Method of separating and / or removing haulms, use of the method, apparatus for performing the method, use of the apparatus, and a method of suppressing infection in a field after removal of haulms and an apparatus for distributing slaked lime on a field

Abstract

An apparatus for separating haulms from crops comprises a defoliating device comprising a preferably circulating, haulm engaging tool (28) adapted for mechanical separating and / or removing haulms above the ground from crops below the surface of the ground. The apparatus further comprises a container (40) for accommodating calcium hydroxide, such as slaked lime and means (41) adapted, in accordance with the method, to continuously distribute slaked lime onto the ground as a band behind the haulm engaging tool (28) relative to a direction (13) of forward movement during operation.

Description

[0001] Method of separating and / or removing haulms, use of the method, apparatus for performing the method, use of the apparatus, and a method of suppressing infection in a field after removal of haulms and an apparatus for distributing slaked lime on a field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a method of separating and / or removing haulms above ground to stop haulm growth prior to harvesting crops growing in a row, possibly on a ridge, such as tuber or root crops, especially potato crops, whereby the haulms are mechanically separated from the crops, especially by pulling, cutting, or slashing.

[0003] Further the disclosure relates to an apparatus for performing the method according to the disclosure, said apparatus comprising a haulm engaging tool adapted for mechanical separating haulms above the ground from crops below the surface of the ground, especially by pulling, cutting, or slashing the haulms.

[0004] The present disclosure further relates to a method of suppressing infection in a field after removal of haulms from crops growing in a row, especially potato crops, and to an apparatus for distributing slaked lime on a field.

[0005] E.g. in potato farming haulms need to be cut at a time prior to harvest to promote the development of the new potatoes in the ground rather than the development of the haulms above the ground.

[0006] For this purpose a great number of tools and implements are known, and different methods are known for separating or removing the haulms above the ground from the crops below the surface of the ground.

[0007] WO 2020 / 164672 Al and WO 2023 / 180253 Al, both naming the present inventor and both incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, disclose a haulm cutting apparatus wherein a haulm engaging tool comprise a first, rotatable shear rotatable around an axis of rotation extending vertically and a counter shear for cooperation with the first, rotatable shear, wherein the first, rotatable shear and the counter shear are positioned in a side-by-side relationship relative to a direction of travel during operation to cut the haulms at the surface of the ground.

[0008] NL 7905829 A discloses a mechanical multi-row defoliator for potato plants or the like comprises a main frame which carries pairs of contra-rotating rollers to catch the foliage between them to pull the foliage or haulms above the ground from the crops below the surface of the ground.

[0009] NL 1042461 Bl discloses another device for mechanical haulm pulling said device comprising a pulling unit with two hydraulic, mechanically or electrically driven rollers and / or belts against each other to grip the haulm and pull it out of the ground free from the tubers.

[0010] Other types of haulm pulling aggregates, that are usable with the present disclosure, comprise pairs of disc shaped elements positioned in a back to back relationship, that are rotating in generally vertical planes parallel to the direction of travel to catch the haulms between them and pull the haulms from the ground.

[0011] US 2018 / 0343795 Al discloses an apparatus comprising a haulm engaging tool in the form of a rotor with a horizontal axis of rotation extending in the direction of forward movement during operation said rotor carrying radially extending flail-like blades adapted to cut or slash the haulms.

[0012] KR 20090087858 Bl discloses an apparatus comprising a haulm engaging tool in the form of a rotor with a horizontal axis of rotation extending perpendicular to the direction of forward movement during operation said rotor carrying radially extending flail-like blades adapted to cut or slash the haulms.

[0013] These mechanical means for separating or removing haulms from the crops in the ground are alternative to chemical agents, such as herbicides, that are also known as means for destroying the haulms to make the haulms wither and die.

[0014] Use of such chemical agents or herbicides are however preferably avoided for environmental reasons and in ecological farming the use of such chemical agents or herbicides is generally banned.

[0015] It is known that on removal of the haulms above ground, the stems of the haulms extending into the ground may not wither completely from the treatment and also some parts of the haulm may escape e.g. rollers or belts tending to grab and pull the haulms from the ground. Accordingly there is a risk that residual haulms or stems in the ground will make new shoots which is preferably avoided.

[0016] To avoid such new shoots the above NL 1042461 Bl suggests including a sensor controlled precision spot spraying system to sense unpulled haulm and apply a chemical spot spray thereto.

[0017] Likewise, the above WO 2023 / 180253 Al discloses an optional spraying device with a nozzle provided behind the defoliating device for spraying a weeding agent onto residuals of haulms. Thus, according to WO 2023 / 180253 Al, whereas defoliating or haulm cutting is intended as an alternative to a chemical treatment, a slight chemical treatment may be added.

