for opening or closing fluid communication with the dressing composition supply unit, - A second sensor configuration is formed and positioned to subsequently scan a predetermined scanning zone in which the plant propagation material free-falls, either within or around the hit zone, or in the direction of the plant propagation material's fall. - A control unit configured to control a first sensor configuration to detect plant propagation material falling into a detection zone, receive an output signal from the first sensor configuration, determine a trigger time based on the detection time of the detected plant propagation material, trigger an applicator device to open a fluid communication path for a predetermined opening time at the determined trigger time to discharge aliquots of the dressing composition toward the hit zone, control a second sensor configuration to scan a scanning zone after the applicator device has been triggered, and determine whether an aliquot has hit or has sufficiently hit the plant propagation material based on an output signal received from the second sensor configuration, Includes.

[0032] Note that the drop space includes the internal space enclosed by the seed tube walls, but may extend to the projection of the wall cross-section perpendicular to the cross-sectional area on the outside (downstream) of the seed tube. Controlling each sensor configuration includes enabling / disabling each sensor and receiving sensor signals.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first sensor configuration includes a first sensor array of one or more seed detection sensors covering a first location within the detection zone, and a second sensor array of one or more seed detection sensors covering a second sensor area within the detection zone, wherein the second location is located downstream of the first location along the direction of fall of the plant propagation material, and the first and second locations are preferably cross-sectional areas or diameters that traverse the longitudinal axis of the seed tube.

[0034] It should be noted that the longitudinal axis of a seed tube as referred to herein is a local axis which may be linear or curved, and is defined to follow the local centroid of the cross-sectional area of ​​the seed tube.

[0035] In some embodiments, the various seed detection sensors within the first sensor configuration include a laser light barrier, and the control unit is preferably adapted to continuously control the seed detection sensors within the first sensor configuration. Controlling the seed detection sensors here involves enabling / disabling the various seed detection sensors, as a whole or individually, to transmit a laser beam continuously or pulsed, and / or to receive a reflected laser beam on the same side of the transmission, or to receive an undisturbed laser beam on the opposite side of the transmission. Plant propagation may be detected when the laser beam is transmitted and no reception of the laser beam is detected.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second sensor configuration includes a distance sensor, preferably an ultrasonic distance sensor, and the control unit is adapted to determine the presence and / or distance of plant growth material based on the sensor signals received from the second sensor configuration, and to determine, based on the determined presence and / or distance of plant growth material, whether or not an aliquot has hit plant growth material previously detected by the first sensor configuration.

[0037] In some embodiments, the application unit further includes a valve operation sensor positioned to detect the operating state of the application valve and / or a pressure sensor positioned to detect the fluid pressure of a fluid supply line for supplying the dressing composition to the applicator device, and the control unit preferably determines, based on the sensor signal received from the valve operation sensor, whether the applicator device was actually triggered at a determined trigger time, and / or based on the sensor signal received from the pressure sensor, whether a suitable aliquot of the dressing composition was actually discharged after the trigger, and in either case the scan and the determination thereon are configured to skip.

[0038] In some embodiments, the control unit is formed and configured to control elements of the application unit and / or external equipment to the application unit to perform the methods of the aforementioned embodiments or any of its embodiments.

[0039] A further aspect of the present invention is a seed tube having a body for defining a drop space for plant propagation material, preferably seeds, in particular granular seeds, wherein the body has a receiving end having an inlet for receiving plant propagation material from a separation means of a seeding device, and a discharging end for discharging the plant propagation material after it has dropped through the drop space, the body further having a first sensor mounting means for mounting a first sensor configuration to cover a detection zone defined within the drop space, particularly within the internal space of the body, an applicator mounting means for mounting an applicator device such that its supply end is connected to a fluid supply line, and a discharge port directed to a hit zone defined outside the discharging end, in the drop space, preferably within the internal space of the body, the body, - Further comprising a second sensor mounting means for mounting a second sensor configuration to cover a scanning zone subsequently defined within or around the hit zone, or in the direction of fall of the plant propagation material.

[0040] A further aspect of the present invention is based on the general idea of ​​having distributed control by control units on all seed tubes, which enables short signal paths, independent computation, distributed computational load, and low latency, and as a result also improves the accuracy of measurement, processing, control, and dressing application, and therefore improves the hit rate, thereby further enabling easy adaptation of control to different seeds on different seed tubes on the same seeding device, which can support enhanced soil fertility management, green manure, natural pest control, soil cover, enhanced microclimate, and mixed cropping for biodiversity. Seed tube having an electronics compartment.

[0041] Accordingly, a further aspect of the present invention is a seed tube having a body for defining a drop space for plant propagation material, preferably seeds, in particular granular seeds, the body having a receiving end having an inlet for receiving plant propagation material from a separation means of a seeding device, and a discharge end for releasing the plant propagation material after it has fallen through the drop space, the body further including a first sensor mounting means for mounting a first sensor configuration to cover a detection zone defined within the drop space, particularly within the internal space of the body, an applicator mounting means for mounting an applicator device such that its supply end is connected to a fluid supply line, and a discharge port directed to a hit zone defined outside the discharge end, in the drop space, preferably within the internal space of the body, the body, - Further includes electronic equipment mounting means for mounting a control unit for controlling a first sensor configuration and / or an applicator device and / or a second sensor configuration.

[0042] A further idea is that the seed tube has a pipe shape adapted to ensure that the seed remains in its center, improve the precision of the dressing application, and reduce the number of sensors in the sensor array.

[0043] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the seed tube further includes a guide channel formed by the body between the detection zone and the discharge end, the guide channel having a width in at least one cross-sectional direction that is adapted to the particle size of a particular type of plant propagation material.

[0044] A further aspect of the present invention is a dressing application device having a plurality of application units as described above, wherein at least a portion of the control units of each application unit are provided in a distributed manner within each application unit, and in particular are attached to each seed tube of each application unit, the seed tubes preferably formed as described above.

[0045] In one embodiment, the dressing application device is - power supply, - Dressing reservoir for fluidized dressing compositions, and - Piping for connecting each applicator device of each application unit to the dressing reservoir, It has at least one of the following.

[0046] A further aspect of the present invention is a seeding device comprising: a reservoir container for transporting plant propagation material, preferably seeds, in particular granular seeds; separation means for individualizing individual plant propagation material from the grain reservoir and releasing the individualized grains so that the individualized grains fall onto a lower surface; and one or more of the above-described application units or the above-described dressing application device, each application unit being formed and mounted to receive the individualized grains released from the separation means at the receiving end of the respective seed tube.

[0047] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of apparatus for carrying out the method, as particularly shown in the accompanying drawings forming part of this application. It is clear that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and those shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are still possible, particularly with respect to the configuration or number of various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the following claims. Furthermore, it should be noted that any features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment thereof may be used in any other aspect or embodiment thereof as far as possible.

[0048] The present invention will be described in further detail hereby with reference to certain exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the seeding device according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 2]This is a schematic block diagram of a dressing application device in a seeding device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of an application unit in a dressing application device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a logic diagram for controlling an application unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] This is a schematic perspective view of a seed tube in an application unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] This is a schematic front view of the detailed section "B" in Figure 5A. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] Please note that all drawings are of a schematic nature. This means that, unless otherwise indicated or clearly meant otherwise, geometric dimensions and relationships may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustrating underlying principles rather than specific structural details.

