The present invention relates to cultivation systems and methods. In one preferred embodiment there is provided a cultivation device. The application claims priority from Australia provisional application AU20132061 10, herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BA CKGR OUND TO T HE INV ENT I ON

The timing and amount of rainfall is often a critical factor in the preparation of soil and the planting of seed. Farmers generally prepare soil and plant seed based on historical factors and anticipated constraints.

It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY Or THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a cultivation device for use in cultivating a tract of land, the device comprising: a plurality of components arranged in series; and a compression arrangement for urging the components downwardly to apply a downwardly directed compression force; the components able to be moved to form earth into a corresponding series of interrows and depressions therebetween for crops, with the compression arrangement for urging the components downwardly, to compress each interrow and provide each interrow with a predefined shape; the compression and the predefined shape of each interrow, when the earth is of a suitable form, for providing desirable water run-off of subsequent rainfall, or other applied water, from each interrow into a corresponding depression.

Preferably the compression arrangement comprises a compression mechanism having a compression arm connected to a member supporting the components. Preferably the compression mechanism includes a compression spring and each component is rotatably mounted to the member supporting the components.

Preferably the components are able to provide a triangular opening when moved to form each interrow as an elongate band of substantially triangular cross-section. Preferably each component comprises a wheel having an annular channel for directing the earth to form the interrows in the shape of the cross-section of the channel.

Preferably each component comprises two frusto-conically shaped portions having their naiTow ends inwardly positioned to provide an annular substantially triangular channel.

Preferably the component includes two cylindrical structures angled to face inwardly to form a substantially triangular opening.

Preferably the cultivation device includes excavation components located to excavate earth in front of the interrow forming components to allow the interrow forming components to use the earth excavated by the diggers to form the interrows.

Preferably the excavators comprise winged tynes for forming furrows between the interrows.

According to a second aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a method of cultivating a tract of land comprising: proactively shaping earth into interrows by proactively compressing the earth using a downwardly directed compression force to push the earth into a predefined shape and provide depressions therebetween for crops; wherein the compression and the predefined shape of each interrow, when the earth is of a suitable form, is able to provide desirable water run-off of subsequent rainfall, or other applied water, from each interrow into a corresponding depression.

Preferably the method includes using a motor driven vehicle to progressively move an agricultural cultivator over the tract of land, the agricultural cultivator compressing the interrows into the predefined shape. Preferably the predefined shape comprises an elongate band of substantially triangular cross-section.

Preferably the predefmed shape provides two side walls angled at greater than 45 degrees either side of vertical to provide an obtuse upper internal angle. Preferably the method includes progressively extracting earth and, at the same time, progressively shaping the earth, once extracted, to form the interrows.

Preferably the method includes smearing the surface of the interrows to assist with providing a relatively smooth outward surface.

Preferably proactively shaping the earth into the interrows includes forming the interrows with a relatively close spacing so as to provide the depressions with a relatively small width.

Preferably each depression is less than 10cm in width.

Preferably each interrow is between 10 to 20 inches in width.

Preferably each interrow is greater than 15 inches in width.

Preferably each interrow is at least 10cm tall. Preferably each interrow is at least 15cm tall.

Preferably the method includes seeding in the depressions for an extended period of time due to forming of the interrows and subsequent rain water run-off.

According to a third aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a method of cultivating a tract of land comprising: proactively compressing earth along a series of spaced apart bands of the tract of land and providing depressions therebetween for crops; said compressing comprising moving a device having a plurality of members arranged in scries, the members each being urged downwardly to progressively compress the earth to provide a series of compressed bands, the compressed bands being able to provide for desirable rain water run-off, of subsequent rainfall, from the compressed bands into the depressions to assist with crop growth. Preferably the method includes compressing the earth to provide each band with a surface angled downwardly towards a corresponding depression.

According to a fourth aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a cultivation device comprising: a structure having at least one member for being urged downwardly to progressively compress earth and able to be drawn over a tract of land to form a compressed band for directing rainfall.

Preferably the earth is compressed to provide each interrow with inclined surfaces for directing water into adjacent depressions.

Preferably each depression is less than 25 inches in width Preferably each interrow is between 7 to 25 inches in width

Preferably each interrow is greater than 7 inches in width

Preferably each interrow is at least 5 centimeters meters tall

According to a fifth aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a cultivation device for use in cultivating a tract of land, the device comprising: a plurality of components rotatably mounted to a frame, each having an annular v-shaped channel, the components able to be moved over earth to form the earth into a corresponding series of interrows, each of a predefined shape, and to provide depressions therebetween.

