SE1451190A1 - Methods, apparatus, and soil scarification and planting machine for planting tree seedlings - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for scarification ofsoil and planting of tree seedliiigs, and a soil scarificatioii and planting inachhie for plantiitg of tree seedlings. The apparatus for the scarificatioii of soil and planting of tree seedlings coinprises a framestmcture ( 10, 11, 12) and a conibiiied scariliczttioii and plantiiig head ( 101 ), which is movable by inearis of the frame structure for lorming a planting spot in the ground and for planting a tree seedling into the fornied plantiiig spot, and a first end ol' the frame structure (11 ) is connected to the scarilicattioii and planting head and a second end (12) is attachable to the work machine (I), and the apparatus coniprises: at least one scarification and plantiiig liead ( 101) mounted on the fiaine structure (10, 11, 12); and controlmeans of the liorizontal position (102, 103), which are configured, during the substantially continuous movement of the work ma- chine ( 1) along the ground: to rcgulatc the distance of the scariticatioii and planting head irom the work machine and to hold thescarification and planting head substantially horizontally in place relative to the ground during plantiiig.

Description

Wo 2013/135971 1 PCT/FI2013/050287 METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SOIL SCARIFICATION AND PLANTINGMACHINE FOR PLANTING TREE SEEDLINGS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to mechanized soil scarification and planting of treeseedlings. The invention relates to a method, an apparatus, and a soil scarificationand planting machine for planting of seedlings. The invention relates, particularlybut not exclusively, to an apparatus to be mounted on a forvvarder, agriculturaltractor, or similar work machine to scarify the soil and plant seedlings.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION The decrease in the inflation-adjusted prices of timber that began in the l980s,and the simultaneous increase in forest management costs, have reduced therelative profitability of forestry. At both national and international levels, variousobjectives have been set to enhance the profitability of forestry and to encourageforest owners to better manage their forests. The most important means ofachieving these ends is to enhance the cost-efficiency of forest management.What is crucial here is the mechanized planting of tree seedlings and thesubsequent increases in productivity. Demand for mechanized planting is alsoincreased through the objectives and obligations that follow from national andinternational climate and energy policies, in particular those aimed at increasingthe use of woodchip-fuelled bioenergy. These policies are rapidly altering theoperating environment of reforestation. The most visible change is the increasedtendency towards collection of biomass, i.e. branches, treetops and stumps, inplanting sites for use in energy production. This new situation allows for easierimplementation of continuous and automated soil scarification and integratedmechanized planting. The objectives and obligations of the climate policy relatingto the utilization of forests in fixing atmospheric carbon dioxide support increasesin the volume of forests and forest farming in the future.

Nowadays, tree seedlings are increasingly often planted mechanically duringreforestation. Prior to the actual planting of tree seedlings, the soil of the intended wo 21113/135971 2 PCT/Fl2013/050287 planting area must be carefully scarified. This enables the seediings to be plantedin a way that is maximally efficient for forest management purposes. The aim ofthe scarification is to improve the moisture and temperature conditions of the soil,and to reduce the damage caused to the planted tree seediing by surroundingvegetation. The seediings shall be planted upright and at the desired depth inuneven terrain also. To ensure quick rooting and stronger growth, the soil aroundthe seediing must be compacted in a suitable manner after planting. lt isrecommended that automatics and sensors be used to determine the soilproperties and to establish a suitable planting spot. During planting, preparationsshould be made for the transportation and dosing of irrigation water, fertilizers, and plant protection products. ln prior art solutions, the inefficiency and ensuing high price of the operations areproblematic. For example, planting equipment may be connected to the boom ofan excavator, which the operator of the excavator controls from the cabin. Theseediings are planted one or two at a time in planting spots chosen by theoperator. Furthermore, the known planting machines prepare the chosen plantingspot by scarifying the soil with different devices before the seediing is set in placeand the soil compacted around it. This is completed by machine, under the controlof the excavator operator. The soil is scarified and the tree seediing planted usingthe movement range of the boom. The excavator remains stationary throughoutthe entire process. The automated work phase of the known solutions is theplanting cycle that follows the scarification. Studies show that the maximum workefficiency attainable with these methods and equipment is 300 seediings an hour,because most of the working time is spent preparing the planting spot, positioningthe planting head, manually loading the seediings into the seediing cassette in theplanting head, and moving the excavator from place to place. Known solutions aredescribed in publications F|119315B, U20020340, CA2281161, US4067268,US2004/0050310, and EP0205412.

