Plant feeding device for a planting system and a method

Abstract

There is provided a plant feeding device (120) for a planting system (100) The plant feeding device comprises a fertilizer feeding device (121), and a circulating transport device (122) comprising at least one plant holder (170). The circulating transport device is configured to repeatedly transport the at least one plant holder from a first position, in which the at least one plant holder is arranged to receive a predetermined amount of fertilizer (10) from the fertilizer feeding device, to a second position, in which the at least one plant holder is arranged to receive a plant seedling (125), to a third position, in which the at least one plant holder is configured to release the fertilizer and the plant seedling, and back to the first position. There are further provided herein a planting system, a forestry or agricultural vehicle, and a method of preparing plant seedlings.

Description

[0001] PLANT FEEDING DEVICE FOR A PLANTING SYSTEM AND A METHOD

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a plant feeding device for preparing plant holders with fertilizer and a plant seedling, and a method thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to a plant feeding device and a planting system for arrangement on a forestry or agriculture vehicle.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In forestry and agriculture, the planting of seedlings may involve numerous critical steps to improve the yield rate of the seedlings, i.e., the amount of usable crops produced. In the past, planting seedlings has mostly been done manually by hand or simple tools to plant the plant seedlings into the ground. Today, specially designed planting machines for planting seedlings may instead be used to aid in the process. Prior planting the seedlings, various preparations may be done to the ground, such as clearing the soil from unwanted vegetation and debris, ploughing and harrowing, levelling, and / or supply fertilization to the soil. The fertilization may supply essential nutrients to the soil and may be applied according to different methods, such as broadcasting, banding, side-dressing, foliar feeding, etc. However, these methods may result in excessive fertilization which may be harmful to crop and soil health, human safety, and / or the environment, as well as represent a significant financial drain.

[0006] Based on the above, it is desired to provide a plant feeding device which facilitates the fertilization of the plant seedlings, whilst reducing the risk for over-fertilization of the ground.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is of interest of the present invention to provide a plant feeding device which combines the advantages presented by feeding a planting system with plant seedlings provided with fertilization and the planting of seedlings using a forestry or agriculture vehicle, whilst improving the efficiency of fertilization, at least in terms of resources usage.

[0009] This and other objects are achieved by providing a plant feeding device, a planting system and a method for such plant feeding device having the features in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] Hence, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plant feeding device for a planting system of a forestry or agricultural vehicle. The plant feeding device comprises a fertilizer feeding device, and a circulating transport device comprising at least one plant holder. The circulating transport device is configured to repeatedly transport the at least one plant holder from a first position, in which the at least one plant holder is arranged to receive a predetermined amount of fertilizer from the fertilizer feeding device, to a second position, in which the at least one plant holder is arranged to receive a plant seedling, to a third position, in which the at least one plant holder is configured to release the fertilizer and the plant seedling, and back to the first position.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a planting system for arrangement on a forestry or agricultural vehicle. The planting system comprises at least one plant arm comprising a plant head configured to penetrate ground. The at least one plant arm is configured to receive plant seedlings and to guide the plant seedlings to the plant head for [a] planting of the seedlings. The planting system further comprises a plant feeding device according to the first aspect. The plant feeding device is configured to feed plant seedlings to the at least one plant arm by dropping the plant seedlings from the at least one plant holder, when the plant holder is in the third position.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a forestry or agricultural vehicle, comprising one of a plant feeding device according to the first aspect, and a planting system according to the second aspect. The at least one plant arm is arranged at the rear part of the vehicle.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing plant seedlings in a plant feeding device comprising at least one plant holder. The method comprises feeding a predetermined amount of fertilizer to the at least one plant holder of the plant feeding device, inserting a plant seedling in the at least one plant holder, and releasing the fertilizer and the plant seedling.