According to a fifth aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a tract of cultivated land comprising a series of interrows each formed as extension having a predefined shape; wherein the predefined shape, when the earth is of a suitable form, is able to provide desirable water run-off of subsequent rainfall or other applied water from each interrow into a corresponding depression.

According to another aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a cultivation device for use in cultivating a tract of land, the device comprising: a plurality of components arranged in series; the components able to be moved to form earth into a corresponding series of interrows, each of a predefined shape, and to provide depressions therebetween for crops; the predefined shape of each interrow, when the earth is of a suitable form, being able to provide desirable water run-off of subsequent rainfall, or other applied water, from each interrow into a corresponding depression.

Preferably the cultivation device includes a compression mechanism for urging the components downwardly to apply a downwardly directed compression force to push the earth into the predefined shape.

Preferably the compression mechanism includes a compression arm connected to a member supporting the components.

According to another aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a method of cultivating a tract of land comprising: proactively shaping earth into interrows each having a predefined shape and providing depressions therebetween for crops; wherein the form of the earth and the predefined shape of the interrows is able to provide desirable water run-off of subsequent rainfall, or other applied water, from each interrow into a corresponding depression.

Preferably proactively shaping the earth into the interrows includes compressing the earth using a downwardly directed compression force to push the earth into the predefined shape.

It is to be recognised that other aspects, preferred forms and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the present specification including the detailed description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DE SC RIPTION O F DRAWING S In order to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, several preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings in which:

Figures 1 and 2 provide views illustrating a method according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 3 and 4 provide views illustrating an agricultural cultivator and mechanism used in the method shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 5 and 6 provides a views illustrating interrows provided by the method illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;

Figures 7 to 12 provide views of a cultivation device according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 13 and 14 provide views of a cultivation device according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMEN TS

It is to be appreciated that each of the embodiments is specifically described and that the present invention is not to be construed as being limited to any specific feature or element of any one of the embodiments. Neither is the present invention to be construed as being limited to any feature of a number of the embodiments or variations described in relation to the embodiments.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a method 10 of cultivating a tract of land 12 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The method 10 comprises proactively forming earth 14 into interrows 1.6 of a predefined shape 18 and providing depressions 20 therebetween for crops 22. Advantageously the form of the earth 14 and the compressed predefined shape 18 of the interrows 16 is able to provide desirable rain water run-off, of subsequent rainfall, from each interrow 16 into a corresponding depression 20. The predefined shape 18 is provided by a mechanical arrangement that provides the predefined shape 1 8 as a band of compressed/ compacted earth.

The method J O _. is considered to be particularly useful for growing crops in suitable conditions. The method 10 may, possibly, extend the time for seeding certain crops such as cereal grains from 2 weeks to 3 to 4 weeks or possibly more or less depending on the conditions. In addition the interrows 16 provide an advantageous guide for machinery. Conventional auto-steering is presently about 15mm accurate with GPS satellite navigation. The presence of the interrows 16 provides an advantageous guide for steering operations. At block 24 of the method 10, the farmer fixes an agricultural cultivator 26 to a motor driven vehicle, which in this embodiment comprises a tractor 28. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the cultivator 26 includes a mechanism 30 for delivering a downwardly directed compression force. The farmer progressively moves the cultivator 26 over a tract of land 12 to provide the inteiTows 16 as a series 32. The cultivator 26 is used to provide the depressions 20 in between the interrows 16.

Returning to Figure 1, the predefined shape 18 comprises an elongate extension 34 (band) of triangular cross-section 36. Each interrow J 6 is provided as an elongate extension 34 in the series 32. In this embodiment the earth 14 slightly crumbles due to the fbmiing action. Nonetheless a triangular shape is substantially present in the embodiment with two inclined sides.

In the arrangement the predefined shape 18 provides two side walls 38 angled at an obtuse angle. The obtuse angle is greater than 45 degrees either side of vertical (See Figure 5). Each triangular cross-section 36 has an apex region 40 and extends relatively consistently along the length 42 of the associated interrow 1 _. 6.

