The suitability of the seedlings determines the outcome of mechanical planting

 When we start discussions with a new customer, we ask for information about the plants to be used. This is so that we can ensure the technical functioning of the planting machine. 

We usually ask to go to the nursery to examine the seedlings and carry out a drop test. This test is very simple - we drop the seedling from a height of 1.5 m and if the substrate remains in the pot then the seedling is of good quality. 

On the other hand, it is important to check the shape of the roots, if the roots are twisted or they branch outwards the trees will grow slower. Air roots and "prickly" roots are a source of interference to the machine's operation.

The shape of the stem is also crucial, a twisted or curved stem is not suitable for mechanical planting.

We may sound demanding, but the machine performs many functions at the same time. Even a single disturbance slows down the operation and the simplest way is to put poor-quality seedlings in the ground manually.

Weed mechanical control

 In my previous post, I talked about the importance of a properly done field establishment for weed control.

When done correctly - cultivation, the right kind of seedlings, and other actions are a good foundation for the future growth of the stand.

But grass and bushes grow and compete for light and nutrients with the target crop.

In a plantation environment with straight lines and row spacings designed for extraction, it’s easy to control grass mechanically. But we shouldn’t discount cutting in northern conditions - where efficiencies can be gained with a small combi- or compact excavator.

It’s wise to cut the grass and bushes with an efficient method before the final cut. This is because the quantity and quality of the cut wood improve, while the final cut is quick and inexpensive, which is critical for controlling cost when operating with an expensive harvester.

Subsoiling machnery is one of our branches

 

Although we are profiled as a manufacturer of forest builders (planters) and digital systems, we are also a manufacturer of other soil preparation equipment. The pitting tool PT-6 has been a success in forestry. The device subsoil fertilizes and digitally marks the location and working time tracking. Combined with mechanical planting, where water gel is added with a light planting machine, we have reached steep slopes with good work speed. Two PT-6 devices and one PM-120 are great team, especially for slope work or slash areas.

According to our customer's research, the system gives at best a 30 per cent growth rate compared to manual planting and bucket tillage!
The picture shows a device built by our licensed
manufacturer, this also shows our willingness to cooperate in sales, maintenance and license manufacturing. We are at your service for all questions!

Operating planting machine

And this is how it works with TASK- guidance system. All in one: planting, irrigation, herbiciding, fertilizing, GPS- points and the best quality soil preparation!

Fully mechanical planting head Risutec PM60E for eucalyptus and pine

Fully mechanical planting head Risutec PM60E for eucalyptus and pine Risutec has made a new model for eucalyptus plantations. This model is based on our PM60 moulding model, but with several modifications. 

Risutec PM60E includes a plate for preparing the soil up till 40 cm depth. The plate will make a hole, which guarantees optimal conditions for fast growth. Unit also optionally has a fertilize supplier, which gives adjusted amounts of fertilizer on pit surface. 

This unit can be used also for soil inverting. 
Unit has a 60 seedling capacity, with maximum seedling height 30 cm. Risutec PM60E weights 650 kg, making it suitable for excavators starting from 8 tons. This model will be presented 15-17 June in FOREXPO in France and 30 June – 2 July in Galiforest in Spain. 

Guidance system for forest seedlings

Risutec has done a big step for mechanizing forest planting. Our newest product is Guidance System- GS. This new system have been developed with cooperation Stemlux Oy and Siru Innovations Oy.

Guidance system can collect accurate placement, even +- 3 cm. It is very responsive, so material can be processed without breaks. Guidance System can be adjusted for to tell lines between 1,5 m- 5 m and seedling distances 1,5 m-3 m. System will also tell driving lines and it informs danger for crushing seedlings.

Main need for this kind of equipment is eucalyptus and pine plantations, but it can be used also Northern areas. For further information, please contact to Risutec Ltd. www.risutec.fi

Why mechanize forest plantations?

Two different world: Northern countries like Finland and Southern countries like South Africa or Indonesia.

Lets speak about Finland. Our problems are quite usual: high costs of employees, the lack of labor and some suspicious minds. Why we have to change our good methods of forestry? We don't. But should! In our forest development goes backwards- one quarter of our forests are without any care since last 30 years. It won´t be enough that we put seedlings on the ground and then forget. In any cases, our planting areas are usually late, so there is grass and junk trees all over. How to get a good quality wood if we don´t care in time our planting areas?
I suggest- best way to safe our plantations and young forest, is to raise the amount of seedlings/ hectare +20%. There will be good seedlings in future, micro propagation; clones. It will lower costs of seedlings, or create more powerful seedlings.Main thing is that if later nursing is not in right time it will forgive failures and give choices for final products- biomass or timber.

Southern countries mechanization level is low and usually the lack of employees is a quite a problem. But short circuit of final cutting and planting gives powerful need to develop the efficiency. Most important is, that every pulp mill has need to do something to cover the costs. If costs of final cut are under magnifier, next move is to study the planting costs.
Many countries have a strong environmental care of forestry. Much more stronger than we northern people believe, they understand political effect between commercial forestry and good relations with Eco-conscious people= clients. Problems are same, but economic is more growing, they need more and more effective production to cover needs hand in hand with environment.

We are strongly doing the work, which is covering the needs of forestry in all sides of world.

 Join us, we can rise your productivity!