An object of the invention is to establish a method and an apparatus forcontinuous and automated planting of tree seediings. A particular object of theinvention is to facilitate a continued movement of the fon/varder or other work machine during scarification or planting. wo 2013/135971 3 PCT/F 12013/050287 SUMMARY According to the invention there is provided a method according to claim f, anapparatus according to claim 4, and a soil scarification and planting machine according to claim 12.

According to a first example aspect of the invention, there is provided a method forscarification of soil and planting of tree seedlings by at least one apparatusconnected to a work machine which apparatus comprises a frame structure and atleast one combined scarification and planting head mounted on the framestructure for forming a planting spot in the soil and for planting a seedling in theformed planting spot, and the method comprises: - progressing by the work machine substantially continuously along the ground,and performing with at least one apparatus and at least one scarification andplanting head steps: - pressing the scarification and planting head against the ground at a first distancefrom a previous planting spot or from the work machine for forming a new plantingspot - locking the scarification and planting head substantially horizontally in relative tothe ground; - compacting the planting spot with the scarification and planting head; - planting the tree seedling in the formed planting spot with the scarification andplanting head; - lifting the scarification and planting head from the ground; and - unlocking the scarification and planting head.

Preferably returning the scarification and planting head to a return position fromthe planting spot after unlocking the scarification and planting head.

Preferably loading a new seedling automatically into the scarification and plantinghead from a seedling transportation system comprised by the work machine (1) orfrom seedling trays transported on the work machine or from other seedling transportation and packaging solutions for a next planting cycle.

Wo 2013/135971 4 PCT/Fl2013/050287 According to a second example aspect of the invention there is provided anapparatus for soil scarification and planting of tree seedlings which apparatuscomprises a frame structure and combined scarification and planting head which ismovable by the frame structure for forming a planting spot in the ground and forplanting a seedling in the formed planting spot, and a first end of the framestructure is attached in connection with the scarification and planting head and asecond end is attachable on the work machine, and the apparatus comprises:- at least one scarification and planting head mounted to the frame structure; and- horizontal position control means which are configured, during substantiallycontinuous progressing of the work machine along the ground, to: - regulate the distance of the scarification and planting head from the work machine; - keep the scarification and planting head in place substantially horizontally relative to the ground during planting.

Preferably the horizontal position control means are further configured to returnthe scarification and planting head from the planting spot to a return position after unlocking the scarification and planting head.

Preferably the apparatus comprises vertical position control means of thescarification and planting head, and the frame structure comprises a frame towhich are connected the vertical position control means and the horizontal position control means.

Preferably the horizontal position control means comprise distance regulatingmeans to control the distance between the scarification and planting head and thework machine and to control velocity of the scarification and planting head relative to the ground.

Preferably the horizontal position control means comprise turning actuators forturning the frame horizontally relative to the work machine and for positioning the scarification and planting head horizontally relative to the frame. wo 2013/135971 5 PCT/F 12013/050287 Preferably the vertical position control means comprise vertical actuators formoving the frame vertically relative to the work machine and for positioning thescarification and planting head vertically relative to the ground and for compacting the planting spot.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a hydraulics system onto which the horizontalposition control means and the vertical position control means are connected.

Preferably the apparatus comprises one or more pressure accumulators which areconnected to the hydraulics system in order to increase vertical and horizontalvelocity of the frame. The accumulators ensure a sufficient supply of hydraulic power from ancillary equipment, e.g. tractor forvvarders.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means for positioning the apparatus intransport position for road transportation, preferably the means for positioning theapparatus in transport position for road transportation comprise a vertical actuatorsuch as a hydraulic cylinder.