As part of the progressive movement, at block 44. the method 10 includes progressively extracting earth to form a furrow. Advantageously, at the same time the extracted earth is used at block 46 to form the interrows 16. The earth 14 is extracted using a wedge shaped tyne (wide winged point) that moves the extracted earth either side of the tyne on the surface of the ground. Following being extracted at block 44, the extracted earth is compressed to form the predefined shape 18. Notably each interrow 16 is formed from earth from two ripper tynes.

A block 48, the method 10 includes smearing the surface of the interrows 16 to assist with providing a crusted outer surface. To allow the smearing action the earth is moist. The compression and smearing act, after drying, to form a compacted surface. The soil is hard setting and compacted on the surface say by 5 to 10mm.

It is considered that the smearing of the surface (rather than mere compression) provides for a useful crust on the surface of each interrow 16. The smearing at block 48 is provided by different compression actions over the surface of the interrow 16 as will be described in further detail below.

Referring to Figure 6 the interrows J.6 have a relatively close spacing 50. That is the depressions 20 between the interrows 16 have a relatively small width 50. In this case the depressions 20 are each about 4 inches in width. The interrow is about 14 inches in width 52. The interrows 16 may be differently sized for different conditions. The surface of the interrow is angled to direct rainfall into the adjacent depressions 20. A declination angle of less than 45 degrees is provided away from horizontal.

In the embodiment at block 54 seeds are deposited into the ground beneath the depressions 20 progressively as the interrows 16 are formed into the predefined shape 18. In this embodiment the seed is planted slightly before the associated interrows 16 are formed either side of where the seed is deposited.

As noted above the seeding time is thought to be able to be increased in particular conditions by delivering more moisture to the seeding locations through the use of the angled side walls 38 of the interrows 16.

Thus seeding in the depressions 20 is provided for during an extended period of time due to the predefined shape 1 8 of the interrows 16 (in suitable conditions) and subsequent rain water run-off.

Referring to Figures 7 to 10 there is shown a cultivation device 56 (cultivator) according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. The cultivator 56 is provided for cultivating a tract of land. The cultivator 56 comprises a plurality of interrow forming components 58 arranged in series. In this embodiment the components 58 are provided in a spaced apart aligned relationship as shown. Other arrangements could be staggered, say in a chevron form, or any other suitable series to form the interrows based on requirements and conditions.

The cultivator 56 includes a frame 60 that supports the components 58. The frame 60 provides an axle 62 and the forming components 58 are provided as wheel type structures 64 for rotating about the axle 62. Referring to Figure 10, each wheel type structure 64 is provided in the form of two frusto- conically shaped portions 66 having their narrow ends 68 inwardly positioned to provide an annular channel 70 of substantially triangular cross section 72.

Referring to Figures 9 and 1 1 , the wheel structures 64 _. are respectively able to be drawn over bands of earth to form the earth in a corresponding series of interrows 74, each of a predefined shape corresponding with the triangular cross section 72. As part of providing the interrows 74 the wheel structures 64 provide depressions 76 between the ridges 78 of the interrows 74. Advantageously the triangular extending shape of each interrow 74, when the earth is of a suitable form, is able to provide desirable rain water run-off of subsequent rainfall from each interrow 74 into a corresponding depression 76. In this embodiment the rain water run-off is advantageously provided by the triangular side walls 80 of the interrows 74.

Returning to Figure 7 each wheel structure 64 is provided with a scaper 82 for removing excess earth from the associated wheel structure 64, The wheel structures have a smooth surface 84 however it may be the case that some earth still adheres to the surface 84, The scrapers 82 ensure that the annular channel 70 is .maintained for forming purposes.

Referring to Figure 8, the cultivation device 56 includes a compression mechanism 86 in the form of a compression spring 88 for urging the wheel structures 64 downwardly to apply a downwardly directed compression force 90 to push the earth into the triangular form. Referring to Figure 8 the compression mechanism 86 includes a hinged arm 92 that is connected to the frame 60 via a coupling 94.

The compression mechanism 86 provides a downward force to the wheel structures 64. In this case the wheel structures 64 are also relatively heavy being over 30kg in weight. In some embodiments heavier wheel structures 64 (components 58) are used. Such components may be weigh about 40 to 80 kg or more.

Having relatively heavy wheel stractures 64, of the fomi shown, having a triangular opening is considered to be advantageous. As discussed when such components 58 are moved, they form each interrow 74 as an elongate band of substantially triangular cross-section. Two inclined side walls are formed providing advantageous rain water redirection in suitable conditions.