[0051] In the following description, all positional and directional information, such as top, bottom, up, down, upward, downward, vertical, horizontal, etc., are illustrated and relate to the upright posture of the seeding device according to the present invention, corresponding to their actual use.

[0052] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments According to the overall diagram in Figure 1, the seeding device 100 includes a reservoir container 110 for plant propagation material K, shown here as granular seeds; a separation device 120 designed to separate the plant propagation material K supplied from the reservoir container and discharge them individually; and an application device 130 for applying seed dressing to the seeds K discharged individually by the separation device 120. Here, the application device is designed and positioned to allow the seed dressing to be applied to the separated plant propagation material K during their falling motion onto a lower surface B for the seeds after they have left the separation device 120.

[0053] The entire seeding device is typically mounted on an agricultural vehicle, such as a tractor, during actual use. In some embodiments, the seeding device or its components may be mounted on a trailer towed by an agricultural vehicle, such as a tractor. The driven components of the seeding device may be coupled to the motor output shaft of the vehicle. In this regard, the seeding device may include several seeding units arranged on the vehicle, thereby enabling the simultaneous discharge of seeds into multiple seeding furrows. Naturally, in this case, the seeding device may also utilize a conventional reservoir container.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, the application device 130 may include several application units 200, each of which may be associated with a specific seeding unit and a supply unit 260 of the application device 130.

[0055] Each application unit 200 includes a seed tube 210, an application function block 220, and an interface unit 230. The seed tube 210 is formed and positioned to receive PPM K from the separation device 120 at its upper end, enclose and / or define a drop line f of PPM K, and release PPM K at its lower end 210a (see Figure 3). Here, in particular, the seed tube 210 may be positioned below the output port of the separation device 120.

[0056] The application function block 220 includes a sensor system and an application nozzle (not shown here), as described later. Each interface unit 230 includes a unit communication module, seed tube control means, and liquid supply unit. The liquid supply unit of the interface unit 230 is connected to the application nozzle of the application function block 220 via an application supply line. The seed tube control means is connected to the sensor system of the application function block 220 via an electrical cable 242.

[0057] The supply unit 250 includes a power supply module such as a battery, battery charger, battery management system, and pneumatic supply device, a device communication module, a pneumatic supply module, and a device control module. The power supply module is connected to the interface unit 230 of each application unit 200 via an electrical cable 262. The device communication module may be connected to the unit control module of each application unit via an electrical cable 262 or wirelessly. In some embodiments, the electrical cable 262 includes a main cable to one of the interface units 230 and interconnection cables from one of the interface units 230 to another interface unit 230, etc., forming a chain connection from interface unit 230 to interface unit 230. In other embodiments, the electrical cable 262 includes separate cables to each interface unit 230. In yet another embodiment, the electrical cable 262 includes daisy-chain cables.

[0058] The pneumatic supply section of the supply unit 250 is connected to the interface unit 230 of each application unit 200 via the pneumatic supply line 264. In some embodiments, the pneumatic supply line 264 includes a pneumatic main line to one of the interface units 230 and pneumatic interconnection lines from one of the interface units 230 to another interface unit 230, and so on, forming a chain connection from interface unit 230 to interface unit 230. In other embodiments, the pneumatic supply line 264 includes separate parallel pneumatic lines to each interface unit 230. In yet another embodiment, the pneumatic supply line 264 includes a pneumatic manifold or distribution hub having several ports connected to each interface unit 230, with one end connected to the pneumatic supply section of the supply unit 250. The pneumatic supply device is for operating the seed separation element associated with each application unit 200. In embodiments, the pneumatic supply section is also used to supply a predetermined air pressure for pressurizing the liquid supply section of each interface unit 230.

[0059] In some embodiments, each application unit 200 includes a cartridge or canister configured to hold a dressing composition or seed coating composition or solution containing one or more active ingredients until the composition is released from the canister. Such a canister is in fluid communication with an application nozzle configured to release the composition from the canister. In some embodiments, two or more canisters are operationally fluid-communicated and coupled to a single application nozzle, and the single nozzle can be controlled (e.g., by a control unit or a control unit of a computing device) to selectively spray the seed coating from any one of the canisters coupled to the nozzle. In other embodiments, two or more cartridges may each be operationally fluid-communicated and coupled to their respective nozzles such that each canister sprays its respective composition only through its own respective nozzles.

[0060] In some embodiments, the supply unit 250 may include a common liquid supply system comprising one or more liquid containers and one or more liquid supply lines for each liquid container for distributing the dressing composition to each application unit 200. In this case, each application unit 200 may receive the dressing composition from the supply unit via a main line or interconnection line or manifold communicating with the supply unit 250. Furthermore, in this case, the liquid containers may be pressurized in the supply unit 250. However, each application unit 200 may also have separate pressurizing means for controlling the application pressure of the dressing composition.

[0061] In some embodiments, a supply device may be provided outside or inside the application device to prepare individual dressing compositions from a plurality of bulk containers, each storing a bulk agricultural composition, the bulk agricultural composition preferably commercially available or pre-prepared, and the individual dressing compositions may be prepared in batches at runtime from the bulk agricultural composition or two or more bulk agricultural compositions and any carrier liquid or solvent or diluent according to actual needs based on one or more criteria, including but not limited to environmental, climate, season, type of plant propagation material, soil type, location, pest load, and other information, which may be pre-stored or obtained in a timely manner from a management system and / or remotely, i.e., from the Internet, mobile, or satellite source, and the batches of the prepared individual dressing compositions are supplied to the application device 130 or each application unit 200.

[0062] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing details of an exemplary application unit 200 in the application device 130 of Figure 1 or 2 according to one embodiment. In this example, the application unit 200 is for treating plant propagation material K with a seed dressing composition.

[0063] The application unit 200 includes a seed tube 210 and an application function block 220.

[0064] The seed tube 210 includes a tube wall having an upper end (not shown) and a lower end 210a. The seed tube 210 serves to guide the separated seeds K falling from the separator along the fall line f. The seed tube 210 has a specific shape described later as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, the seed tube 210 has a curved shape when viewed from the side and is angled, but may be angled vertically in practical use, and is open at the upper and lower ends 210a. Otherwise, the tube wall 232 is generally closed and defines the internal space.

[0065] The application function block 220 includes a seed tube subcontroller 300, a first sensor configuration 310, an applicator device 330 for seed dressing, a pressure sensor 350, and a second sensor configuration 370.

[0066] The seed tube subcontroller 300 is housed in a mounting bay 210b formed as a recess in the wall of the seed tube 210 and is coupled to the interface unit 230 via an electronic control cable 242.

[0067] The first sensor configuration 310 includes two sensor arrays 312, 312' mounted on the wall of the seed tube 210 to cover a detection zone E inside the seed tube 210 in order to detect plant propagation material K falling along the fall line f. The sensor arrays 312, 312' are positioned at a distance d from each other. s It is positioned along each cross-section having a . Each sensor array 312, 312' has a sensor casing 312 that supports a plurality of seed detection sensors 316. The first sensor configuration 310 is connected to a seed tube subcontroller 300 by a seed sensor control line 318.