According to a third example aspect of the invention there is provided ascarification and planting machine for planting of tree seedlings comprising:- a work machine, and- an apparatus for soil scarification and planting of tree seedlings comprising aframe structure and a combined scarification and planting head which is movableby the frame structure for forming a planting spot in the ground and for planting aseedling in the formed spot, and a first end of the frame structure is mounted inconnection with the scarification and planting head, and a second end is attachedon the work machine, and the apparatus comprises:- at least one scarification and planting head mounted to the frame structure; and- horizontal position control means which are configured, during substantiallycontinuous progressing of the work machine along the ground, to:- regulate the distance of the scarification and planting head from the workmachine;- keep the scarification and planting head in place substantially horizontally relative to the ground during planting. wo 2013/135971 6 PCT/Fl2013/050287 Preferably the horizontal position control means are further configured to returnthe scarification and planting head from the planting spot to a return position after a locking of the scarification and planting head is released.

Where required, water or some other liquid can be sprayed into a planting tube toirrigate the planted seedling, to admlnister plant protection products or fertilizers,or, in particular, to keep the tube clean. An irrigation tank can be connected to the work machine for this purpose.

The apparatus may be fitted either to a vehicle such as a work machine or to a remote- or GPS-controlled unmanned unit.

Preferably the frame structure comprises actuators such as control cylindersfacilitating curvilinear motions of the work machine. ln practice, these actuatorscan be horizontal cylinders of the frame structure and the scarification and plantinghead.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a combined scarification and planting head forsoil scarification and planting of tree seedlings. Preferably the apparatuscomprises a frame solution that is configured to hold the scarification and plantinghead in place relative to the ground surface or to the planting spot during planting,while the work machine keeps moving without interruption. Preferably theequipment further comprises an automated seedling feed system from e.g. theseedling transportation packaging or seedling storage to the planting tube of thescarification and planting head. Preferably the apparatus also comprises a solutionfor turning (e.g. automatically) the equipment into transport position for road orcarrier transportation. Naturally, instead of using the apparatus to prepare amound the apparatus enables for planting a seedling in a previously prepared mound using the telescopic boom method.

Preferably the apparatus is mounted on a tractor, in most cases at the rear. Theapparatus may be mounted on other work machines also. The method forscarifying the soil and/or planting tree seedlings can also be implemented using wo 2013/135971 7 PCT/Fl20l3/050287 machines that have been specially designed for soil scarification and pianting. Theapparatus can be used as a whole as a continuous and automated soilscarification and pianting device, or aiternativeiy just as a soil scarification device,wherein the seediings are planted using a different method. When using theequipment to prepare a continuous scarification trail, it is possible to switch off theproperties (e.g. automatics) that keep the scarification and pianting head stationary relative to the ground.

The method and the equipment allow for the pianting of the seediings in anappropriate manner in varying conditions. Work productivity with the method andequipment according to the invention is estimated to be many times better thanwith the current and prior art pianting devices. The increase in productivity incomparison to the mechanized pianting tools described previously really comes tothe fore in large pianting sites, where there is less need to change the direction ofthe work machine and where the pianting area-specific preparation and transfercosts of the apparatus according to the invention and a forvvarder or other work machine relative to area size are low.

The method and apparatus according to the invention can be used to implemente.g. the work cycle presented below while the machine unit progresses throughthe pianting area at an optimized and if applicable, varying speed. At the beginningof the work cycle, the scarification and pianting head of the apparatus is near therear of the frame of the fon/varder or other work machine. The apparatus can bemounted at the front of the forwarder or other work machine, which makes it easierfor the operator to follow the automated soil scarification and pianting process. lnsome cases, the apparatus may also be mounted on the side of the work machine.When a selected distance between two seediings to be planted successively isreached, the scarification disc of the scarification and pianting head can bepressed automatically into the ground to the desired depth and at the desiredforce. As the machine unit moves along, soil gathers in front of the scarificationdisc, forming a pianting spot. A primary scarification method used is spotmounding, but disc trenching, ploughing, or spotting can also be used by adjustingthe design of the scarification head and control parameters. When the desiredvolume of soil has gathered in front of the scarification device, the scarification wo 2013/135971 8 PCT/Fl2013/050287 disc is turned into a compacting position.