[0018] It should be understood that any of the above-mentioned means for separating and removing haulms above the ground from crops in the ground, i.e. below the surface of the ground, also known as defoliating, may be used in the method or in the apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0019] It is known in the art that plants are prone to various diseases.

[0020] E.g. potatoes are in the risk of being infected by blackleg disease. Blackleg is caused by different bacteria, comprising Pectobacterium parmentieri, Pectobacterium atrosepticum, Pectobacterium brasiliense, Dickeya solani, and Dickeya dianthicola.

[0021] During mechanical separation and removal of haulms the engagement with the haulms by mechanical means will produce more or less aerosols depending on the method and means used. Aerosols originating from the haulms of an infected plant will carry infecting bacteria and such bacteria carrying aerosols may according to the knowledge of the present inventor be traced up to 300 meters from the infected plant. This entails a risk that bacteria falling to the ground will infect residual stems of plants whose haulms have been cut whereby the disease may penetrate into the ground and infect plants in the ground including the potato tubers.

[0022] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and an apparatus for avoiding at least some of the above problems in relation to growing crops, especially potato crops.

[0023] This is obtained by a method of separating and / or removing haulms above ground to stop haulm growth prior to harvesting crops growing in a row, such as tuber or root crops, especially potato crops, whereby the haulms are mechanically separated from the crops, especially by pulling, cutting, or slashing, whereby subsequent to said separation and / or removal of the haulms, calcium hydroxide, such as slaked lime is continuously distributed as a band on the ground along the row, centred relative thereto.

[0024] Whereas slaked lime, i.e. calcium hydroxide, is known as such as a disinfecting substance due to alkalinity, it has to the knowledge of the inventor never been contemplated to apply it to the ground of an agricultural field to stop haulm growth or prevent infection of crops in the ground, especially potato tubers.

[0025] Nevertheless, slaked lime possesses a number of beneficial features.

[0026] Thus, it is according to COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015 / 762 of 12 May 2015 accepted by the European commission as a basic substance in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107 / 2009, cf. SANCO / 10148 / 2015- rev. 1 of 20 March 2015. According to the latter Calcium hydroxide is considered of essential use in organic farming for its efficacy against fungus such as Neonectria galligena, and Calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) is accepted for use a as fungicide whereby a fine suspension in water may be sprinkled or sprayed onto pome fruit or stone fruit after leaf drop.

[0027] Thus, Calcium hydroxide , such as slaked lime is acceptable for use in organic farming, and while slaked lime has a high alkalinity entailing a risk of bite or etching, it will gradually react with carbon dioxide to produce lime (CaCCh) which basically is a harmless substance.

[0028] By applying slaked lime whereby, subsequent to separation and / or removal of the haulms, calcium hydroxide , such as slaked lime is continuously distributed as a generally continuous band on the ground along the row, centred relative thereto, may be obtained that crops in the ground are protected from e.g. blackleg disease due to contaminated aerosols from mechanically processed haulms, and further, new shoots from residual stems of cut haulms may be hampered by bite or etching from the slaked lime when the new shoots are attempting to reach the surface of the ground.

[0029] In addition to blackleg disease, slaked lime distributed on the ground may have an effect to reduce mould and / or blight in potatoes, i.e. potato blight.

[0030] Further, slaked lime will promote drying and thus withering of the residual cut stems in the ground. This drying effect may be enhanced by adding a small amount of salt, such as sodium chloride, with the slaked lime.

[0031] In a practical embodiment the slaked lime is distributed, preferably by spraying, as an aqueous solution or aqueous suspension.

[0032] In an alternative dry slaked lime may be sprinkled, e.g. over a rotor carrying radially extending flail-like blades cutting or slashing the haulms whereby the rotor due to its rotation will provide for distributing the slaked lime to the haulms and the ground.

[0033] In an embodiment a layer of soil is applied onto the band of slaked lime. Hereby is obtained on one hand that the band of slaked lime may be protected from erosion and on the other hand creature of any kind walking in the field may be protected from bite or etching from the slaked lime.

[0034] In an embodiment slaked lime is distributed onto a haulm engaging tool performing the mechanical separation and / or removal. Hereby may be obtained that the tool is disinfected after a possible encounter with haulms that are infected e.g. with blackleg disease thereby preventing the disease from being spread by the engaging tool.

[0035] In an embodiment the slaked lime is sprayed into a flow of cut and / or separated haulms during the separation and / or removal thereof. Hereby is obtained that haulms infected by e.g. blackleg disease may be disinfected preventing spread of the disease from such haulms.

[0036] The present disclosure also relates to use of a method as disclosed above for preventing infection from blackleg disease.

