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Using the Planter
The planter is rocked back and forth as the foot/hand pushes it into the ground.
Finally it is pushed away from the operator and the seed and fertiliser are dropped down the tube and fall into the slots created through the mulch.
On pulling out the tool some soil falls to cover the seeds or a foot can be used to close the holes.
Crop Emergence
The crop emerges through the mulch into a weed free area.
The seed emerges later than that planted on cultivated land on right.
It continues to grow on stored moisture below the soil surface after the other crop has matured.
Final Yield
The crop grows slowly to maturity with high yields. The size and density of the canopy affect intercropping of beans.
The trial results show that a pure crop stand without intercropping gives better performance.
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Interesting and very simple, Does seeding depth vary much in practice ? Is there evidence of compaction at depth from the back and forth movement needed to assist penetration and obtain some tilth? The concept seems best suited to deeper planting but a way to 'loosen deep and plant shallow' may be helpful for smaller seeds, even if loosing on the benefits of seed contact with undisturbed soil. What is the weight of the unit? Well done and thanks for sharing your work.