[0068] In this example, each sensor array 312, 312' includes four individual seed detection sensors 316. The seed detection sensors 316 of each sensor array 212, 212' may, for example, be formed as laser optical sensors, each including a laser emitter and a laser detector, but may also be formed of any other applicable type. Suitable sensors are well known in the prior art and therefore require no further explanation. Each individual seed detection sensor 316 may be operated by the seed tube subcontroller 300, or by some sensor logic incorporating each sensor array 312, 312' or the first sensor configuration 312 as a whole, to be triggered only by the reflected laser beam emitted by each seed detection sensor 316 itself, while ignoring reflected laser beams emitted by any other seed detection sensors 316. After the lower sensor array 312' detects seed propagation material K, the lower sensor array 312' may be set to idle until the upper sensor array 312 senses the next seed propagation material K, in order to avoid false detections. Furthermore, as soon as it is detected that the seed propagation material K has passed through sensor arrays 312, 312', these particular sensor arrays 312, 312' may be set to idle for a period of time to avoid sensor artifacts.

[0069] Both the seed detection sensor 316 of the sensor arrays 312 and 312' can detect the passage of plant propagation material K through the seed tube 312 and generate a pulse-shaped sensor signal when the seed K falls through its respective detection range. The first sensor configuration 310 is located at a known position and at a known distance d. s Furthermore, from the passage time of the seed K sensed by each sensor array 312, 312', the collision time of the seed K falling along the fall line f passing through the spray trajectory j of the spray nozzle 240 can be predicted, and the application valve AV1 of the spray nozzle 240 can be triggered to hit the seed K at the collision position I. By determining which of the sensors 316 detected the passage of the seed K, the actual fall line f can be estimated, and the collision position I can be predicted more accurately.

[0070] In some embodiments, each sensor array 312, 312' may be referred to collectively, for example, SA1, SA2. In other embodiments, each individual sensor 316 may be referred to individually, for example, SA1a-SA1d, SA2a-SA2d. The output of the first sensor configuration 310 is output via the seed sensor line 318 and processed by the seed tube subcontroller 300. In embodiments, the output of individual sensors 316 may be processed or preprocessed by some sensor logic incorporated into the first sensor configuration 310 or each sensor array 312, 312'.

[0071] In some embodiments, the lower sensor array 312' is omitted so that control depends only on the upper sensor array 312 and the feedback sensor 370 described later. In some embodiments, the number of individual seed detection sensors 316 may be five or more, two or more rows, or fewer than four, for example, three, two, or just one, depending on the specific shape of the seed tube 210 and its ability to accurately guide individual plant propagation material.

[0072] The applicator device 330 includes an application nozzle 332 and an application shut-off valve 334 connected to a seed tube subcontroller 300 via an applicator control line 336, so that the application shut-off valve 334 can be controlled to open and close by the seed tube subcontroller 300. The applicator device 330 communicates with an interface unit 230 via an application supply line 240 so that the seed dressing composition is supplied. The applicator device 330 can be triggered by opening the application shut-off valve 336. Each time it is activated or triggered, the applicator device 330 is designed to eject a predetermined amount of seed dressing, typically 0.1 to 30 μl, preferably 0.3 to 15 μl, along an essentially straight spray trajectory j, thus discharging a "shot of seed dressing," so to speak. The falling plant propagation material D may hit within a hit zone T extending along the spray trajectory j of the application nozzle 332.

[0073] Suitable application nozzles include corundum nozzles, ceramic nozzles, or hard alloy nozzles. The application nozzle 332 may be embodied to allow the application of the seed dressing to various seeds in an essentially droplet shape during each application process. Essentially droplet application should be understood here as the application of the seed dressing that does not completely surround the seed, but rather covers only a relatively narrow ("point-like") or relatively wide portion of the seed surface. The same apparatus also allows for modification of the nozzle and / or other components to apply, for example, other volumes and / or dressing viscosities. Conveniently, in this case, the seed dressing may be configured to adhere to the seed as droplets, typically without spray loss, and to dry without losing its adhesiveness during this process. The application shut-off valve 334 may be embodied as a solenoid valve. In other embodiments, the application shut-off valve 334 may be embodied as a pneumatically driven application valve, in which case a pneumatic line is provided to control the application shut-off valve 334. Therefore, it is possible to use a valve for non-contact micro-dispensing that is closed in a stationary position and can be switched on with an electro-pneumatic drive in less than 1 ms. Such valves generally have high dispensing frequency and very high dispensing accuracy, as a result ensuring an extremely precise and repeatable dispensing process. Other possible valves include solenoid valves and piezo valves.

[0074] Figure 3 shows the collision position I, defined by the intersection of the fall line f of the plant propagation material K and the spray trajectory j of the application nozzle 332. The application nozzle 332 is oriented so that its spray trajectory j intersects the fall line f of the plant propagation material K at an acute angle α of approximately 30° to 60°. In this case, the collision position I is outside or below the seed tube 210. When the seed K reaches the collision position I, a "seed dressing shot" is output. This is applicable depending on the spatial distance between the first sensor configuration 310 and the collision position I and the fall velocity of the plant propagation material K, as well as the detection time distance by the sensor arrays 312, 312' and their distance d. SThis occurs after a specific time delay following the detection of the plant propagation material K according to the calculated passage velocity. The seed tube subcontroller 300 calculates (or estimates) the time delay and then triggers the applicator device 330, i.e., opening the application valve 334 and producing a “seed dressing shot” output, and then outputs a trigger pulse that applies the seed dressing to the seeds located at the impact position I at that time. The time delay also takes into account the system-specific response time of the application valve 334 and the virtually negligible flight time of the seed dressing from the application nozzle 332 to the impact position I.

[0075] In this embodiment, the seed tube 210 of the application device has a relatively narrow shape and a funnel-shaped attachment. This has the effect that all the plant propagation material K in the seed tube 230 moves along the same drop line f or along drop lines f located very close to each other, resulting in all the plant propagation material having virtually the same collision position I.

[0076] However, plant propagation materials can also be placed on nearly the same or at least closely spaced fall lines by other means. For example, by air pressure or electrostatic force, by seed tubes of other shapes, or by methods such as a funnel. When electrostatic force is used, the resulting static charge on the plant propagation material can have a positive effect on the adhesion of the seed dressing, similar to the powder coating method.

[0077] The pressure sensor 350 is positioned in the application supply line 240 to detect the general supply pressure therein and is connected to the seed tube subcontroller 300 via the pressure sensor control line 352. The detected supply line pressure may affect the velocity of the droplets D released from the application nozzle 332 and may therefore be a parameter to be considered when calculating or estimating the collision time and / or collision location I.

[0078] The second sensor configuration 370 includes a feedback sensor 372 installed in the seed tube 210 to scan scanning zone A to detect whether a droplet D of the seed dressing composition has hit the plant propagation material K. The feedback sensor 372 is connected to the seed tube subcontroller via a feedback sensor control line 374. Scanning zone A is defined as being within, around, or later defined as hit zone T.

[0079] The feedback sensor 370 can be embodied as an ultrasonic sensor, particularly a distance sensor, having an ultrasonic emitter that emits ultrasonic waves and an ultrasonic receiver that receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the scanning area, with the ultrasonic emitter and ultrasonic receiver directed toward the scanning zone A. The feedback sensor 370 is positioned to emit ultrasonic waves in a direction having an acute angle β with respect to the spray direction of the application nozzle 332 and is formed to receive reflected ultrasonic waves from the scanning zone A.

[0080] In the embodiment, the second sensor configuration 370 may include two or more feedback sensors 372 for scanning scanning zone A or for scanning different parts of scanning zone A.

