Growers can do more with less through automated transplanting

Columbus OH

01 November, 2021

7:58 AM

Description

Agricultural technology company PlantTape offers growers of hemp, tomatoes, and vegetables an easy, fast transplanting system that is 2-3 times faster than other automated transplanters and needs only 2-3 people (including the tractor driver) to keep it running. Where other automated transplanters rely on complex computer systems, actuators, and sensors, the PlantTape 3-point automated transplanter is 100% mechanical. Line-to-line spacing can be altered in the field to allow for many different bed configurations. Growers can plant fields with different bed configurations on the same day with some mechanical adjustments. Plant-to-plant spacing can be altered on the fly. PlantTape’s planter modules are driven by a hydraulic system. The hydraulic drive allows consistent spacing, even in challenging conditions, unlike chain-and-sprocket ground-driven transplanters that often slip or skip plants in sandy or slick soil. PlantTape’s hydraulic drive also enables precision planting far beyond that of ground-drive transplanters. Where a ground-drive transplanter might allow plant spacing of 2” intervals, PlantTape’s planting machine allows extreme granularity: 6.83”, 9.1”, 7.72”, or whatever the grower’s data dictates is optimal. Employees can be taught to operate the PlantTape automated transplanter in as little as 15 minutes. No special skills or training is required.