[0014] Thus, the present invention is based on the common concept or idea of providing a plant feeding device or a planting system arranged to be integrated with a forestry or agriculture vehicle, and a method for preparing plant seedlings in the plant feeding device, thereby providing an improved distribution of the fertilizer, at least in terms of use of resources. This is achieved by providing each plant holder with fertilizer before the plant seedling is added to the plant holder. Traditional fertilizer systems add a string of fertilizer along the path of the agricultural vehicle before the plant seedling is planted. By providing the fertilizer directly to the plant holder, the planting system may not require an additional fertilizer system, and no fertilizer is released to the ground where plant seedlings are not planted. Thereby, the total amount of distributed fertilizer may be reduced. Hence, the risk of over-fertilization may be reduced. Also, the financial strain may be alleviated due to the reduced amount of distributed fertilizer. Thus, the fertilizer distribution device may allow for a more sustainable planting system in terms of e.g., the environment, waste management, financial impact, soil health, crop yield, etc. Further, by providing the fertilizer before the plant seedling is received in the plant holder, it may be ensured that the fertilizer is positioned underneath the plant seedling in the plant holder, and therefore the fertilizer is also positioned underneath the plant seedling when the plant arm of the planting system penetrates the ground and releases the plant seedling and the fertilizer from the plant arm. It is advantageous that the fertilizer is positioned underneath the plant seedling when the plant seedling is planted as it ensures that nutrients of the fertilizer is accessible to roots and developing roots of the plant seedling. The roots develop towards the fertilizer, which will result in that the roots will grow downward, thereby promoting deeper root development. As the roots grow downward, they will encounter the fertilizer and can absorb the nutrients, which helps the plant establish a strong root system. A strong root system, with deeper and more extensive roots result in a more stable and drought-resistant plant. Deeper roots anchor the plant more securely in the soil, making it less prone to being uprooted by wind, rain, or erosion. Further, with deeper roots, the plant can access water from lower soil layers, which typically retain moisture longer during dry periods. This makes the plant less dependent on surface water and more resilient in times of drought.

[0015] A further advantage of positioning the fertilizer underneath the plant seedling is that a more efficient nutrient use is provided. Placing fertilizer below the seedling minimizes nutrient loss. Fertilizer on the surface is more prone to being washed away by rain or irrigation, whereas fertilizer under the plant is more protected and remains available to the roots. Further, fertilizer on the surface can encourage weed growth, as weeds also benefit from the added nutrients. By placing it beneath the plant, you reduce the chances of weeds accessing these nutrients, giving the seedling a better chance to thrive without competition.

[0016] The circulating transport device repeatedly transports the plant holder between the first position, the second position and the third position such that the plant holder will be reused. By repeatedly transporting the plant holder from the first position to the second position, to the third position and back to the first position again, the circulating device may transport the plant holder in at least one of a cyclic and repetitive motion. In the first position the plant holder may receive a predetermined amount of fertilizer before the plant holder is transported to the second position where a plant seedling is received in the plant holder. The plant seedling is then be transported to the third position where the plant seedling is released. This may be advantageous in that a repeated loading process is enabled and / or that the loading of plant seedlings to the planting system is facilitated.

[0017] The fertilizer feeding device is arranged to provide the plant holder with a predetermined amount of fertilizer when the plant holder is in the first position at the circulating transport device. The fertilizer feeding device may be arranged to release the predetermined amount of fertilizer with a predetermined interval which is associated with the time needed for a new plant holder to be transported into the first position. The fertilizer feeding device may also be equipped with a detection unit which detects when a new plant holder has arrived at the first position and based on the arrival feed the plant holder with a predetermined amount of fertilizer.

[0018] The predetermined amount of fertilizer should be understood as an amount of fertilizer that is provided to the plant holder and is based on the type of fertilizer that is used. The concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in each type of fertilizer is different and which type of fertilizer that is used is adapted to the kind of plant seedling that is planted. The fertilizer feeding device may be configured to adapt the predetermined amount of fertilizer based on information about what type of fertilizer that is used.