Referring to Figure 10, the narrow neck 96 of the frusto-conically shaped portions 66 rotates at a lower speed than the ends 98 of the corresponding wheel structure 64. This arises due to the speed being proportional to the radius of rotation. The difference is considered by the applicant to advantageously provide a smearing type action to the surface of the earth in contact with the internal surface 84 of the wheel structure 64. This produces smearings 100 shown in Figure 1 1. The smearings 100 advantageously serve to fill gaps and smooth the surface of the interrrows

Referring to Figures 8 and 12, the cultivator 56 includes a number of ripper tynes 102 located forwardly, in the direction of movement, of the cultivator 56. The ripper tynes 102 are of a wedge shape configuration and operate to extract the earth from the ground and form a furrow. The extracted earth is diverted to either side of each ripper tyne _. 1.02 to be in position for a wheel structure 64. The wheel structure 64 progressively uses the extracted earth to form the interrows 7 _. 4.

Seeding occurs rearwardly of the ripper tynes 1 _. 02 before the wheel type structures form the interrows at the seeding location.

The applicant considers that the cultivator 56 will be suited to particular soil types and locations. For example in the case of low rainfall regions of the Eastern Wheatbelt of Western Australia. This region consists of a vast amount of heavy red loam soil which typically requires more moisture to grow a successful wheat crop than regions having other soils.

This region in particular has experienced many droughts in the past decade. The cultivator 56 is considered as one manner of assisting with adjusting to low rainfall and the particular soil conditions.

It is anticipated that the use of the cultivation device will act to capture rainfall and concentrate the moisture to where it is most required around the plants' roots. The cultivator 56 provides a specially designed press wheel that is mounted to the rear of the seeding machine and compresses the inter-row in a particular shape, to compact and smoothen the surface.

As a result rainfall will run off the inter -row and down into the furrow where the cereal plant is sown. Therefore each individual cereal plant will receive a greater amount of moisture around its roots than a conventionally sown plant.

The heavy red loam soil of the Eastern Wheatbelt, has a low water absorbency rate. As a result this will help the rainfall runoff into the furrow. Furthermore, given the new technology of auto-steer in agricultural machinery, it will allow repeatability of the furrow location over numerous seasons. It is considered that this will benefit the crop by allowing any rain out of the growing season to accumulate in the furrow which should somewhat be conserved in preparation for sowing.

In one embodiment extra wide furrow spacings are employed. For example in the Eastern Wheatbelt furrow spacings such as 18" (456mm) opposed to our conventional method of 9" (228mm) and forming high inter-rows approximately 1.60mm tall are employed. Referring to Figures 13 and 14 there is shown another cultivation device 104 according to a further preferred embodiment. The cultivation device 104 comprises two wheel structures 106 angled to face inwardly to form a substantially triangular opening 108. The wheel structures 106 are angled to face in a particular direction of movement so as to force earth into a substantially triangular interrow when drawn by a tractor or another vehicle. The wheel structures comprises cylinders that are mounted to form a v-shaped channel. The v-shaped channel has oppositely sloping sides to provide interrrows with relatively straight surfaces.

The device 104 is able to compress earth along a series of spaced apart bands of a tract of land, lnterrows are provided with depressions (regions) therebetween for crops. The interrows each provide a surface angled downwardly towards a corresponding depression for directing rainwater.

The compression/compaction in combination with forming the soil into a predefined shape as an interrow provides desirable water run off as described. The method compresses/compacts the soil over the interrow with the appropriate apparatus/implement concurrently forming several interrows with a cultivation device for desirable water runoff. Various systems could be applied to broad acre scale farming. The system could possibly allow for the planting higher yielding cereal crops. As would be apparent, various alterations and equivalent forms may be provided without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. This includes modifications within the scope of the appended claims along with all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents.

There is no intention to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments shown in the drawings. The present invention is to be construed beneficially to the applicant and the invention given its full scope.

In the present specification, the presence of particular features does not preclude the existence of further features. The words 'comprising', including' and 'having' are to be construed in an inclusive rather than an exclusive sense. It is to be recognised that any discussion in the present specification is intended to explain the context of the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that the material discussed formed part of the prior art base or relevant general knowledge in any particular country or region.