When the compacting position is reached, the planting spot is compacted bypressing it with the scarification disc at optimal force. lf the compacted plantingspot fails to meet the set requirements, scarification is interrupted eitherautomatically or by the operator and the scarification and planting head is returnedto the initial position of the work cycle. The suitability of the planting spot isautomatically assessed by sensors. After the compacting is completed, thescarification and planting head is locked in place to remain in the planting spotwhile the forwarder or other work machine keeps moving without interruption. Tokeep the scarification and planting head in place, the movement of the forwarderor other work machine can be followed e.g. with a telescopic frame of two or moreparts (Figures ta and lb), with an excavator knuckle boom (Figure 2), or with aplanting sled (Figure 3). The forwarding speed of the fon/varder can be modified as the terrain requires.

Once the planting head is locked in place at the planting spot, and while theplanting spot is being compacted as the forwarder or other work machinecontinues moving forvvard, the automated planting of the tree seedling is begun bypressing the planting tube to the selected depth through the hole in thescarification disc at the planting spot. At the same time, the stabilizationmechanism of the scarification and planting head ensures that the planting tuberemains fixed and in a vertical position relative to the ground, wherein also the treeseedling is planted upright. The planting tube can be maintained in a verticalposition either by keeping only the planting tube vertically straight, or alternativelyby keeping both the planting tube and the scarification and planting head straight.lf the planting tube cannot be set all the way to the predetermined depth, plantingwill be terminated and a selected number of new attempts can be made atselected intervals, and if these are also unsuccessful, the work cycle can be started over again from the beginning.

When the planting tube is at the selected depth at the planting spot, the treeseedling can be automatically transferred inside the planting tube. Alternatively, inorder to speed up the process the seedling can be transferred inside the planting WO 2013/135971 9 PCT/Ftzins/tisuzsv tube beforehand. Next the jaws of the planting tube are opened, and once theseedling is dropped into the planting hole the planting tube is lifted back up. Afterthis, the soil around the seedling is compacted by pressing a compacting head ofthe scarification disc against the ground next to the seedling at the selected forceand to the selected depth. Once the soil has been compacted, the entirescarification and planting head is lifted up to the return position. Once the returnposition is reached, the scarification and planting head mounted at the rear of themachine is returned to its initial position near the forwarder or other work machinein preparedness for the next work cycle. Alternatively, if the scarification andplanting head is mounted in front of the machine it is returned into the initialposition further away from the forvvarder or other work machine to wait for the nextwork cycle. Before transferring the tree seedling into the planting tube, the treeseedling is transferred automatically from a seedling transportation system of themachine onto a conveyor, and from there further along the scarification andplanting head when the scarification and planting head is at the initial position of the work cycle near the work machine.

The present invention enables a new method and equipment for soil scarificationand planting of tree seedlings. The method, and the apparatus that facilitates itsuse, are significantly more efficient than the known planting methods in terms ofwork profitability and related costs. For example, at the lowest speed of theforwarder the method enables a planting speed of 1000 seedlings per hour, whichis estimated to be at least three times the speed achievable with the prior artmethods and equipment. Another benefit of the invention is the adaptability of theequipment as an accessory for use with forvvarders and other work machines. Dueto this feature, the invention enables year-round utilization of expensive forwardersand other work machines, and thus increases the utility ration of these machinesthat helps to enhance the cost-effectiveness of forest harvesting and other work tasks that employ such machinery.

The invention can also be used to increase job opportunities available for forestmachine operators during summer and therefore improve their year-roundemployment. This is important for keeping and acquiring skilled labour for e.g.mechanized forest work, and also in regard to the operating conditions of the WO 21113/135971 10 PCT/FI2013/U50287 companies that have invested in the machines. The increased work profitabilitythat the present invention makes possible will become further highlighted when theexpected labour shortages within the forestry industry become reality, since thenew pianting method and apparatus requires fewer people than the currentsystems. The invention significantly lowers the cost of forestation, which isreflected in the enhanced profitability of forestry and increased volume ofplantation. These benefits can be achieved by virtue of the method and apparatusof the invention, which is characterized by what is stated in the patent claims.

The apparatus described in this application is primarily but not exclusivelydesigned for use as an accessory for a forvvarder, agricultural tractor, or othersuitable rough-terrain work machine. The apparatus can be mounted in front of orat the rear of the machine unit. lt can be, however, most commonly mounted at the Fear.