[0019] When the plant seedling and the fertilizer is released at the third position of the circulating transport device, the plant seedling and the fertilizer are arranged to be received in the at least one plant arm, allowing the plant seedling and the fertilizer to reach the plant head. In other words, the plant seedling and the fertilizer are fed by the plant feeding device to the at least one plant arm. By feeding the plant seedlings and the fertilizer by dropping the plant seedlings to the at least one plant arm, it is here meant that the plant seedlings may be released (dropped) from the plant feeding device. In other words, by dropping the plant seedlings and the fertilizer to the at least one plant arm it may be meant that the plant seedlings and the fertilizer are affected at least partly by gravitation. Hence, gravitation and / or forces due to gravitation may be acting on the plant seedlings and the fertilizer in order for the plant seedlings and the fertilizer to reach the plant arm(s). This facilitates the efficiency of the planting system as both the fertilizer and the plant seedling can be provided to the plant arm(s) directly, allowing the plant arm to directly plant both the fertilizer and the plant seedling.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fertilizer feeding device may feed fertilizer to the at least one plant holder based on gravitation. In other words, the fertilizer feeding device may be positioned above the circulating transport device such that the fertilizer feeding device may feed the plant holder with fertilizer through gravitation acting on the fertilizer, for example by opening a hatch in the fertilizer feeding device, allowing fertilizer to fall out. Feeding of a predetermined amount of fertilizer may for example be achieved by opening the hatch for a predetermined time, or by the fertilizer feeding device having a chamber, such that the hatch is arranged on the chamber, where the predetermined amount of fertilizer is prepared in advance of the plant holder arriving to the first position. When the plant holder arrives to the first position, the hatch of the chamber opens, and the fertilizer is fed to the plant holder. Then the hatch may be closed, and the chamber prepared with the predetermined amount of fertilizer for the next plant holder. Gravity-based feeding is mechanically simple, having fewer components that may fail. This simplicity may reduce the likelihood of malfunctions and maintenance needs, which may make the plant feeding device more reliable over time. Further, gravity -based feeding does not require an external energy source, which may result in an energy-efficient solution.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fertilizer feeding device may feed fertilizer to the at least one plant holder by applying a pressurized gas. Feeding of a predetermined amount of fertilizer may for example be achieved by the fertilizer feeding device having a chamber where the predetermined amount of fertilizer is prepared in advance of the plant holder arriving to the first position. When the plant holder arrives to the first position, pressurized gas may be used to empty the chamber and forcing the fertilizer into the plant holder. Then the plant holder moves toward the second position, and the chamber may be prepared with the predetermined amount of fertilizer for the next plant holder. Pressurized gas may force the contents out of the chamber more quickly than gravity alone, which is particularly useful when time is critical or when the fertilizer needs to evacuated in a short time period. Further, pressurized gas provides an extra force with may facilitate emptying the fertilizer feeding device (i.e., the chamber) such that build-up of material may be avoided. A commonly used pressurized gas is pressurized air.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fertilizer feeding device may comprise a fertilizer storage and a dispenser connected to the fertilizer storage. The dispenser may be configured to provide the predetermined amount of fertilizer to the at least one plant holder. The fertilizer feeding device may be provided with a fertilizer storage which stores larger amount of fertilizer. The fertilizer storage may be connected to the dispenser such that the fertilizer storage provides fertilizer to dispenser. The dispenser may be configured to provide the predetermined amount of fertilizer directly to the at least one plant holder, or via a chamber as discussed above. The dispenser may be configured to handle different types of fertilizer and to thereby provide different amounts of fertilizer depending on the used type of fertilizer, as earlier discussed. The dispenser may for example be gravitybased, a mechanical spreader or a pneumatic system.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser may be a rotary dispenser having a rotating wheel to dose the predetermined amount of fertilizer. The rotary dispenser is a type of mechanical spreader that use the rotating wheel to distribute a predetermined amount of fertilizer. Rotary dispenser may provide an accurate, consistent, and efficient method for providing the predetermined amount of fertilizer. The rotary dispenser may be adapted for various types of fertilizer by either swapping out the rotating wheel for one suited to the specific fertilizer or by adjusting the wheel to allow for additional rotations. This flexibility may ensure that the dispenser can accurately handle different granular sizes and formulations, optimizing the dispensing process for diverse fertilizing needs.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one plant holder may comprise a side wall for keeping the plant seedling in an upright position, and a bottom lid configured to open for releasing the fertilizer and the plant seedling when the plant holder is in the third position. This may be advantageous in that a facilitated holding of the plant seedlings when transporting the plant seedling from the second position into the third position may be provided. Keeping the plant seedling in the upright position, may ensure that successful planting is achieved, as the risk of the plant seedling falling or ending up in an erroneously position may be avoided. This may further be advantageous in that a facilitated feeding of the plant seedlings from the second to the third position may be provided.

