Interseeding apparatus and method

An interseeder apparatus for dry broadcast distribution of seeds in conjunction with a center-pivot irrigation system, the center-pivot irrigation system having a center tower, a main water pipe extending radially therefrom and adapted for circular rotation about the center tower, the interseeder apparatus comprising:

• first and second storage containers for storing a quantity of dry seed to be interseeded, said storage containers adapted to be mounted adjacent opposite ends of a center-pivot irrigation system;
• seed conveying means for conveying the seed in a dry condition from said storage containers outwardly from said first storage container and inwardly from said second storage container;
• a plurality of dispensing stations positioned along the main water pipe, each of said dispensing stations having, a seed box for containing a quantity of dry seed and having a discharge opening, seed delivery means in communication with said seed conveying means for delivering a quantity of dry seed from said seed conveying means into said seed box from said seed conveying means;
• seed metering means for regulating the discharge of seed from said discharge opening of said seed box;
• and distribution means in communication with said seed box for receiving seed discharged through said discharge opening by said metering means and broadcasting said seed therefrom;
• and
• means for activating said seed metering means and said distribution means, such that upon activation, a quantity of dry seed is discharged from said seed box and delivered to said distribution means for broadcast distribution.

In combination,

• a quantity of dry seed for planting,
• a center-pivot irrigation system having;
• a center tower,
• a main water pipe extending radially from said center tower and through which the water is carried, said main water pipe being movable about said center tower thereby defining a generally circular path,
• an interseeder apparatus for dry broadcast distribution of seeds having,
• a storage container for storing a quantity of dry seed to be interseeded, said storage container adapted to be mounted on a center-pivot irrigation system;
• seed conveying means for conveying the seed in a dry condition from said storage container outwardly from said storage container;
• a plurality of dispensing stations positioned along the main water pipe, each of said dispensing stations having, a seed box for containing a quantity of dry seed and having a discharge opening, seed delivery means in communication with said seed conveying means for delivering a quantity of dry seed from said seed conveying means into said seed box from said seed conveying means;
• seed metering means for regulating the discharge of seed from said discharge opening of said seed box;
• and distribution means in communication with said seed box for receiving seed discharged through said discharge opening by said metering means and broadcasting said seed therefrom;
• and
• means for activating said seed metering means and said distribution means, such that upon activation, a quantity of dry seed is discharged from said seed box and delivered to said distribution means for broadcast distribution.

A method of interseeding a crop in conjunction with the operation of a center-pivot irrigation system comprising the steps of:

• providing a center-pivot irrigation system having a center tower, and a main water pipe extending radially from said center tower and through which the water is carried, said main water pipe being movable about said center tower thereby defining a generally circular path,
• providing an interseeder apparatus for dry broadcast distribution of said dry seeds in conjunction with said center-pivot irrigation system, the interseeder having, a storage container for storing a quantity of dry seed to be interseeded, said storage container adapted to be mounted on a center-pivot irrigation system;
• and a plurality of dispensing stations positioned along the main water pipe;
• providing a quantity of dry seed for planting;
• placing said dry seed in said storage container;
• activating said irrigation system so as to pivot said main water pipe around the field;
• conveying dry seed from said storage hopper to said plurality of dispensing stations;
• and
• broadcasting said dry seed from each of said dispensing stations.