[0081] Based on the results of scanning by the feedback sensor 372, which are provided to the seed tube subcontroller 300 via the feedback control line 374, it is possible to determine whether an aliquot of the dressing composition has hit the plant propagation material K. This feedback allows for the timing of triggering the applicator device 330 to eject a shot of seed dressing.

[0082] It should be noted that any electrical lines 242, 318, 336, 352, and 374 may be designed to provide power for the operation of any electrically operated part of the application functional block, and to transmit electrical signals, i.e., control signals and / or sensor signals, in one or two directions, respectively.

[0083] Figure 4 shows in more detail a method for applying a dressing composition using an application unit 210, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, while adapting the trigger time of the applicator device 330, according to a preferred embodiment.

[0084] The method in this embodiment is represented by a seed tube event series 410, control logic 430, and feedback logic 450, which include events that the seed receives as it passes through the seed tube 210 and falls to the end, and which may occur or be executed in parallel. For the purposes of the following description, the plant propagation material K is exemplified as a seed.

[0085] In step S412, the seeds fall through the seed tube 210. Note that at this point, it is assumed that at least the upper sensor array 312 is enabled for detection, and the lower sensor array 312' may be left disabled for detection. Alternatively, the lower sensor array 312' may also be enabled.

[0086] In step S414, the seed K passes through the upper sensor array 312, is detected by one of the seed detection sensors 316 of the upper sensor array 312, and a signal indicating the detection is sent to the subcontroller 300. Here, in step S432, the first seed passage time t1 of the seed K is recorded by the control logic 430. At that point, if the lower sensor array 312' was previously disabled, it is set to be enabled. Optionally, at that point, the upper sensor array 312 may be set to be disabled until it is detected that the seed K has passed through the lower sensor array 312' or until a predetermined idle time has elapsed.

[0087] In step S416, the seed K passes through the lower sensor array 312', is detected by one of the seed detection sensors 316 of the lower sensor array 312', and a signal indicating the detection is sent to the subcontroller 300. Here, in step S434, the second seed passage time t2 of the seed K is recorded by the control logic 430. At that point, if the upper sensor array 312 was previously disabled, it is set to be enabled again. Optionally, at that point, the lower sensor array 312' may be set to be disabled until it is detected that further seeds K have passed through the upper sensor array 312, or until a predetermined idle time has elapsed.

[0088] Here, in step S436, a time shift Δta, which is the time until application, is calculated, and the control logic 430 waits for a time corresponding to the time shift Δta. Firstly, in calculating the time shift Δta, the velocity K of the seed K, calculated by the time difference between seed passage times t2, t1 and the distance dS between sensor arrays 312, 312', and the distance between the detection zone E (in particular the cross section covered by the lower sensor array 312') and the hit zone T (in particular the cross section or slope corresponding to the spray trajectory j) are taken into consideration to obtain a base value of the time shift Δta. Parameters for fitting the time shift Δta based on the results of the feedback sensor 370 are considered as defined by steps S460 and S466, which will be described later.

[0089] After calculating the time shift Δta in step S436, step S438 follows, in which the control logic 430 waits for the calculated time shift Δta.

[0090] Subsequently, in step S440, corresponding to the application time ta, the applicator device 330 is triggered to inject a predetermined amount of the dressing composition in the form of droplets D. For this purpose, the application time ta can also be considered as the trigger time. The applicator device 330, in particular the release sensor in the release mechanism of the application valve 334, may report its operation to the subcontroller 300, but this is optional.

[0091] The flow of the dressing composition may also be sensed by monitoring the pressure sensor 350 and recorded accordingly. In step S442, it is determined whether or not the flow of the dressing composition has been registered, and if not, the system branches to step S443, skipping any further control for the current seed, which means that control returns to the beginning for the new seed. Optionally in step S443, it may be recorded that the flow of the dressing composition was not sensed at the time of triggering, and the counter may start or continue operating for such non-sensing, while an alarm may be triggered to the operator after a certain threshold of "non-shot".

[0092] On the feedback logic 450 side, the affirmative judgment regarding the recording of the flow of the dressing composition in step S442 is recognized in step S452.

[0093] Furthermore, in the control logic 430, the time of flight tf is obtained in step S444, and the time of flight tf represents the time required for the droplet D to hit the seed K from the application nozzle 332 to the collision position I. Here, theoretical variations in the time of flight tf due to pressure fluctuations are negligible given the small distance the seed travels and are therefore not considered, but can be considered if necessary. In addition, possible shifts in the fall line f or other effects on the collision location I are not considered relevant, but can be considered if necessary.

[0094] On the other hand, in the seed tube 410, in step S418, the seed K is either in contact with the droplet D or not.

[0095] Next, in step S420, the seed K passes through the second sensor configuration 370, which is detected by the feedback sensor 372 of the second sensor configuration, and a signal indicating this detection is transmitted to the subcontroller 300. Here, in step S446, the feedback sensor passage time tfs of the seed K is recorded by the control logic 430.

[0096] The flight time tf from step S444 and the feedback sensor transit time tfs from step S446 are collected by the feedback logic 450 in step S456.

[0097] In step S458, it is determined whether the calculated hit time, which is the sum of the application time ta and the flight time tf, matches the feedback sensor transit time tfs, i.e., ta + tf = tus?. If affirmative (branch "Y" from step S458), this is recognized again in step S452, which leads to the assumption in step S454 that the dressing composition actually hit the seed K. Furthermore, if affirmative, it is determined in step S460 that no change to Δta is necessary, and this information is provided to step S436 on the control logic 430 side, where no change to Δta is made. In other words, the parameter for adjusting Δta remains unchanged.

[0098] In the case of negation (branch "N" from step S458), the feedback control 450 proceeds to step S462, where the difference between the calculated hit time ta+tf and the recorded feedback sensor transit time tfs is statistically summed. The statistical evaluation may be accompanied, for example, by a histogram based on the potential ta shift. Corrections can then be added toward the histogram bucket with the highest sum.

[0099] In step S464, the shift of the recorded feedback sensor transit time tfs relative to the calculated hit time ta+tf is evaluated. If a significant shift is determined to have occurred (positive branch "Y" in step S464), parameters for adjusting the time shift Δta are calculated in step S466 and provided to calculation step S436 on the control logic 430 side. Note that the updated parameters for adjusting the time shift Δta only affect future seeds K and not the current seed K. In the negative case ("N" branch) in step S464, step S466 is skipped, and the parameters for adjusting the time shift Δta remain unchanged. Here again, if failure to hit occurs frequently, an alarm may be triggered for the operator.

[0100] After passing through the second sensor configuration 370 in step S420, the seeds K, ideally treated with the dressing composition, fall onto the surface B below in step S422 at the seed tube side 410.

[0101] Naturally, all processes are repeated continuously for every seed K detected during all sowing activities.

[0102] The aforementioned feedback control significantly improves the accuracy of processing plant propagation material with the dressing composition by enabling adaptation to situations that affect the fall of seeds K or the flight of droplets D during sowing activity.

[0103] It should be noted that the method described above can be carried out by any control means. In this embodiment, the method is carried out by a seed tube subcontroller 300. For this purpose, the seed tube subcontroller 300 receives and processes any signals from the first sensor configuration 310, the pressure sensor 350, the second sensor configuration 370, and optionally from any operating feedback sensors included in the applicable shut-off valve 334, and enables the upper and lower sensor arrays 312, 312', controls the feedback sensor 372, and provides a control signal to trigger the applicable shut-off valve 334 of the applicator device 330. By placing the dedicated seed tube subcontroller 300 directly in the seed tube 210, the wiring length is significantly reduced, thereby minimizing signaling delay and improving control accuracy, which also contributes to providing a stable operating voltage.