[0025] Effects and features of the second aspect, the third aspect and the fourth aspect may be largely analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect may be at least largely compatible with the second aspect, the third aspect and the fourth aspect. It is further noted that the present disclosure relates to all possible combinations of features unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0026] Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.

[0029] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of the planting system with the plant feeding device arranged on a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the plant feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0030] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a side view of a rotary dispenser.

[0031] Fig. 4 schematically shows a method for preparing plant seedlings in a plant feeding device according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

[0034] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a planting system 100 for arrangement on a forestry or an agricultural vehicle 110. The planting system 100 comprises at least one plant arm 130 comprising a plant head 140 configured to penetrate ground. The at least one plant arm 130 may comprise at least one articulation 180 and is configured to receive plant seedlings 125 and to guide the plant seedlings 125 to the plant head 140. The planting system 100 comprises a plant feeding device 120 for arrangement on the vehicle 110 and is configured to feed plant seedlings 125 and fertilizer 10 to the at least one plant arm 130 by gravitation. In other words, the provided plant feeding device 120 is for a planting system 100 of a forestry or agricultural vehicle 110. The planting system 100 may, in a first stage of a planting process, be configured to feed plant seedlings 125 from the plant feeding device 120, via the at least one plant arm 130, to the plant head 140, by operation of the plant feeding device 120. The planting system 100 may, in a second stage of a planting process, be configured to operate the at least one plant arm 130 by penetrating the ground by the plant head 140 and release the plant seedlings 125 from the plant head 140 into the ground.

[0035] The plant feeding device 120 comprises a fertilizer feeding device 121 and a circulating transport device 122, having a plurality of plant holders 170, which will be further described in connection to Fig. 2. The fertilizer feeding device 121 comprises a fertilizer storage 123 and a dispenser 124 connected to the fertilizer storage 123. The dispenser 124 is configured to provide the predetermined amount of fertilizer 10 to the plant holder 170. The fertilizer storage 123 stores larger amount of fertilizer 10 which then are dosed into the plant holders 170 by the dispenser 124. The fertilizer storage 123 is connected to the dispenser 124 such that the fertilizer storage device 123 provides fertilizer to dispenser 124. The fertilizer storage device 123 is arranged at the vehicle 110, above the circulating transport device 122. The dispenser 124 is arranged between the fertilizer storage device 123 and the vehicle 110. The dispenser 124 may for example have a nozzle 14 to feed the plant holders 170. By arranging the fertilizer storage device 123 and the dispenser 124 in this way, gravitation may be used to feed fertilizer 10 to the plant holders 170. The dispenser 124 may be configured to provide the predetermined amount of fertilizer 10 to the at least one plant holder 170. The fertilizer storage 123 stores larger amount of fertilizer 10 and provides the dispenser 124 with fertilizer 10, while the dispenser 124 provides the correct dose (predetermined amount) fertilizer 10 to each plant holder 170.