Different embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated or have beenillustrated only in connection with some aspects of the invention. A skilled personappreciates that any embodiment of an aspect of the invention may apply to thesame aspect of the invention and other aspects alone or in combination with other embodiments as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The invention is described on an exemplary basis with reference to the enclosed schematical drawings: Figure ta shows a side view and Figure 1b shows a top view of an apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which apparatus comprisesa telescopic frame; Figure 2 shows a side view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodimentof the invention comprising a knuckle boom frame; Figure 3 shows an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of theinvention comprising a sled frame; Figure 4 shows controlled movements of an apparatus according to a preferred wo 2013/135971 1 1 PCT/Fl20l3/tl5tl287 embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a scarification and planting device according to a preferredembodiment of the invention in a road transportation position folded and lifted ontop of a work machine; Figure 6 shows a scarification and planting device and a seedling feedingarrangement from a seedling transportation system according to a preferredembodiment of the invention; and Figures 7a-7i show an exemplary work cycle of a scarification and plantingmachine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention equipped with a telescopic frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION ln the following description, like numbers denote like elements. lt should beappreciated that the illustrated drawings are not entirely in scale, and that thedrawings mainly serve the purpose of illustrating some example embodiments of the invention.

Figures 1a and 1b illustrate a telescopic frame solution of an apparatus that allowsfor the scarification and planting head to be held horizontally stationary in aposition relative to the ground surface while a forwarder or agricultural tractorkeeps moving without interruption. The apparatus comprises a telescopic frame100, and a scarification and planting head mounted on the frame 101. A firstillustrated control means of the horizontal position of the apparatus is a first turningactuator, namely a horizontal movement control cylinder 102, which is locatedbetween the scarification and planting head and the frame, and a second controlmeans shown is a second turning actuator, namely a horizontal movement controlcylinder 103 of the telescopic frame for holding the scarification and planting headin place when the movement direction of work machine is changed. A first verticalposition control means illustrated is a vertical movement control cylinder 104 of thescarification and planting head, which is located between the scarification andplanting head and the frame. A second vertical position control means illustrated isa vertical movement control cylinder 105 of the telescopic frame, for controlling thevertical movement and positioning the scarification and planting head relative to WO 2013/135971 12 PCT/Fl2013/050287 the ground and to compact the planting spot when the work machine operates onuneven terrain. The apparatus also comprises a regulation cylinder (not shown inthe Figure) for controlling the tilting of the scarification and planting head (plantingtube) when upright planting of the seedling requires tilting. Aiternatively, theapparatus further comprises a regulation cylinder (in connection with thescarification and planting head) for controlling the tilting of the planting tube (not shown in the Figure).

With the telescopic frame 100 and the stabilizing mechanism 102, 103, 104, 105for the vertical and horizontal movements described above, the scarification andplanting head 101 can be held in place in a controlled manner relative to theground while the work machine progresses uninterrupted during compacting of theplanting spot, setting of the seedling into the ground and compacting, and lifting upof the scarification and planting head. ln addition, controlling the horizontalmovements allow the direction of scarification to be maintained unchanged duringscarification, even as the work machine changes direction. Control of the verticalmovement allows for the scarification depth be maintained desired although thework machine is forwarding on uneven terrain. Once the work cycle is completed,the telescopic frame 100, which comprises distance regulation means such as adistance regulation actuator (e.g. a hydraulic cylinder), can be used to return thescarification and planting head to the initial position of the work cycle.

Figure 2 illustrates a knuckle boom solution of an apparatus for holding thescarification and planting head in place relative to the ground when the machine 1is moving continuously. The boom solution comprises a boom frame consisting oftwo or more parts 200, a scarification and planting head 201 that is mounted onthe boom frame, and a stabilizing mechanism 202 for the frame joint. With theboom frame, the scarification and planting head can be automatically held inposition relative to the ground while the machine is moving continuously. Once thework cycle is completed, the boom frame can be used to return the scarification and planting head to the initial position of the work cycle.

Figure 3 illustrates a sled frame solution for holding the scarification and plantinghead in place relative to the ground when the work machine (1) is moving Wo 2013/135971 13 PCT/F 12013/050287 continuously. The sled frame solution comprises a frame 300 consisting of two ormore parts, a planting sled 301 that is mounted on the boom frame, and astabilizing mechanism 302 for the frame joint. With the sled frame, the scarificationand planting head can be automatically kept in place relative to the ground whilethe work machine is in continuous movement. Once the work cycle is completed,the scarification and planting head can be returned to the initial position of thework cycle.