[0104] In the embodiment, the seed tube subcontroller 300 may be adapted to collect arbitrary sensor data and transmit it to a higher-level control unit located in an instance such as the respective interface unit 230 or supply unit 250, or even to a remote management system, and to receive control commands from such a higher-level control unit.

[0105] Figures 5A and 5B show a seed tube 210 as a further embodiment of the present invention. Here, Figure 5A is a perspective view of the entire seed tube 210, and Figure 5B is a front view of detail B of Figure 5A.

[0106] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the seed tube 210 has a body 500. The body 500 is generally formed by two side walls 502, 502', a front wall 504, and a rear wall 506. The side walls 502, 502', the front wall 504, and the rear wall 506 surround a tubular interior having an open lower end 210a and an open upper end 210c.

[0107] Several mounting elements 510, 512 are formed on the main body 500 for attaching the seed tube 210 to the frame of the seeding device or application device, or for fixing elements of the application function block 220, such as lines 242, 240, to the main body 500.

[0108] The main body 500 can generally be divided into an upper part 540 and a lower part 530. In the upper part 540, the side walls 502, 502', the front wall 504, and the rear wall 506 define a roughly funnel-shaped internal space, while in the lower part 530, the internal space has a roughly equal cross-sectional shape and area. For example, the internal space of the seed tube 210 may have a circular cross-sectional shape in the lower part 530 of the main body.

[0109] In this embodiment, the mounting bay 210b may be formed at the lower part 530 by a front wall 504 and wall sections extending therefrom, and may be closed by a lid secured by screws or pins held within the mounting bore 514. This allows the seed tube subcontroller 300 (see Figure 3) to be sealed within the mounting bay 210b.

[0110] Furthermore, a first sensor mounting area 210d is formed in the side walls 502, 502' at the lower part 530 of the seed tube 210, preferably near its lower end 210a. In the sensor mounting area 210d, the side walls 502, 502' may be transparent to at least the laser light of the sensor 316 so as to avoid through holes for passing the sensor beam. This also avoids contamination of the sensor (particularly the sensor optics), which can contribute to the accuracy and reliability of the sensor results. In an alternative embodiment, the entire seed tube 210 may be made of a transparent material for the same reason. The sensor mounting area may include recesses 516 in each side wall 502, 502' for firmly supporting the sensor casing 316 (see Figure 3).

[0111] Furthermore, a nozzle mounting area 210e is formed in the lower part 530 of the seed tube 210, particularly near its lower end 210a, by a socket 518 extending from the front wall 504. A bore 520 is formed in the socket 518 for receiving at least a portion of the application nozzle 332 and / or for forming a chute channel for shots of the dressing composition. A mounting bore 522 is provided for securing the application nozzle 332 or the entire application device 330.

[0112] The socket 518 also provides a slanted portion 524, which is a surface for supporting the feedback sensor 372 at a sensor angle β. The shape of the socket is designed to firmly support the application nozzle 332 / applicator device 330 and the feedback sensor 372 by their respective structural elements.

[0113] The internal space of the seed tube 210 forms a guide channel 526 for plant propagation material. The width b of the guide channel 526 in the lower part 530 is generally sized with respect to a specific plant propagation material, preferably seeds, and in particular the average size (average of maximum dimensions) of a specific granular seed for which the seed tube 210 is made. In other words, the seed tube 210 is adapted to a specific plant propagation material, or a specific group of plant propagation materials, or a specific size class of plant propagation material. The width b may be sized to be, for example, less than three times the average size of the specific plant propagation material. In embodiments, the width b may be sized to be, for example, less than 2.5 times the average size of the specific plant propagation material. In embodiments, the width b may be sized to be, for example, less than twice the average size of the specific plant propagation material. In embodiments, the width b may be sized to be, for example, less than 1.5 times the average size of the specific plant propagation material. By defining the dimensions, it is ensured that at least a portion of the plant propagation material is always centered within the internal space of the seed tube 210. This ensures, for example, that the seeds do not deviate significantly from the average fall line, and therefore that the shots from the applicator device 330 hit the target reliably.

[0114] At the lower end 210a of the seed tube 210, the guide channel 526 of the seed tube 210 may optionally be longitudinally cut in the front wall 504. This allows the seed K to be enclosed between the side walls 502, 502' and the rear wall 506 and guided by the side walls 502, 502' and the rear wall 506 while being fired by the applicator device 330 and / or detected by the feedback sensor 372. This may further improve, for example, the hit rate and / or detection accuracy / reliability.

[0115] As used herein, the term “underlying surface” is understood to mean agricultural soil or any other solid growing medium to which plant propagation material such as seeds and seedlings is applied.

[0116] The term “plant propagation material” as used herein may refer to any seeds, seedlings, tubers, cuttings, or other material useful for the growth and propagation of plants or crops. Many plant species, such as some fruit and ornamental plant species, are generally propagated by vegetative propagation (or “clonal propagation” or “vegetative growth”). Preferably, it may refer to seeds, which are usually composed of individual plant propagation materials. The term “plant propagation material” is understood to represent all reproductive parts, such as seeds, and vegetative propagation materials, such as cuttings or tubers, such as those of potatoes, that can be used for the propagation of plants. Examples include (strictly speaking) seeds, roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, and parts of plants. Also included are germinated plants and seedlings that will be transplanted after germination or emergence from the soil. Preferably, the propagation material is seeds. In one aspect of the present invention, these seedlings and reproductive parts may be protected before transplantation by partial treatment according to the present invention, for example, by the application of a dressing composition. The term “seeds” as treated with the compositions of the present invention means plant bodies in the early stages of cultivation used for plant propagation, and includes not only so-called seeds but also plant bodies for vegetative propagation such as bulbs, tubers, seed tubers, buds, bulbs, and stems for cuttings. The term “seeds” as used herein may be granular seeds, pelletized granular seeds, dummy seeds, or a combination thereof.

[0117] Advantageously, "dummy seeds," i.e., particles that are not plant propagation material, can be sown and processed together with actual seeds. Such "dummy seeds" may be useful, for example, for spacing smaller seeds, or in particular, for carrying plant-toxic dressings, or fertilizers and growth promoters to improve soil quality, in rows parallel to and spaced apart from rows of seeds.

[0118] Furthermore, when very small or irregularly shaped and weighted plant propagation material is used, it can be difficult to sow them in a regular distribution in a straight row with a single seedling per cell. Thus, there may be some misplanted seeds, and therefore some cells may have two or more seeds, while others have none. Due to the high cost of seeds, and primarily for automated harvesting, it is undesirable to simply place multiple seeds per cell and then remove them in a timely manner to ensure that only single plants remain. The applicants have found that, beneficially, the seeds or propagation material can be subjected to a process generally called "pelletization," in which an inert material is preferably coated onto the seeds, thereby forming a more regular and uniform shape and size, for example, smaller seeds being pelletized to a specific size and shape suitable for the planting and / or sowing process, for example, standardized size and shape, adapting small petunia seeds to be used in the same apparatus as lettuce seeds. Seeds pelletized in this manner offer several advantages, including easier use of standardized equipment, more regular seed distribution, and higher-ratio selective coating by the dressing composition. This can reduce the need for field thinning and facilitate the automation of seed germination for greenhouse applications. Preferably, the pelletizing material used on the seeds is selected to rapidly absorb water, ensuring uniform moisture around the seeds and thereby increasing the germination rate.

