| 摘要 |
An improved furrow closing system and method are disclosed for agricultural seeders, particularly no-till seeders, that produce an open furrow in the soil into which seeds are placed. The closing system includes one or more spoked wheels rotatably mounted rearward of the seed furrow opener of the seeder. The vertical angle and lateral alignment at which the spoked wheel is mounted, together with the shape and length of the spokes themselves, provide a gentle closing of the furrow by slicing instead of squeezing or wedging, a shattering of the furrow sidewall and a pushing of the fragments into the furrow. The shattering of the furrow sidewall results in a more consistent furrow closure, a more rapid and uniform seed germination and seedling emergence, a higher percentage of emergence, and an improved seedling root growth. The spoked wheel has a plurality of spokes projecting radially from the hub of the wheel. The spokes are tapered to improve their penetration into the soil, and are preferably made of polyurethane or other non-stick material to improve the shedding of mud as the wheel rotates. The spoked wheel has a vertical inclination angle of approximately 35° to 65°, and preferably about 50°, and a lateral alignment of plus or minus ⅜ inch relative to the midline of the furrow, and preferably about 0 inch. The spoked wheel also has a toe-out angle in the range of 0° to 8°, and preferably about 3.5°. |