Figure 4 illustrates control movements of the apparatus. A distance controlmovement 401 illustrates control of the distance of the scarification and plantinghead 101 relative to the work machine. A vertical movement 402 of the frame 100illustrates control of the vertical movement of the frame. A horizontal movement403 of the frame 100 illustrates control of the horizontal movement of the frame. Avertical movement 404 of the scarification and planting head illustrates control ofthe vertical movement of the scarification and planting head. A horizontalmovement 405 of the scarification and planting head illustrates control of thehorizontal movement of the scarification and planting head. A turning movement406 of the scarification and planting head illustrates control of the turningmovement (tilting) of the scarification and planting head. A turning movement 407of a scarification disc 107 of the scarification and planting head illustrates controlof the location and position of the scarification disc. A lifting/lowering movement408 of a planting tube 108 illustrates control of the movements of the plantingtube. A vertical movement of the scarification and planting head 409 shows anexample of the compacting movement of a planting mound with the scarificationdisc 107. A lifting/lowering movement 410 of soil compaction feet 110 illustratecontrol of the necessary movements for compacting the soil around a plantedseedling. A turning movement 411 of the equipment into transportation positionshows how the movements of the equipment can be controlled during moving the equipment into transportation position.

Figure 5 illustrates the setting of the machine-mounted apparatus 500 intotransportation position by road so as to comply with the Road Traffic Actregulations. ln the transportation position, the apparatus is positioned in the loadcarrying space of the work machine or at the rear, on a transportation rack located wo 21113/135971 14 PCT/Fl2013/050287 on top of a seedling transportation system 501. The apparatus can be lifted onboard by means of e.g. the work machine's own loading boom.

Figure 6 iliustrates a seedling feeding solution for conveying seediings from aseedling transportation system of a work machine to the planting tube in thescarification and planting head. Seediings are transported in the transportationsystem 601 of the work machine, from where they are automatically transferred tothe scarification and planting head 602 one or more seediings at a time. ln thescarification and planting head, seediings are automatically transferred into theplanting tube at the right moment. Seediings can be transferred from thetransportation system of the work machine into the scarification and planting headand further on to the planting tube either one at a time by means of e.g.pressurized air inside the tube 603, a preloaded seedling belt, or a conveyorspecifically constructed in the apparatus for the purpose; or several seediings at atime by using the equipments planting trays or the seedling's growing trays, fromwhich the seediings can be removed automatically and transferred to the plantingtube.

Figures 7a-i illustrate operation of the telescopic boom in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention at the various stages by means of a samplework cycle.

The planting work cycle can be activated when the forwarder or other workmachine 1 is either stationary or moving. During the work cycle, the forwardingspeed of the work machine can vary or may stop completely. ln error situations thework cycle can be terminated, either automatically or by the operator. Followingthe termination order, the scarification and planting head is returned to the initialposition of the work cycle.

Figure 7a: ln the initial position of the work cycle, the scarification and plantinghead 101 is near the rear of the working machine. The end ofthe scarification disc 107 faces the ground.

Figure 7b: The scarification disc is pressed into the ground to the selected depth wo 2013/135971 15 PCT/FI2013/050287 using the selected force.

Figure 7c: As the work machine moves, soil gathers in front of the scarificationdisc, forming a pianting spot 2 such as a mound of soil. lf the pianting spot createdduring the process does not meet the set requirements, the planting work cyclecan be started afresh from the beginning.

Figure 7d: When the desired volume of soil has gathered in front of thescarification device, the scarification disc is turned to the compacting position.

Once in the compacting position, the scarification and pianting head is looked intoplace relative to the ground while the work machine continues to move, as thepianting spot is compacted by pressing it with the scarification disc.

Figure 7e: Once compacting is completed, pianting of the seedling is initiated bypressing the pianting tube 108 through the scarification disc into the pianting spotto the selected depth. At the same time, the stabilization mechanism ensures thatthe pianting tube remains fixed and in a vertical position relative to the ground,which ensures that the tree seedling is planted vertically. lf the pianting tubecannot be pressed to the required depth, pianting will be terminated; a desirednumber of new attempts will then be made at selected distances. lf pianting cannotbe completed, the work cycle will start again from the beginning.