[0037] The object is further obtained by an apparatus for performing the method disclosed above, said apparatus comprising a defoliating device comprising a preferably circulating, haulm engaging tool adapted for mechanical separating and / or removing haulms above the ground from crops below the surface of the ground, especially by pulling, cutting, or slashing the haulms, wherein said apparatus further comprises a container for accommodating calcium hydroxide , such as slaked lime and means adapted to continuously distribute slaked lime onto the ground as a band behind the haulm engaging tool relative to a direction of forward movement during operation. Hereby is obtained that a generally continuous band of slaked lime may be applied to the ground as described above.

[0038] It should be understood that whereas slaked lime is continuously distributed, depending on the arrangement of the means for distribution, spots in the band of slaked lime on the ground may be void such spots having been shielded by haulms that are subsequently laterally shifted on the ground.

[0039] The means adapted to continuously distribute slaked lime onto the ground may be adapted to distribute or spread the slaked lime in a basically dry condition or as a liquid suspension or solution.

[0040] In an embodiment of the apparatus the means adapted to distribute slaked lime comprises at least one nozzle adapted to direct slaked lime onto the ground behind the haulm engaging tool. Directing the slaked lime directly towards the ground will be effective in achieving a generally continuous band of slaked lime on the ground. A nozzle adapted to distribute slaked lime is e.g. applicable for distributing the slaked lime as a liquid suspension or solution.

[0041] It should be noted that nozzles intended for spraying chemicals such as herbicides will generally not be useable for slaked lime because the liquid suspension or solution of slaked lime are prone to comprise lumps that might block a nozzle intended for the chemicals such as herbicides known to be used for withering haulms.

[0042] In an embodiment of the apparatus the means adapted to distribute slaked lime comprises at least one nozzle adapted to direct at least part of the slaked lime onto at least part of the haulm engaging tool. Hereby disinfection of the haulm engaging tool may be obtained as described above.

[0043] In an embodiment of the apparatus the means adapted to distribute slaked lime comprises at least one nozzle adapted to direct at least part of the slaked lime into a flow of haulms during the separation and / or removal thereof. During separation and / or removal of the haulms, the haulms will be tossed around in a flow of haulms and directing slaked lime into such flow will provide for slaked lime being applied to the cut and / or separated haulms thereby preventing disease from being spread for any infected haulms. While a part of the distributed slaked lime will adhere to the haulms when directing slaked lime into a flow of haulms, still another part will fall to the ground to provide a generally continuous band of slaked lime on the ground.

[0044] In a practical embodiment of the apparatus the at least one nozzle is provided by an ejector.

[0045] Whereas an ejector is seen as a good practical solution for distributing the slaked lime, other solutions are possible.

[0046] A circulating haulm engaging tool, especially a rotor carrying radially extending flail-like blades, will provide a flow of air that may be quite forceful and turbulent and may provide for spreading slaked lime distributed from even a simple nozzle such as a tube end having an internal diameter of 8, preferably 10, 12 or more millimetres.

[0047] In an embodiment of the apparatus means are provided for moving soil onto the band of slaked lime. Hereby means are provided for obtained on one hand that the band of slaked lime may be protected from erosion by a cover of soil and on the other hand creature of any kind walking in the field may be protected from bite or etching from the slaked lime.

[0048] In an embodiment of the apparatus means for laterally shifting the haulms separated from the crops are provided. Hereby is obtained that cut residual stems of crop in the ground that are intended to wither are left uncovered by plant material that might shield the cut stems from drying thereby reducing withering. The means for distributing slaked lime may be provided in front of and / or after the means for laterally shifting the cut haulms. Thereby it is possible to prioritize distributing slaked lime to the ground and / or to the cut haulms.

[0049] The present disclosure also relates to the use of an apparatus according to disclosure to perform a method according to the disclosure.

[0050] After removal of the haulms from a crop, such as a potato crop, growing in a row, possibly on a ridge, time may pass, e.g. several weeks, before the crop is eventually harvested. During said time the remaining, cut stems may not wither completely and some cut stems may make new shoots and leaves or leaves may be left on cut stems after the haulm removal.

[0051] In order to prevent cut stems from being infected by e.g. potato blight it is known to distributing a disinfection agent to the rows of cut stems, whereby at least some known disinfection agents comprise PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS have during the recent years turned out to be problematic from an environmental point of view for which reason it is endeavoured to avoid the use thereof.

[0052] In order to maintain the wanted effect of the disinfection agent it may be necessary to repeat the distribution at intervals of e.g. 6 days.

[0053] According to the present disclosure a method is provided of suppressing infection in field after removal of haulms from crops growing in a row, especially potato crops, whereby calcium hydroxide, such as slaked lime is continuously distributed as a band on the ground along the row, centred relative thereto.

[0054] In an embodiment the method is performed at least once at one or more intervals of 3 days to 3 weeks after performance of haulm removal, e.g. by the above mentioned method of separating and / or removing haulms according to the present disclosure.

[0055] The present disclosure further provides an apparatus for distributing slaked lime onto a field.