[0119] The term “seeds” as used herein preferably includes, but is not limited to, maize (Zea mays), Brassicaceae species (e.g., Brassica napus, Brassica rapa, Brassica juncea), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), rice (Oryza sativa), rye (Secale cereale), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum velgare), millet (e.g., pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), millet (Panicum miliaceum), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), finger millet (Eleusine coracana)), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), and wheat (Triticum). aestivum), soybeans (Glycine max), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), peanuts (Archis hypogaea), cotton (Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium hirsutum), sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatus), cassava (Manihot esculenta), coffee (Cofea spp.), coconuts (Cocos nucifera), pineapples (Ananas comosus), citrus fruits (Citrus spp.), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), tea (Camellia sinensis), bananas (Musa spp.)), avocado (Persea americana), fig (Ficus casica), guava (Psidium guajava), mango (Mangifera indica), olive (Olea europaea), papaya (Carica papaya), cashew (Anacardium occidental), macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia), almond (Prunus amygdalus), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), sugarcane (Saccharum) This relates to seeds of crops or plant species including (spp.), wild oats, barley, vegetables, ornamental plants, woody plants such as conifers and deciduous trees, eggplant, pumpkin, cannabis, zucchini, apples, pears, quince, melon, plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, strawberries, grapes, raspberries, blackberries, soybeans, sorghum, sugarcane, rapeseed, clover, carrots, and Arabidopsis thaliana.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment, the seeds may be those of any vegetable, including tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), lettuce (e.g., Lactuca sativa), green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), lima bean (Phaseolus limensis), pea (Lathyrus spp.), cauliflower, broccoli, turnip, radish, spinach, asparagus, onion, garlic, pepper, celery, and those belonging to the genus Cucumis, such as cucumber (C. sativus), cantaloupe (C. cantalupensis), and muskmelon (C. melo).

[0121] In another preferred embodiment, the plant propagation material may be any species of ornamental plant, including, but not limited to, hydrangea (Macrophylla hydrangea), hibiscus (Hibiscus rosasanensis), petunia (Petunia hybrida), rose (Rosa spp.), azalea (Rhododendron spp.), tulip (Tulipa spp.), daffodil (Narcissus spp.), carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), and chrysanthemum.

[0122] In one embodiment, the plant propagation material may be any species of conifer, including, but not limited to, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), slash pine (Pinus elliotii), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), and coniferous pine such as Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii); fir species such as Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), Sitka spruce (Picea glauca), giant redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), beautiful fir (Abiens amabilis) and balsam fir (Abiens balsamea); and cedar such as Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) and Western red cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis).

[0123] In another preferred embodiment, the seeds may be from any leguminous plant species, including but not limited to beans and peas. Examples of beans include guar, carob, fenugreek, soybean, kidney bean, cowpea, mung bean, lima bean, faba bean, lentil, chickpea, pea, cattail, broad bean, red kidney bean, lentil, dried bean, and the like. Leguminous plants, though not limited to them, include the genus Arachis (peanut), e.g., peanut; the genus Vicia (broad bean, hairy vetch, adzuki bean, mung bean, and chickpea); the genus Lupine, e.g., lupine, trifolium; the genus Betel nut, e.g., bean, lima; the genus Pea, e.g., broad bean; the genus Lespedeza, e.g., clover, alfalfa; the genus Lotus, e.g., trefoil; the genus Vicia, e.g., lentil, purple bush clover. Typical forage grasses and turfgrasses for use in the methods described herein include, but are not limited to, alfalfa, orchardgrass, sedge, perennial ryegrass, creep bentgrass, Lucerne, Bird'sfoot trefoil, clover, Stylosanthes, Lotononis bainessii, bellflower, and dwarf burr. Other grass species include barley, wheat, wild oats, rye, orchardgrass, guinea grass, sorghum, or turfgrasses.

[0124] In another preferred embodiment, the seeds may be selected from the following crops or vegetables: corn, wheat, sorghum, soybean, tomato, cauliflower, radish, cabbage, canola, lettuce, ryegrass, pasture grass, rice, cotton, sunflower, etc.

[0125] The terms “seeds” or “seedlings” should be understood as not being limited to specific or particular types of seeds or seedlings. The terms “seeds” or “seedlings” may refer to seeds from a single plant species, a mixture of seeds from multiple plant species, or a blend of seeds from various strains within a plant species. In another preferred embodiment, crop plant propagation material may include, but is not limited to, rice, maize, wheat, barley, oats, soybeans, cotton, sunflowers, alfalfa, sorghum, rapeseed, sugar beets, tomatoes, beans, carrots, tobacco or flower seeds, potatoes, sugarcane, ornamental flowers, pepper, watermelon, melon, cucumber, and in vitro cell-based propagation.

[0126] Vegetative propagation is the ability of plants to reproduce without sexual reproduction by producing new, genetically identical plants from existing vegetative structures. The most common method of artificial vegetative propagation involves taking parts (commonly called "cuttings") from a parent plant and placing them in a suitable environment in which they can grow into complete new plants. Cuttings utilize the ability of plants to form adventitious roots under specific conditions, and the resulting plants are clones of the parent plant. Depending on the plant, a "part" refers to any above-ground vegetative part of a crop plant, such as primary or secondary shoots, leaves, stems, or branches. This method is useful for any part of a plant in which adventitious roots can form in a growing medium. In some embodiments, the plant part or cutting is a shoot. A shoot can be at least about 1 cm, at least about 2 cm, at least about 3 cm, at least about 5 cm, or longer. The present invention also relates to methods for clonal propagation of crop plants, particularly maize, sorghum, wheat, cotton, rice, soybeans, sugar beets, sugarcane, tobacco, barley, and rapeseed crop plants. In a preferred embodiment, plants can be propagated clonally in a purely soil-based system. In such a system, the plant's root system must remain in a sufficiently aquatic environment for the roots to survive and grow. A useful method for preparing plant propagation material may more preferably involve taking a portion (or "cutting") such as a primary or secondary shoot or stem from a crop plant and placing it in a suitable medium sufficient to support the emergence of one or more roots in the medium. This new plant can then be grown into a mature plant under appropriate conditions. When such cuttings or seedlings are used, they are often permitted to be placed in depressions in the soil prepared before sowing or planting. Seeds, on the other hand, can usually be dropped into plant-receiving cavities prepared in the way of sowing furrows, trenches, or other methods, which are then usually closed after sowing to prevent loss of seeds by, for example, wind or animals.

[0127] As used herein, the term “dressing composition” relating to a liquid composition useful for at least partially covering and / or wetting seeds or plant material. Such a composition comprises at least one agricultural compound and a diluent, solvent, or other carrier that enables application. This “dressing composition,” also referred to herein as “dressing” or “seed dressing,” is a liquid or gel material formulation containing an effective agricultural compound and may additionally contain other components such as fillers, diluents, solvents, adhesives, dispersants, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and colorants. In some embodiments, the dressing may be an adhesive powder.

[0128] The liquid seed dressing composition used in the present invention may comprise a liquid diluent material and one or more agricultural compounds. The activity of the composition comprising the agricultural compounds according to the present invention may be adapted to the circumstances by including other effective substances.