[0036] The fertilizer feeding device 120 may feed fertilizer 10 to the at least one plant holder 170 by applying a pressurized gas, such as pressurized air to force the predetermined amount of fertilizer 10 into the plant holder 170. This will be further illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0037] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the planting system 100. The plant arm 130 may comprise two or more sections. The plant arm may comprise a first arm section 130a and second arm section 130b. The second arm section 130b may be pivotally attached to the first arm section 130a. An articulation 180 may be arranged between the first arm section 130a and the second arm section 130b. The second arm section 130b may be pivotally attached to the first arm section 130a such that the second arm section 130b may pivot around the articulation 180. In other words, the pivot point of the second arm 130b to the first arm 130a may constitute the articulation 180. The plant arm 130 may further comprise an arm base 130d. The arm link 130c may be attached to the arm base 130d. The arm link 130c may be pivotally attached to the arm base 130d. The at least one articulation 180 may be arranged between the arm link 130c and the arm base 130d.The arm link 130c may be pivotally attached to the arm base 130d such that the arm link 130c may pivot around the articulation 180. In other words, the pivot point of the arm link 130c to the arm base 130d may constitute the articulation 180.

[0038] The plant arm 130 may comprise a fastening arrangement 130e for arrangement on a vehicle. The arm base 130d may be pivotally attached to the fastening arrangement 130e. The articulation 180 may be arranged between the arm base 130d and the fastening arrangement 130e. The arm base 130d may be pivotally attached to the fastening arrangement 130e such that the arm link 130c may pivot around the articulation 180. In other words, the pivot point of the arm base 130d to the fastening arrangement 130e may constitute the articulation 180. The arm link 130c may be fixedly attached to the arm base 130d. The arm link 130c and the arm base 130d may be rotatably attached to the fastening arrangement 130e. The arm link 130c and the arm base 130d may be pivotally attached to the fastening arrangement 130e such that the arm link 130c and arm base 130d may pivot around the articulation 180.

[0039] In Figure 2 the plant feeding device 120 is also shown. The plant feeding device 120 comprises the plurality of plant holders 170, arranged in the circulating transport device 122, and is the plant holders 170 are configured for holding plant seedlings 125. Each plant holder 170 may comprise a side wall 190 and a bottom lid 195. The planting system 100 may be configured to feed the plant seedlings 125 from the plant feeding device 120, via the plant arm 130, to the plant head 140, by operation of the plant feeding device 120. The plant feeding device 120 may release the plant seedlings 125 such that the plant seedlings 125 fall via the at least one plant arm 130, to the plant head 140. The plant seedlings 125 may fall by gravity. In other words, the plant seedlings 125 may be fed to the plant arm 130 by gravitation. The plant arm 130 may comprise a plant channel 150 for receiving the plant seedlings 125 and for guiding the plant seedlings 125 to the plant head 140. The plant channel 150 may comprise a flared opening 160 for receiving the plant seedlings 125.

[0040] The plant feeding device 120 may comprise a guiding device 250 for guiding the plant seedlings 125. The guiding device 250 may be configured to guide the plant seedlings 125 after the plant seedlings 125 are released from the plant holder 170. The guiding device 250 may have a flared opening facing the plant holder 170. This may facilitate for plant seedlings 125 to enter the guiding device 250. The guiding device 250 may guide the plant seedlings 125 from the plant holder 170 to the plant arm 130.

[0041] The circulating transport device 122 is configured to repeatedly transport the at least one plant holder 170 from a first position, in which the plant holder 170 is arranged to receive a predetermined amount of fertilizer 10 from the fertilizer feeding device 121, to a second position, in which the plant holder 170 is arranged to receive a plant seedling 125, to a third position, in which the plant holder 170 is configured to release the fertilizer 10 and the plant seedling 125, and back to the first position. The fertilizer 10 and the plant seedling 125 may for example be released through the bottom lid 195 of the plant holder 170.

[0042] As can be seen in Fig. 2, the first position is located where the fertilizer 10 is fed by the fertilizer feeding device 121 to the plant holder 170. The circulating transport device 122 transports an empty plant holder 170 to the first position where the empty plant holder 170 is filled with fertilizer 10 by the fertilizer feeding device 121. The circulating transport device 122 may stop the plant holder 170 at the first position until one plant seedling 125 in another plant holder 170 has been released, such that the plant holder in the third position is ready to move, and until the plant holder 170 has received fertilizer 10. Thereafter the plant holder 170 is moved by the circulating transport device 122 from the first position to the second position.