Once the pianting tube is in the required position, thejaws at the bottom end of thepianting tube are opened and the seedling is dropped automatically through thetube into the pianting spot.

Figure 7f:lifted back to the upper position and the jaws of the pianting tube are closed.

Once the seedling has dropped through the pianting tube, the tube is Figure 7g: The success of the pianting is then verified by compacting the soilaround the root ball of the tree seedling automatically with soil compaction feet, mounted e.g. on the scarification disc.

WO 2013/135971 l 6 PCT/F12ii13/0s02s7 Figure 7h: Once the soil has been compacted, the compaction feet are returnedto the upper position and the scarification and planting head is lifted to the returnposition, the height of which varies according to the terrain. The scarification andplanting head is lifted only as high as is required to ensure that it can be returnedto the initial position without touching the ground or other obstacles.

Figure 7i: Once the return position of the scarification and planting head isreached, it is returned to the initial position to await the next cycle. The new workcycle is started when the selected distance from the seedling planted during the previous work cycle is reached.

The method and the apparatus can in some cases be supplemented withattachments for removing twigs in order to make room for a mound. Twigs can becleared from in front of the scarification device e.g. by plough or propeller so as not to spoil the mound.

The method and equipment can in some cases be supplemented with attachmentsfor avoiding tree stumps. For example, sensors can be used to detect stumps andstumps can be avoided automatically by the movements of the frame or the boom.

The above description provides just some illustrative applications of the invention.lt will be apparent to a skilled person that the invention is not limited to the detailsthat have been presented here, but that it can be applied in other ways to reach anequivalent outcome. Some features of the embodiments presented can be utilized without others.

As such, the foregoing description shall be considered as merely illustrative ofprinciples of the invention, and not in limitation thereof. Hence, the scope of the invention is only restricted by the appended patent claims.

Claims (11)

zorš-izoo mot. Espana-nt ey i -rsssozvssaoó >> 925994465 P 14/1?, PcT/Fi zola/oso za? - 3042-2013 17 ^ CLAiMS

1. A method for soil scarification based on spot mounding and for planting of tree seedlings in a spot mound (2) by at ieast one apparatus joâned on a work machine5 (1) which at least one apparatus is ioined on the work machine as a detachable and attachabiepaccessory and comprises a frame structure (10, 11, 12) and at least one combined scarification and pianting head (101) mounted on the frame structure, the method comprising: - forming by the at least one combined scarifioation and pianting head a spot 10 mound (2) in the soil as a planting spot; - planting by the at least one combined scarification and planting head a treeseedling in the formed planting spot; and ~ progressing by the work machine (1) substantially continuously along the groundduring planting; 15 characterized by: ~ performing, with at least one apparatus comprising- the frame structure (10, 11, 12) comprising a tetescopic frame (100); and~ horizontal position control means which comprise: a distance regulatingmeans of the telescopic frame to control the distance between the 20 scarification and pianting head and the work machine; a first turning actuator(103) for turning the telescopio frame horizontally reiative to the workmachine; and a second turning actuator (102) for positioning the scarificationand planting head horizontally relativa to the telescopic frame; and with at least one soarification and planting head (101) mounted on a first end 25 (11) of the teiescopic frame, steps: - pressing the scarifioation and plantšng head against the ground by means ofthe telescopic frame at a first distance from e previous planting spot or fromthe work machine for forrning a new planting spot, the distance regulated bythe distance regulating means; 30* - keeping the scarification and planting head substantially horizontally inplace relativa to the ground by the first and second turning aotuators andfoilowing the work machine by the telescopic frame; - compacting the planting spot with the scarifioation and planting head;- planting the tree seedling in the formed planting spot with the scarification Lif-arton: 30.12.2013 12x11 vas - 3o.12.2o1s12;os:21.rhis page 14 of -AM ENDED SH EETzota 12:04:52Received at the EPO on Dec 30, 2013 12:05:21 . Page 14 of 17 20121-12-30 13:04 Espatent Oy +358927852Û6 >> 923994465 P 15/17FCT/Fl 2013/1350 287 - 30-12-201318 and planting head;- lifting the scarification and planting head from the ground; and~ unlocldng the scarification and planting head.