[0129] Where used herein, the terms “agricultural compound,” “active compound,” or “active ingredient” refer to compounds such as those having biocidal, growth-promoting, or growth-regulating properties, or other biological effects, i.e., compounds and substances known to support crop growth, including micronutrients, insecticides for protection against sap-sucking and feeding insects; fungicides for protection against pathogenic fungi; inoculants, antimicrobial agents, herbicides, acaricides, nematicides; antiviral agents for inactivating viruses; toxicity mitigants; immune response-inducing compounds; biologics, biosimilars, gene-modulating seed dressings; growth regulators; and crop enhancers that provide specific chemically induced physiological responses of plants to increase and / or improve yields, especially under abiotic stress; as well as diluents, solvents, carriers, emulsifiers, viscosity modifiers, stabilizers, capsule materials and / or any colorants, and any combination thereof. Preferred micronutrients include zinc, molybdenum, manganese, magnesium, boron, copper, iron, nickel, and chlorine.

[0130] The dressing composition may be applied during the application stage, and this relates herein to viscosity and concentration that enable application as a fluid to plant propagation material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 100 seeding devices 110 Reservoir container (seed tank) 120 Isolation Devices 130 Applicable Devices 200 Applicable Units 210 Seed Tubes 210a Lower end (discharge end) 210b mounting bay 210c Upper end (receiving end) 210d Sensor mounting area 220 Applicable Function Blocks 230 Interface Unit 240 Applicable supply lines 242 Electrical control cable 250 supply units 262 Electrical Cables 264 Pneumatic supply line 300 Seed Tube Subcontroller 310 First Sensor Configuration 312, 313' Upper and lower sensor arrays 314 Sensor Casing 316 Seed detection sensor 318 Seed Sensor Control Line 330 Applicator Devices 332 Applicable nozzles 334 Applicable shut-off valve 336 Applicator Control Line 350 Pressure Sensor 352 Pressure Sensor Control Line 370 Second sensor configuration 372 Feedback Sensor 374 Feedback Sensor Control Line 410 Seed Tube Event Series 430 Control Logic 450 Feedback Logic 500 main unit 502, 502' side wall 504 Front wall 506 Back wall 510, 512 Mounting elements 514 Mounting bore 516 recess 518 Socket 520 Bore 522 Mounting bore 524 Slope 530 Lower 540 Top A scanning zone B The surface below D. Droplet (aliquot) E Detection Zone I Collision location K Plant propagation material (seeds) S412, S414, ... Procedure steps T Hit Zone b Width d s distance f Drop line j spray trajectory t1, t2 Seed passage time ta: Application time (trigger time) tf Flight time TFS (Two-Functions) Feedback Sensor Transit Time v Movement speed Δta time shift α acute angle β detection angle

Claims

1. A method for applying a dressing composition to plant propagation material (K), preferably seeds, particularly granular seeds, which are individually separated by a separation means (120) of a seeding device, released therefrom, and fall onto a surface (B) below, - The first sensor configuration (310) detects plant propagation material (K) that is free-falling into a predetermined detection zone (E), - Determining, based on the detection of the plant propagation material (K), a trigger time (ta) for triggering a triggerable applicator device (330) provided to discharge an aliquot (D) of the dressing composition toward a predetermined hit zone (T) toward which the aliquot (D) can strike the plant propagation material (K) in free fall, wherein the hit zone (T) is preferably defined by the spray trajectory (j) of the dressing composition discharged from the applicator device (330), - Trigger the triggerable applicator device (330) at the determined trigger time (ta) to discharge the aliquot (D) of the dressing composition toward the hit zone (T), - The second sensor configuration (370) scans a predetermined scanning zone (A) in which the plant propagation material (K) free-falls within, around, or after the hit zone (T), - Based on the results of the scan, determine whether or not the aliquot (D) has come into contact with the plant propagation material (K), wherein the results of the scan are preferably distance information. A method that includes this.

2. - If the above determination reveals that the aliquot (D) did not hit the plant propagation material (K): Adjust the parameters used when determining the trigger time (ta) for the next plant propagation material (K). The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. Determining the trigger time (ta) is - To determine the time shift (Δta) from the detection of the plant propagation material (K) to the application of the dressing composition. - Calculating the trigger time (ta) as the sum of the detection time and the time shift (Δta), while applying a further variable additive and / or variable coefficient multiplied by the time shift (Δta) or a unary of the polynomial representing the time shift (Δta), wherein the parameters include the variable additive and / or the variable coefficient. Includes, The determination of the aforementioned time shift (Δta) is preferably done as follows: - To determine the fall time of the plant propagation material (K) from its detection until it reaches the hit zone (T), - To determine the flight time (tf) of the aliquot (D) from its ejection by the applicator device (330) until it reaches the hit zone (T), - Calculating the time shift (Δta) by including the fall time and / or the flight time (tf) as an additive, wherein the parameter preferably includes a variable coefficient multiplied by the unary of the respective polynomials representing the fall time and / or the flight time (tf), or the fall time or the flight time (tf). The method according to claim 2, including the method described in claim 2.

4. Determining the time shift (Δta) includes determining the fall time of the plant propagation material (K) from its detection until it reaches the hit zone (T), and determining the fall time is - To determine the falling velocity of the detected plant propagation material (K), - Calculate the fall time of the plant propagation material (K) based on the fall velocity and the distance between the detection zone (E) and the hit zone (T), Includes, Preferably, - The detection of the plant propagation material (K) includes detecting a first passage time (t1) of the plant propagation material (K) as it passes through a first position in the detection zone (E), and detecting a second passage time (t2) of the plant propagation material (K) as it passes through a second position in the detection zone (E), wherein the second position is located downstream of the first position along the direction of fall of the plant propagation material, and the first and second positions are preferably cross-sectional areas or diameters that cross the direction of fall of the plant propagation material (K). - The falling velocity of the detected plant propagation material (K) is determined by the first passage time and the second passage time, and the distance (d) between the first position and the second position. s) Calculated based on, The method according to claim 3.

5. Determining the time shift (Δta) includes determining the flight time (tf) of the aliquot (D) from its ejection by the applicator device (330) until it reaches the hit zone (T), and determining the flight time (tf) is - To determine the shot speed of the aliquot (D) of the dressing composition discharged from the applicator device (330), - Calculate the flight time (tf) of the aliquot (D) based on the shot velocity and the distance between the outlet of the applicator device (330) and the hit zone (T), Includes, Preferably, - The detection of the plant propagation material (K) includes detecting the offset of the plant propagation material (K) detected in the detection zone (E), - Determining the flight time (tf) involves calculating the predicted impact position (I) of the plant propagation material (K) in the hit zone (T) based on the detected offset in the detection zone (E), and calculating the flight time (tf) based on the shot velocity and the distance between the outlet of the applicator device (330) and the predicted impact position (I), The method according to claim 3 or 4, including the method described in claim 3 or 4.

6. The aforementioned determination is, - As a result of the expected scan, determine the predicted time of the hit or the predicted position of the plant propagation material (K) after the hit, - By evaluating the scan results, the detected hit time or the detected position of the plant propagation material (K) after the hit is determined as the actual scan result. - The predicted hit time and the detected hit time, or the predicted position of the plant propagation material (K) after the hit, are compared with the detected position of the plant propagation material (K) after the hit as an actual scanning result, and the difference between the predicted scanning result and the actual scanning result is obtained. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, including

7. To make it conform to the above, - Statistically evaluate the difference between the expected scanning results and the actual scanning results for multiple plant propagation materials (K), or over a predetermined time period. - Based on the aforementioned statistical evaluation, determine whether or not a significant shift occurred, - If the above decision is affirmed, the above parameter will be adjusted; otherwise, it will not be adjusted. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, including

8. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising machine learning to adapt the parameters when determining the trigger time (ta).

