Row crop planting apparatus for mobile pipe span-and-tower irrigation systems

A seed planter connected to the end of a rigid drop tube which supplies seed in a stream of carrier water, comprising:

• a perforated tube having a first end which couples with the lower end of the drop tube to define an obtuse angle with respect to the drop tube;
• means for spraying a solid stream of water downward to open a furrow in the ground in advance of travel of the lower end of the drop tube, said spraying means mounted to the lower end of the drop tube;
• a U-shaped furrow firmer connected to the second end of the perforated tube;
• and
• a furrow closer connected to the firmer and angled to plow soil over the firmed furrow.

A seed planting apparatus for use on a wheeled tower and pipe span irrigation system, comprising:

• at least one drop tube for conveying mixture of water and seed for planting in the soil;
• means mounted adjacent the lower end of the drop tube for discharging water under pressure to excavate a furrow for reception of seed from the drop tube;
• a perforated tube connected to the lower end of the drop tube, extending down and rearward of the drop tube to discharge seed into the furrow;
• and
• means connected to the distal end of the perforated tube to close the furrow after the introduction of seed and water by the drop tube.

Apparatus for planting seed in furrows from an elongated span and tower system, comprising:

• a conduit manifold suspended from and along the span and tower system;
• a supply conduit suspended from and along the span and tower system spaced above the manifold and adapted to convey a pressurized mixture of seed in carrier water;
• a first valve interconnecting the supply conduit and the manifold and operable to regulate flow from the supply conduit to the manifold;
• at least one fluid accumulator in fluid communication with the manifold;
• a plurality of planting tubes spaced along and connected to the manifold to convey the mixture of seed and carrier water from the manifold to the ground;
• a separate second valve in each planting tube operable to regulate flow through the tube;
• and
• a programmable controller operable to:
• close the second valve and open the first valve for a first period sufficient to charge the manifold and each accumulator with the mixture of carrier water and seed;
• close the first valve and open each second valve for a second period sufficient to discharge each charge of the mixture through the plurality of tubes;
• and
• repeat the above steps.