[0056] Thus, according to the present disclosure an apparatus for distributing a disinfection agent, such as calcium hydroxide, such as slaked lime, as a band on the ground along a row of defoliated crops, especially dehaulmed potato crops, comprises an aggregate of an air conduit for connection to an air pump, said air conduit having a conduit outlet, and a nozzle for ejecting the disinfection agent, a nozzle outlet of said nozzle being provided inside the air conduit or in the vicinity of the conduit outlet. A flow of disinfection agent, especially calcium hydroxide, such as slaked lime, from the nozzle outlet will thereby during operation be mixed with a flow of air from the conduit outlet. The mixed flow of disinfection agent and air may thus be distributed onto the ground and any residuals of the haulms.

[0057] Using slaked lime as a disinfection agent, in addition to the disinfecting effect, provides the effect of turning the green residuals of the haulm and any new shoots or leaves thereon grey or white whereby aphides are not attracted by the residuals. It is noted that aphides are possible carriers of infection by potato blight and thereby, keeping aphides away reduces the risk of potato blight infection.

[0058] In an embodiment the nozzle is provided by a tube end such as a hose end. Hereby a simple construction is obtained.

[0059] In an embodiment the nozzle outlet is provided, and debouches, inside the air conduit upstream of the conduit outlet. Hereby mixing of the flow of air and the flow of disinfection agent during operation is provided for.

[0060] In an embodiment the nozzle is extending inside a tube, such as a hose, of the air conduit to eject the disinfection agent in parallel with air ejected from the conduit outlet. Hereby is provided for expelling the disinfection agent from the nozzle outlet by the disinfection agent being carried along by the flow of air to be effectively distributed onto the ground and the haulm residuals.

[0061] In a further embodiment the nozzle outlet is provided and debouches inside the tube of the air conduit upstream of the conduit outlet.

[0062] In an embodiment at least two aggregates of air conduit and nozzle are provided to eject respective combinations of air and disinfection agent in different directions. Hereby a more thorough and effective distribution of the disinfection agent may be obtained.

[0063] In a further embodiment the at least two aggregates of air conduit and nozzle are provided to eject respective combinations of air and disinfection agent in opposite directions towards a common plane positioned between the conduit outlets of the at least two aggregates of air conduit and nozzle. Hereby turbulence may be enhanced to further enhance the thorough and effective distribution of the disinfection agent.

[0064] In a practical embodiment the two aggregates of air conduit and nozzle are positioned non-coaxially. This may further enhance turbulence to ensure that disinfection agent is applied to all surfaces of any residual haulms.

[0065] In an embodiment the conduit outlet(s) and the nozzle outlet(s) of the aggregate(s) of air conduit and nozzle is(are) positioned under a hood. Hereby is facilitated that the disinfection agent is applied within the intended band on the ground. The hood may be made of any suitable material e.g. steel plate or rubber plate.

[0066] In a further embodiment the hood is elongated to extend along and above a row of defoliated crops during operation, and preferably the hood is shaped as an open-ended, inverted trough. Hereby the hood may provide a tunnel-like structure above the part of or band in the field comprising the cut haulm residuals.

[0067] The apparatus for distributing a disinfection agent may be used alone or it may be incorporated in an apparatus for separating and / or removing haulms above ground like the apparatus for separating and / or removing haulms above ground according to the present disclosure.

[0068] In the following embodiments will be disclosed having reference to the schematic drawings, wherein:

[0069] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of the apparatus;

[0070] Fig. 2 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the apparatus;

[0071] Fig. 3 shows a side view of a third embodiment of the apparatus;

[0072] Fig. 4 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus;

[0073] Fig. 5 shows a vertical section of two adjacent ridges of crop rows;

[0074] Fig. 6 shows a section of an apparatus for distributing a disinfection agent as indicated by line VI-VI in Fig. 7;

[0075] Fig. 7 illustrates a side view of the apparatus for distributing a disinfection agent;

[0076] Fig. 8 is a top view of the apparatus for distributing a disinfection agent; and Fig. 9 is a sectioned side view of an aggregate of an air conduit and a nozzle.

[0077] Fig. 1 discloses a tractor 1 towing via a three-point suspension 2 a haulm lifting and separating apparatus 11. The tractor is straddling at least one ridge 12a in which a row of crops, in the example potato crops, is growing.

[0078] The tractor 1 and haulm lifting and separating apparatus 11 has a direction 13 of forward movement during operation as indicated by an arrow.

[0079] The haulm lifting and separating apparatus 11 comprises a first frame part 36 and a second frame part 37 connected by parallel pivoted arms 38.

[0080] The first frame part 36 carries a circulating element 14 and a ground abutment 18 for positioning the circulating element 14 relative to the ground, and haulm lifting element 23.