[0043] In the second position, the plant holders 170 may receive a plant seedling 125. The plant seedling 125 is supported by the side wall 190 of the plant holder 170 such that the plant seedling 125 keeps its desired upright position in the plant holder 170. As the plant seedling 125 is provided after the fertilizer 10, the plant seedling 125 will be positioned above the fertilizer 10 in the plant holder 170. This ensures that the fertilizer 10 also will be positioned below the plant seedling 125 when planted in the second stage of planting, discussed in connection to Fig. 1. The plant holder 170 may receive the plant seedling 125 either manually by an operator or by a robot or machine providing the plant seedling 125.

[0044] When the plant holder 170 has received the plant seedling 125, the circulating transport device 122 transports the plant holder 170 with the plant seedling 125 and the fertilizer 10 towards the third position. In the third position the fertilizer 10 and the plant seedling 125 is dropped from the plant holder 170 to the plant arm 130 by for example opening the bottom lid 195 of the plant holder 170. These three positions may be seen as three steps of a pre-stage to the planting stages discussed in connection to Fig. 1.

[0045] It should be noted that the first position and the second position may be located at any position along the circulating transport device 122 as long as the second position is after, i.e., downstream of, the first position. As an example, when in use, the plant holders 170 may rotate around the circulating transport device 122. The circulating transport device 122 may have an elongated shape comprising two ends. The second position may be located in one end of the circulating transport device 122. The third position may be located substantially at the opposite end to the first position of the circulating transport device 122. The first position may be located anywhere between the third position and the second position, as long as the fertilizer 10 is provided before the plant seedling 125 is provided.

[0046] The circulating transport device 122 repeatedly transports the plant holder 170 between the first position, the second position and the third position such that the plant holder 170 will be reused. By repeatedly transporting the plant holder 170 from the first position to the second position, to the third position and back to the first position again, the circulating device 122 may transport the plant holder 170 in at least one of a cyclic and repetitive motion.

[0047] In Fig. 3 one exemplifying embodiment of the dispenser 124 using pressurized gas is illustrated. The dispenser 124 is a rotary dispenser having a rotating wheel 20 to dose the predetermined amount of fertilizer 10 to the plant holder 170. The rotary dispenser 124 is a type of mechanical spreader that use the rotating wheel 20 to distribute a predetermined amount of fertilizer 10. It should be noted that the dispenser 124 may in other examples be gravity-based, or a pneumatic system. The rotary dispenser 124 may be adapted for various types of fertilizer 10 by either swapping out the rotating wheel 20 for one suited to the specific fertilizer 10 or by adjusting the rotating wheel 20 to allow for additional rotations.

[0048] Fertilizer 10 may be fed by the fertilizer storage 123 to an opening 28 in the dispenser 124. The opening 28 may for example be connected to the fertilizer storage 123 through a hose 12 or similar connection means. The fertilizer 10 arrives at the rotating wheel 20 where a rotation of the rotating wheel forces fertilizer 10 forward and into a chamber 22. The rotating wheel 20 may for example be constructed with segmented chambers that may be loaded with specific volumes of fertilizer, ensuring accurate dispensing with each rotation. The segmented chambers may be adjustable, allowing for different doses by modifying their size. Another method of allowing for different doses may be by further rotations of the rotating wheel 20, or by changing the rotating wheel 20.

[0049] The chamber 22 comprises an inlet 26 and an outlet 24 for pressurized gas, such as pressurized air. The chamber 22 may be prepared with the predetermined amount of fertilizer 10 and then when the plant holder 170 arrives to the first position, pressurized gas may be used to empty the chamber 22 and to force the fertilizer 10 into the plant holder 170. This may be performed by applying the pressurized gas to the inlet 26 and forcing both the pressurized gas and the fertilizer 10 out through the outlet 24. When the chamber is emptied, the rotating wheel rotate forward new load of fertilizer 10 into the chamber 22, preparing for the next plant holder 170.

