Patent Number: 6928941
Docket Number: 20600
Serial Number: 10366115
Date Patented: 08/16/2005

Technology Description:   Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have developed a device to plant seeds in a diamond-shaped pattern. The diamond-shaped pattern helps to achieve higher plant yields, accelerate canopy coverage, increase water savings, and reduce herbicide use.  The planter drops seeds into the ground in multiple off-set rows, which are diamond-shaped. With ARS’s invention, seeds are planted 7 inches apart in a diamond-shaped pattern. With traditional planters, seeds are planted 3.5 inches apart in a twin-row pattern, and 2 inches apart in a single row pattern.   In field studies, peanut seeds were planted using this invention.  Peanut yields resulting from the diamond-shaped planter were 1.5 percent higher than the yields resulting from a twin row planting pattern, and 4 percent higher than the yields resulting from the single row planting pattern.  In addition, canopy closure occurred 7 to 10 days quicker than twin rows and 10 to 14 days quicker than single rows, which reduces soil temperature and evaporative soil moisture loss.  Weed control was also improved in the diamond pattern.  The improved yield and cost savings could provide a positive cost/benefit to a diamond pattern planter depending on how many peanut acres a farmer is producing.   Agricultural equipment manufacturers could use this technology to develop a new device that should help improve plant yields.  This technology is designed for use by peanut farmers.   Reference:   Please refer to patent application S.N. 10/366,115 (Docket #0206.00), “Diamond Row Pattern Planter,” which was filed on February 13, 2003.  Foreign rights are available.   Inventor:   Donald Alan Sternitzke (Former ARS)           Contact:   Marshall C. Lamb National Peanut Research Lab Dawson, GA  39842 (229) 995-7417 / Fax: (229) 995-7416 mlamb@nprl.usda.gov