[0081] The second frame part 37 carries an element with an abutment surface 32 for abutting the side of the ridge 12a and position the second frame part 37 relative to the ridge 12a, and a defoliating device or haulm engaging tool 28 for cutting haulms.

[0082] As described so far, the haulm lifting and separating apparatus 11 is identical to the haulm lifting and separating apparatus 11 described in the above-mentioned WO 2023 / 180253 Al with reference to Fig. 1 to 4 thereof.

[0083] The defoliating device or haulm engaging tool 28 may be formed by two rotating shears like the shears 11 and 12 described in WO 2020 / 164672 Al with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 thereof. WO 2023 / 180253 Al and WO 2020 / 164672 Al are, as mentioned above, incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

[0084] Additionally to the features described so far, the apparatus 11 comprises a container 40 for accommodating calcium hydroxide , such as slaked lime, preferably as an aqueous solution or aqueous suspension, and means 41 adapted to continuously distribute slaked lime onto the ground as a band behind the haulm engaging tool 28 relative to a direction 13 of forward movement.

[0085] In the embodiment shown the means 41 adapted to distribute slaked lime comprises a nozzle 42 adapted to direct slaked lime onto the ground behind the haulm engaging tool 28.

[0086] In the embodiment shown the nozzle 42 is provided by an ejector 43. A fluid pump, such as an air pump 44 is provided to provide fluid for driving the ejector 43 to eject slaked lime from the container 40. As shown a conduit 40a connects the container 40 to the ejector 43 and a conduit 44a connects the air pump 44 to the ejector

[0087] 43. Ejectors, sometimes referred to as ejector pumps, are as such well known in the art and their function is that fluid, such as air is blown through the ejector whereby the flow of fluid or air will suck in and entrail a substance, in the present case slaked lime, and the substance will be ejected through the nozzle of the ejector together with the fluid or air blown through the ejector.

[0088] The ejector 43 is adapted to continuously eject and distribute the slaked lime during operation of the defoliating device, i.e. the haulm engaging tool 28.

[0089] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 means 45 for laterally shifting the haulms separated from the crops are provided. The means 45 for laterally shifting the separated haulms are shown schematically and may be constituted by a guiding means such as a guiding plate, possibly of rubber, or a guiding fence-like structure. Such guiding means may present a surface extending obliquely relative to the direction 13 of forward movement for engaging the separated haulms and directing or pushing it laterally. Further, laterally shifting means 45 may be provided by active means such as a rake wheel as disclosed in the above-mentioned WO 2020 / 164672 Al with reference to Fig. 6 thereof.

[0090] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the laterally shifting means 45 are provided behind the defoliating device or haulm engaging tool 28 and in front of the ejector 43.

[0091] Behind the laterally shifting means 45 and the ejector 43, means 39 for moving soil are provided. The soil moving means 39 may e.g. be provided by one or two harrow discs and the soil moving means 39 are adapted to move soil onto the band of slaked lime provided by the ejector 43, as will be described below.

[0092] Fig. 2 shows a variant of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Thus, in Fig. 2 the positions of the laterally shifting means 45 and the ejector 43 has been changed so that the lateral shifting means 45 are behind the ejector 43. Apart from this difference the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 and 2 are identical.

[0093] Fig. 3 shows a variant in which a separating apparatus 11a is provided rather than the haulm lifting and separating apparatus 11 shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Thus in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, only a frame part 37a corresponding to the second frame part 37 of Figs. 1 and 2 is provided and coupled directly to the three-point suspension 2 of the tractor 1. It should however be understood that a first frame part similar to the first frame part 36 of Figs. 1 and 2 might be positioned in front of the frame part 37a to provide for the functions provided by the first frame part 36 in Figs. 1 and 2 as described in WO 2023 / 180253 Al as mentioned above.

[0094] In the embodiment of Fig. 3 a defoliating device or haulm engaging tool 28a is provided by two endless bands 46, of which only one is seen in Fig. 3. The two endless bands 46 are positioned adjacent to each other in side-by-side relationship and the two endless bands 46 are respectively carried and driven by two rotating shafts 47. The two rotating shafts 47 drives the bands 46 so that outer runs, of which one is seen in Fig. 3 moves forward and inner adjacent runs of the two bands 46 move rewards to engage and pull between them the haulms thereby separating the haulms. A similar haulm pulling arrangement is known from the above-mentioned NL 1042461 Bl. Another haulm pulling arrangement that might also be usable is disclosed in the likewise above-mentioned NL 7905829 A. Behind the defoliating device or haulm engaging tool 28a, means 41 adapted to continuously distribute slaked lime onto the ground, laterally shifting means 45, and means 39 for moving soil are provided and arranged like in the embodiment of Fig. 2.

[0095] The embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is similar to the embodiment of Fig. 3 and the comments regarding the possibility of applying a first frame part to the embodiment of Fig. 3, are applicable to the embodiment of Fig. 4 as well.