2. The method according to ciaim 1, characterised by returning the soarificationand planting head (101) to a return position from the planting spot after unlocking G1 the scarification and planting head.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterised by toading a new seedling 10 automatically into the scarification and piantlng head (101) from a seedlingtransportation system comprised by the work machine (1) or from seedling trays(601) transported on the work machine or from other seediing transportation andpackaging solutions for a next pianting cycle. 15

4. An apparatus for soil scarification based on spot mcunding and for pianting oftree seedtings in a spot mound (2), which apparatus is joinable on a separate workmachine (1) as a detachable and attachable accessory and comprises a framestructure (10, 11, 12) and a combined scarification and planting head (101) whichis rnovable by means of the frame structure for forming a planting spot in the 20 ground and for planting a tree seediing in the formed planting spot, and a first end(11) of the frame structure is attached in connection with the scarification andplanting head and a second end (12) is attachable on the work machine (1),charaoterized in that the apparatus comprises: - a telescopio frame (100) comprised by the frame structure (10, 11, 12), which 25 has, mount-ed on ite first end (11), at least one scaritication and pianting head(101), and the second end (12) of the telescopic frame is oonfigured, duringcontinuous progressing of the work machine (1) along the ground, to follow thework machine; and- horizontal position control means which oomprise: 30 - a distance regulating means of the telescopic frame to control the distance between the scarifioation and planting head and the work machine; - a first turning actuator (103) for turning the telescopic frame (100)horizontaily relativa to the work machine; and - a second turning actuator (102) for positioning the scarífication and pianting »urarrom sofizzon 12:01 :ss - ao.12.2o1a12;os:21. rnrs page is of AM EN DED SHEETam 12;o5;05Received at the EPO on Dec 30, 2013 12:05:21. Page 15 of 17 zorš-rz-so mos separat: oy »fsssøzrsszoa >> 923994465 P 16/1?. Pcr/ri zola/oso za? - 30-12-2013 19 head horizontally relativa to the telescopic trarne; and during the subetantially continuous progressing of the work machine (1) along the ground:- the distance regulating means is configured to regulate the distance of the

5. Scarification and ptanting head from the work machine, - the first turning actuator and the second turning actuator are configured tokeep the scarification and planting head in place by the telescopic frameeubstantiaiiy horizontaliy relativa to the ground during planting. 10 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the apparatuscomprises vertical position control means (104, 105) of the scarification andplanting head, and the frame structure (10) oomprisee the telescopic frame (100)to which are connected the vertical position control means and the horizontalposition control means (102, 103).

6. The apparatus according to claím 4, characterized in that the distanceregulating means are arranged to control Velocity of the scarificatíon and planting ihead (101) relativa to the ground. 20

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the vertical positioncontrol means comprise vertical actuators (105) for moving the telescopic frame(100) vertically relativa to the work machine and for positioning the scarificatíonand planting head vertically relative to the ground (104) and for cornpacting theplanting spot.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the apparatuscornpríses a hydraulics system onto which the horizontal position control means and the vertical position control means are connected. 30 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the apparatuscomprises one or more pressure accumulators which are connected to thehydraulics system to increase the vertical and horizontal speed of the teiescopic frame. cration: 30.12.2013 12:01:58 - 30.12.2013 12;os:21.n1is page 16 of AM EN DEÛ SH EETzola 12;os;1 sReceived at the EPO on Dec 30, 2013 12:05:21. Page 16 of 17

9. Emo-iZ-EO 13:05 Espatent Oy +358927852Ûó >> 923994á65 P 1?/'l7FCT/Fi 2013/'050 287 - 30-12-2013

10. The apparetus according to ciairn 5, characterized in that the apparatuscomprises means for positioning the apparatus in transport position for roadtransportation, preferably the means for setting the apparatus in transport position comprise a vertical actuator such as a hydrauiic cylinder. 11, A soarification andpiantíng machine for pianting of tree seediings, comprisinga work machine (1) and an apparatus according to any of oiašms 4 to 10 attached to the work machine. urarion:ao.12.2o1s1z:o1:sa - 30.12.2013 12:05:21. This page 17 of 'AM EN DED SH EETzm a 12:05:21Receiver! at the EPO on Dec 30, 2013 12:05:21. Page 17 of 17