[0050] Fig. 4 schematically shows a method 200 for preparing plant seedlings 125 in a plant feeding device 120 comprising at least one plant holder 170. It should be noted that the plant feeding device 120 associated with the method 200 shown in Fig. 4 has several features in common with the plant feeding device 120 and the planting system 100 shown in Figs. 1-3, and it is hereby referred to Figs. 1-3, and the associated text, for an increased understanding of some of the features and / or functions of the plant feeding device 120 and the planting system 100.

[0051] The method 200 for preparing plant seedlings 125 in a plant feeding device 120 depicted in Fig. 4 may be arranged to be integrated in a planting system 100 and with a forestry or agricultural vehicle 110. The method 200 comprises feeding 210 a predetermined amount of fertilizer 10 to the at least one plant holder 125 of the plant feeding device 120. The feeding of the predetermined amount of fertilizer 10 is performed when the plant holder is in a first position of the circulating transport device 122.

[0052] The method 200 further comprises inserting 220 a plant seedling 125 in the at least one plant holder 170. The plant seedling 125 may be inserted by gravitation and dropping the plant seedling 125 into the plant holder 170, or pressurized gas may be used to push / force the plant seedling 125 into the plant holder 170.

[0053] The method 200 further comprises releasing 230 the fertilizer 10 and the plant seedling 125. The plant seedling 125 and the fertilizer 10 may be released by opening the bottom lid 195 of the plant holder 170 allowing the plant seedling 125 and the fertilizer 10 to fall into a plant arm 130 of the planting system 100.

[0054] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the agricultural vehicle 110 may be equipped with two planting systems 100, one at each side of the agricultural vehicle 110. Further, the plant arm 130, the fertilizer storage 124, the dispenser 123 and the circulating transport device 122, etc., may have different shapes, dimensions, and / or sizes than those depicted / described.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A plant feeding device (120) for a planting system (100) of a forestry or agricultural vehicle, wherein the plant feeding device comprises a fertilizer feeding device (121), and a circulating transport device (122) comprising at least one plant holder (170), wherein the circulating transport device is configured to repeatedly transport the at least one plant holder from a first position, in which the at least one plant holder is arranged to receive a predetermined amount of fertilizer (10) from the fertilizer feeding device, to a second position, in which the at least one plant holder is arranged to receive a plant seedling (125), to a third position, in which the at least one plant holder is configured to release the fertilizer and the plant seedling, and back to the first position.

2. The plant feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the fertilizer feeding device feeds fertilizer to the at least one plant holder based on gravitation.

3. The plant feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the fertilizer feeding device feeds fertilizer to the at least one plant holder by applying a pressurized gas.

4. The plant feeding device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fertilizer feeding device comprises a fertilizer storage (123) and a dispenser (124) connected to the fertilizer storage, wherein the dispenser is configured to provide the predetermined amount of fertilizer to the at least one plant holder.

5. The plant feeding device according to claim 4, wherein the dispenser is a rotary dispenser having a rotating wheel to dose the predetermined amount of fertilizer.

6. The plant feeding device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one plant holder comprises a side wall (190) for keeping the plant seedling in an upright position, and a bottom lid (195) configured to open for releasing the fertilizer and the plant seedling when the plant holder is in the third position.

7. A planting system (100) for arrangement on a forestry or agricultural vehicle (110), wherein the planting system comprisesat least one plant arm (130) comprising a plant head (140) configured to penetrate ground, wherein the at least one plant arm is configured to receive plant seedlings (125) and to guide the plant seedlings to the plant head for [a] planting of the plant seedlings, and a plant feeding device (120) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plant feeding device is configured to feed plant seedlings to the at least one plant arm by dropping the plant seedlings from the at least one plant holder, when the plant holder is in the third position.

8. A forestry or agricultural vehicle (110), comprising one of a plant feeding device (120) according to any one of claims 1-6, and a planting system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one plant arm is arranged at the rear part of the vehicle.

9. A method (200) for preparing plant seedlings (125) in a plant feeding device (120) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the method comprises feeding (210) a predetermined amount of fertilizer to the at least one plant holder of the plant feeding device, inserting (220) a plant seedling in the at least one plant holder, and releasing (230) the fertilizer and the plant seedling.

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