[0096] The difference between the embodiment of Fig. 3 and the embodiment of Fig. 4 is that in the embodiment of Fig. 4 the defoliating device or haulm engaging tool 28a of Fig. 3 is substituted by a defoliating device or haulm engaging tool 28b constituted by a rotor carrying radially extending flail-like blades adapted to cut or slash the haulms. Rotors of this kind are generally known from the above-mentioned US 2018 / 0343795 Al and KR 20090087858 Bl.

[0097] Fig. 5 shows a vertical section perpendicular to the direction 13 of forward movement through two adjacent ridges 12a in each of which a row of potato crops is growing. Thus in each ridge 12a two tubers or potatoes 50 are show together with the remains or residual of a cut stem 51.

[0098] In use the apparatus in all the embodiments shown will cut, pull, and / or slash haulms that will be left on the respective ridge 12a or when laterally shifting means 45 are provided as shown, the haulms thus separated from the stems 51 left in the ground will be shifted to ditch-like areas 12b next to the ridges 12a.

[0099] Bands 52 of slaked lime distributed by the ejector 43 will provide a mem- brane-like structure on the ridges. These membrane-like structures or bands 52 are covered by a layer 53 of soil provided by the soil moving means 39 when such means are provided like in the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 4. By covering the band 52 of slaked lime with a layer of soil 53 is provided for obtained on one hand that the band 52 of slaked lime may be protected from erosion by the cover or layer of soil 53 and on the other hand creature of any kind walking in the field may be protected from bite or etching from the slaked lime.

[0100] The means 41 distributing the slaked lime, such as the ejector 43 and especially the nozzle 42 thereof, are preferably adapted to distribute, eject, or spray the slaked lime at a certain width to provide a width of the band 52 that is appropriate to cover the area of the row or ridge within which the corps are grooving and within which area new shoots from the remaining stems 51 might seek to penetrate the surface of the ground. Distributing, ejecting, or spraying at such width may also provide for distributing the slaked lime onto an area having a certain length in the direction 13 of forward movement whereby part of the slaked lime may be applied onto the haulm engaging tool 28, 28a, 28b and part of the slaked lime may be applied onto the ground behind the haulm engaging tool 28, 28a, 28b. This way of applying the slaked lime onto the haulm engaging tool 28, 28a, 28b as well as onto the ground behind the haulm engaging tool 28, 28a, 28b is provided for when the means 41 distributing the slaked lime is placed as indicated in Figs. 2, 3, and 4. By applying slaked lime to the haulm engaging tool 28, 28a, 28b these may be disinfected as previously explained.

[0101] By means of the laterally shifting means 45 is obtained that cut residual stems 51 of crop in the ground that are intended to wither are left uncovered by plant material that might shield the cut stems 51 from drying thereby reducing withering. The means 41 for distributing slaked lime may be provided in front of (cf. Figs. 2, 3, 4) and / or after (cf. Fig. 1) the means 45 for laterally shifting the cut haulms. Thereby it is possible to prioritize distributing slaked lime to the ground and / or to the cut haulms.

[0102] Thus, when the means 41 for distributing slaked lime are provided after (cf. Fig. 1) the means 45 for laterally shifting the cut haulms only little of the slaked lime may be applied to the cut haulms and the majority of the slaked lime may be applied to the ground and the defoliating device or haulm engaging tool 28.

[0103] On the other hand, when the means 41 for distributing slaked lime are provided in front of (cf. Figs. 2, 3, 4) the means 45 for laterally shifting the cut haulms, the slaked lime will be applied onto the cut haulms and a part of the slaked lime will stick to the cut haulms and a part of the slaked lime will fall through the cut haulms to end up on the ground as a band 52 possibly with some void spots. This way a membrane 52 may still be formed, possibly with voids, and the cut haulms may be disinfected by slaked lime.

[0104] During operation the rotating or circulating haulm engaging tool 28, 28a, 28b will provide a flow of cut haulms.

[0105] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 4 the nozzle 42 of the means 41 adapted to distribute slaked lime is directed to eject slaked lime into a flow of haulms during the separation and / or removal thereof. Thus, during separation and / or removal of the haulms, the haulms will be tossed around in a flow of haulms and directing slaked lime into such flow will provide for slaked lime being applied to the cut and / or separated haulms thereby preventing disease from being spread for any infected haulms. This is especially relevant when a rotor comprising flail-like blades that will cut and / or slash the haulms is used. While a part of the distributed slaked lime will adhere to the haulms when directing slaked lime into a flow of haulms, still another part will, as indicated above, fall to the ground to provide a generally continuous band of slaked lime on the ground.