9. - To detect whether the applicator device (330) was actually triggered at the determined trigger time (ta), and / or whether an appropriate aliquot (D) of the dressing composition was actually discharged after the trigger, - To suppress the scanning of the scanning zone (A) and to determine whether it was detected that the applicator device (330) was not triggered at the determined trigger time (ta), and / or that no appropriate aliquot (D) of the dressing composition was discharged after the trigger, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of seed detection sensors (316) covering the detection zone (E) are continuously controlled so that cross-detection can be avoided.

11. An application unit (200) for applying a dressing composition to plant propagation material (K), preferably seeds, particularly granular seeds, that falls during sowing, is formed to be attached to a sowing device (100) having separation means (120) for individualizing the plant propagation material (K) supplied from a reservoir container and releasing the individualized plant propagation material (K) to fall freely. - A seed tube (210) that defines a drop space for plant propagation material (K), which receives the plant propagation material (K) from the separation means (120) and is formed to allow each piece of plant propagation material (K) to fall through the drop space while being optionally guided by the walls of the seed tube (210), and to fall further onto a surface (B) below after exiting the seed tube (210), - A first sensor configuration (310) is formed and positioned to detect plant propagation material (K) that has fallen into a predetermined detection zone (E) within the aforementioned falling space, - A triggerable applicator device (330) formed and positioned to discharge aliquots (D) of the dressing composition received from a dressing composition supply unit, the applicator device (330) having an outlet directed toward a hit zone (T) defined by the intersection of a spray trajectory (j) of the dressing composition discharged from the applicator device (330) and a fall space that strikes the free-falling plant propagation material (K), wherein the hit zone (T) is preferably located outside the seed tube (210), and the applicator device (330) has a triggerable application valve (334) for opening or closing fluid communication with the dressing composition supply unit, - A second sensor configuration (370) is formed and arranged to subsequently scan a predetermined scanning zone (A) in which the plant propagation material (K) free-falls, within or around the hit zone (T), or in the direction of the fall of the plant propagation material (K). - A control unit configured to control the first sensor configuration (310) to detect plant propagation material (K) falling into the detection zone (E), receive an output signal from the first sensor configuration (310), determine a trigger time (ta) based on the detection time of the detected plant propagation material (K), open the fluid communication path for a predetermined opening time at the determined trigger time (ta) to trigger the applicator device (330) to discharge aliquots (D) of the dressing composition toward the hit zone (T), control the second sensor configuration (370) to scan the scanning zone (A) after the applicator device (330) has been triggered, and determine whether or not the aliquots (D) have hit the plant propagation material (K) or have hit it sufficiently, based on the output signal received from the second sensor configuration (370), Application unit (200) including.

12. The application unit (200) according to claim 11, wherein the first sensor configuration (310) includes a first sensor array (312) of one or more seed detection sensors (316) covering a first position within the detection zone (E), and a second sensor array (312') of one or more seed detection sensors (316) covering a second sensor area within the detection zone (E), the second position being located downstream of the first position along the direction of fall of the plant propagation material (K), and the first and second positions preferably having a cross-sectional area or diameter across the longitudinal axis of the seed tube (210).

13. The application unit (200) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the various seed detection sensors (316) in the first sensor configuration (310) include a laser light barrier, and the control unit is preferably adapted to continuously control the seed detection sensors (316) in the first sensor configuration (310).

14. The application unit (200) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the second sensor configuration (370) includes a feedback sensor (372), particularly a distance sensor, preferably an ultrasonic distance sensor, and the control unit is adapted to determine the presence and / or distance of the plant propagation material (K) based on a sensor signal received from the second sensor configuration (370), and to determine whether the aliquot (D) has hit the plant propagation material (K) previously detected by the first sensor configuration (310) based on the determined presence and / or distance of the plant propagation material (K).

15. The application unit (200) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a valve operation sensor positioned to detect the operating state of the application valve (334) and / or a pressure sensor (350) positioned to detect the fluid pressure of a fluid supply line (240) for supplying the dressing composition to the applicator device (330), wherein the control unit preferably determines, based on a sensor signal received from the valve operation sensor, whether the applicator device (330) was actually triggered at the determined trigger time (ta), and / or based on a sensor signal received from the pressure sensor (350), whether an appropriate aliquot (D) of the dressing composition was actually discharged after the trigger, and is adapted to skip the scanning and determination thereon in the event of either negation.

16. The application unit (200) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the control unit is formed and configured to control elements of the application unit (200) and / or external equipment of the application unit (200) in order to carry out the method described in claims 1 to 10.

17. A seed tube (210) in the application unit (200) according to claims 11 to 16, having a body (500) for defining a drop space for plant propagation material (K), preferably seeds, in particular granular seeds, wherein the body (500) has a receiving end (210c) having an inlet for receiving plant propagation material (K) from a separation means of a seeding device (100), and a discharge end (210a) for releasing the plant propagation material (K) after it has fallen through the drop space, and the body (500) is within the drop space, The system further includes, in particular, a first sensor mounting means (560) for mounting a first sensor configuration (310) so as to cover a detection zone (E) defined within the internal space of the main body; an applicator mounting means for mounting an applicator device (330) such that its supply end is connected to a fluid supply line (242); and a discharge port in the drop space, preferably directed toward a hit zone (T) defined outside the internal space of the main body (500) beyond the discharge end (210a), wherein the main body (500) is - A second sensor mounting means for mounting a second sensor configuration (370) so as to cover within or around the hit zone (T), or a scanning zone (A) subsequently defined in the direction of fall of the plant propagation material (K), and / or - Electronic equipment mounting means for mounting a control unit for controlling the first sensor mechanism (310) and / or the applicator device (330) and / or the second sensor configuration (370) A seed tube (210) further includes the seed tube.

18. The seed tube (210) according to claim 17, further comprising a guide channel (526) formed by the body (500) between the detection zone (E) and the discharge end (210a), wherein the guide channel (526) has a width (b) in at least one cross-sectional direction that is adapted to the particle size of a particular type of plant propagation material (K).

19. A dressing application device (130) having a plurality of application units (200) according to claims 11 to 16, wherein at least a portion of the control unit of each application unit (200) is provided in a distributed manner in each application unit (200), and in particular is attached to each of the seed tubes (210) of each application unit (200), wherein the seed tubes (210) are preferably formed according to claim 17, and the dressing application device (130) is preferably - power supply, - Dressing reservoir for fluidized dressing compositions, and - Piping for connecting each applicator device (330) of each application unit (200) to the dressing reservoir. A dressing application device (130) having at least one of the following.

20. A seeding device comprising: a reservoir container for transporting plant propagation material (K), preferably seeds, particularly granular seeds; separation means (120) for individualizing the plant propagation material (K) from the reservoir container and releasing the plant propagation material (K) so that it falls onto a surface (B) below; and one or more application units (200) according to claims 11 to 16, or a dressing application device (130) according to claim 18, wherein each application unit (200) is formed and attached to the receiving end of each seed tube (210) to receive the plant propagation material (K) released from the separation means (120).

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