DISPOSITIVO PARA ASISTIR EN EL TRASPLANTE DE PLANTAS DE VIVERO, MAQUINA QUE INCORPORA EL DISPOSITIVO, Y METODOS DE UTILIZACION DEL DISPOSITIVO

El presente invento proporciona un dispositivo que mejora la precisión de trasplante automatizado de plantas de vivero. El dispositivo comprende un aparato similar a un esquí incluyendo una ranura de plantación definida para recibir las plantas de vivero a ser plantadas, y una cuchilla dispuesta en el frente del dispositivo corta abriendo el terreno en preparación para plantación. La configuración del dispositivo permite que plantas de vivero sean plantadas con precisión a una profundidad de plantación deseada. El dispositivo es adecuado para uso con árboles coníferos de vivero, y permite el trasplante automatizado de plantas de vivero a alta velocidad. Seedlings are typically grown in trays of soil plugs. Once the seedlings have attained a predetermined size, they may be transplanted to the ground for continued seedling growth and development. Several machines are known in the art, which allow automated seedling transplantation. The present invention provides a device that significantly improves the accuracy of automated transplantation of seedlings. The device encompasses, at least in preferred aspects, a ski-like apparatus including a defined planting slot for receiving the seedlings to be planted. Furthermore, a blade extending in front of the device cuts open the ground in preparation for plantation. The configuration of the device enables seedlings to be planted accurately to a desired planting depth. The device is particularly suited for use in connection with coniferous tree seedlings, and enables automated transplantation of such seedlings at high speed. The invention pertains to the device, to machines adapted to incorporate the device, and also to methods of seedling transplantation involving the device.