[0106] Referring now to Figs. 6 to 9 an apparatus 60 is disclosed for distributing a disinfection agent, such as calcium hydroxide , such as slaked lime, as a band 52 on the ground along a row of defoliated crops, especially dehaulmed potato crops 51. The apparatus 60 comprises aggregates 61a, 61b each of an air conduit 62 for connection to an air pump, like the air pump 44, said air conduit 62 having a conduit outlet 63, and a nozzle 64 for ejecting the disinfection agent. A nozzle outlet 65 of the nozzle is provided inside the air conduit 62 in the vicinity of the conduit outlet 63.

[0107] In an alternative the nozzle outlet 65 may be positioned right outside the conduit outlet 63 in the vicinity thereof.

[0108] In yet an alternative the nozzle outlet 65 may be positioned inside the air conduit further from the conduit outlet 63 like in the ejector 43 indicated in Figs. 1 to 4.

[0109] In each of these cases, a flow of disinfection agent, especially slaked lime, will thereby during operation be mixed with a flow of air flowing through the air conduit 62 and out the conduit outlet 63 to be distributed onto the ground and any residuals of the haulms.

[0110] In the embodiment shown the nozzle 64 is provided by an end of a tube or a hose 66.

[0111] In the embodiment shown the nozzle outlet 65 is provided, and debouches, inside the air conduit 62 upstream of the conduit outlet 63.

[0112] Further, in the embodiment shown the nozzle 64 is extending inside a tube, especially a hose 67 providing at least part of the air conduit 62 to eject the disinfection agent in parallel with air ejected from the conduit outlet 62.

[0113] As seen in Fig. 7 and especially in Fig. 8, in the embodiment shown three aggregates 61a, 61b of air conduit and nozzle are provided to eject respective combinations of air and disinfection agent in different directions.

[0114] The aggregates 61a, 61b of air conduit and nozzle are arranged so that two aggregates 61a are arranged in parallel with a mutual distance and one aggregate 61b is arranged opposite the two first-mentioned aggregates 61a in a position centred relative to the mutual distance between the two first-mentioned aggregates 61a, and the two first-mentioned aggregates 61a and the latter aggregate 61b are provided to eject respective combinations of air and disinfection agent in opposite directions towards a common plane P positioned between the conduit outlets 63 of the first mentioned and latter aggregates 61a, 61b. Thus the aggregates 61a, 61b are positioned non-coaxially. This arrangement provides turbulence to further enhance the thorough and effective distribution of the disinfection agent during operation.

[0115] It should be noted that the common plane P is not a physical item, but a place or position between the aggregates 61a, 61b.

[0116] In the embodiment shown the conduit outlets 63 and the nozzle outlets 65 of the aggregates 61a, 61b of air conduit and nozzle are positioned under a hood 68. The hood 68 may be made of any suitable material e.g. steel plate or rubber plate.

[0117] As seen in Fig. 7 and especially in Fig. 8, the three aggregates 61a, 61b are passed through the material of the hood 68 at respective points B

[0118] In the embodiment shown the hood 68 is shaped as an open-ended, inverted trough. In operation the hood 68 provides a tunnel-like structure above the part of or band 52 in the field comprising the cut haulm residual stems 51. The hood 68 may in operation be carried e.g. about 5-10 cm above the ground. The open-ended troughshape may correspond to the shape of ridges found in the fields to be treated by means of the apparatus i.e. the ridges on which the crops, e.g. potato crops, are grown.

[0119] It is noted that especially Figs. 6 and 7 indicated the apparatus 60 as positioned relative to a ridge like the ridge 12a comprising remains of a cut stem, i.e. a cut residual stem 51 or a haulm residual.

[0120] Referring now to Fig. 9 which shows an enlarged sectioned side view of one of the aggregates 61a, 61b of an air conduit and a nozzle.

[0121] The aggregate comprises the air conduit 62 which in the present embodiment is provided by a tube or hose 67. The air conduit is adapted to be connected to an air blower or air pump such as the air pump 44 shown in Figs. 1 to 4.

[0122] The nozzle 64 is provided by another tube or hose 66 with a smaller diameter than a diameter of the tube or hose 67 of the air conduit 62. The tube or hose 66 of the nozzle 64 is adapted to be connected to a container for slaked lime, like the container 40 shown in Figs. 1 to 4. The tube or hose 66 of the nozzle 64 is at a point A passed through the wall of the tube or hose 67 of the air conduit 62 for the nozzle 64 to extend within the air conduit.

[0123] The apparatus 60 for distributing a disinfection agent may be used alone possible together with means for moving soil like the means 39 for moving soil shown in Figs. 1 to 4, or the apparatus 60 may be incorporated in an apparatus for separating and / or removing haulms above ground like the apparatus 11, 11a for separating and / or removing haulms above ground shown in Figs. 1 to 4. In the latter case the apparatus 60 may substitute the ejector 43 shown in Figs. 1 to 4.

Claims

P A T E N T C L A I M S1. A method of separating and / or removing haulms above ground to stop haulm growth prior to harvesting crops growing in a row, possibly on a ridge (12a), such as tuber or root crops, especially potato crops (51), whereby the haulms are mechanically separated from the crops, especially by pulling, cutting, or slashing, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by subsequent to said separation and / or removal of the haulms, calcium hydroxide , such as slaked lime is continuously distributed as a band (52) on the ground along the row, centred relative thereto.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the slaked lime is distributed, preferably by spraying, as an aqueous solution or aqueous suspension.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a layer (53) of soil is applied onto the band (52) of slaked lime.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein slaked lime is distributed onto a haulm engaging tool (28, 28a, 28b) performing the mechanical separation and / or removal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the slaked lime is sprayed into a flow of cut and / or separated haulms during the separation and / or removal thereof.

6. Use of a method according of any one of claims for preventing infection from blackleg disease.

7. An apparatus for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, said apparatus comprising a defoliating device comprising a preferably circulating, haulm engaging tool (28, 28a, 28b) adapted for mechanical separating and / or removing haulms above the ground from crops (50) below the surface of the ground, especially by pulling, cutting, or slashing the haulms, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said apparatus further comprises a container (40) for accommodating calcium hydroxide , such as slaked lime and means (41) adapted to continuously distribute slaked lime onto the ground as a band (52) behind the haulm engaging tool (28, 28a, 28b) relative to a direction (13) of forward movement during operation.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the means (41) adapted todistribute slaked lime comprises at least one nozzle (42) adapted to direct slaked lime onto the ground behind the haulm engaging tool.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the means (41) adapted to distribute slaked lime comprises at least one nozzle (42) adapted to direct at least part of the slaked lime onto at least part of the haulm engaging tool (28, 28a, 28b).

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the means (41) adapted to distribute slaked lime comprises at least one nozzle (42) adapted to direct at least part of the slaked lime into a flow of haulms during the separation and / or removal thereof.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein said at least one nozzle (42) is provided by an ejector (43).

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein means (39) are provided for moving soil onto the band (52) of slaked lime.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein means (45) for laterally shifting the haulms separated from the crops are provided.

14. Use of an apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 13 to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

15. A method of suppressing infection in a field after removal of haulms from crops growing in a row, especially potato crops, whereby calcium hydroxide, such as slaked lime is continuously distributed as a band (52) on the ground along the row, centred relative thereto.

16. The method according to claim 15, which is performed at least once at one or more intervals of 3 days to 3 weeks after performance of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

17. An apparatus (60) for distributing a disinfection agent, such as calcium hydroxide, such as slaked lime, as a band (52) on the ground along a row of defoliated crops (51), especially dehaulmed potato crops, the apparatus (60) comprising an aggregate (61a, 61b) of an air conduit (62) adapted to be connected to an air pump (44), said conduit (62) having a conduit outlet (63), and a nozzle (64) for ejecting the disinfection agent, a nozzle outlet (65) of said nozzle (64) being provided inside the airconduit (62) or in the vicinity of the conduit outlet (63).

18. The apparatus (60) according to claim 17, wherein the nozzle (64) is provided by a tube (66) end.

19. The apparatus (60) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the nozzle outlet (65) is provided inside the air conduit (62) upstream of the conduit outlet (63).

20. The apparatus (60) according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the nozzle (64) is extending inside a tube (67) of the air conduit (62) to eject the disinfection agent in parallel with air ejected from the conduit outlet (63).

21. The apparatus (60) according to claim 20, wherein the nozzle outlet (65) is provided inside the tube (67) of the air conduit (62) upstream of the conduit outlet (63).

22. The apparatus (60) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein at least two aggregates (61a, 61b) of air conduit and nozzle are provided to eject respective combinations of air and disinfection agent in different directions.

23. The apparatus (60) according to claim 22, wherein the at least two aggregates (61a, 61b) of air conduit and nozzle are provided to eject respective combinations of air and disinfection agent in opposite directions towards a common plane (P) positioned between the conduit outlets (63) of the at least two aggregates (61a, 61b) of air conduit and nozzle.

24. The apparatus (60) according to claim 23, wherein the two aggregates (61a, 61b) of air conduit and nozzle are positioned non-coaxially.

25. The apparatus (60) according to any one of claims 17 to 24 wherein the conduit outlet(s) and the nozzle outlet(s) of the aggregate(s) (61a, 61b) of air conduit and nozzle is(are) positioned under a hood (68).

26. The apparatus (60) according to claim 25, wherein the hood (68) is elongated to extend along and above a row of defoliated crops (51) during operation, and preferably the hood (68) is shaped as an open-ended, inverted trough.

27. The apparatus (60) according to any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the apparatus (60) is incorporated in the apparatus (11, 11a) according to any one of claims 7 to 13.

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