Mechanized transplanting in vegetable farms of southern Russia

Leading vegetable farms in the south of Russia are currently using new-generation transplanters for planting transplants into open soil. They differ significantly from the SKN-6, SKN-6A, and MPR-5.4 transplanters that were widely used in the region. The new machines have a number of technical and economic advantages, allowing for high-quality planting of any vegetable crop. Structurally, they are distinguished by: being available in self-propelled, trailed, and mounted versions; the versatility of planting devices suitable for planting transplants with various substrate forms (pyramidal, cuboid, cylindrical); and multifunctionality, which consists of performing several operations in a single pass (laying drip irrigation lines and plastic mulch, perforating planting holes, planting transplants, and covering the edges of the film with soil). Transplanters are available in 2-, 4-, and 5-row versions and are characterized by high productivity (from 2.8 to 7.0 thousand units/h) and high planting quality. Based on a number of indicators (price-to-quality ratio, suitability for regional soil, ease of maintenance, and accessibility), transplanters from Italian companies are in highest demand in the south of Russia. They can plant transplants according to any planting pattern used in the regions.

Regardless of the method of transplant planting, the planting technology must meet a number of requirements for the quality of this operation. Professor V. P. Matveev clearly formulated these requirements, taking into account subsequent plant care using mechanization:

1) the specified row width and straightness must be maintained with an accuracy of ±3 cm (±5 cm for joint row spacing);

2) deviations in planting parameters between plants are permissible within 3% of the planted transplants;

3) when planting standard transplants, they must be submerged into the soil up to the cotyledon leaves, which corresponds to a planting depth of at least 10 cm for potted transplants, and 5-10 cm for non-potted ones for cabbage, and 10-12 cm for tomato;

4) the apical bud must not be covered with soil;

5) transplant roots must not be bent upward during planting;

6) the roots of the planted transplants or the nutrient cubes should be firmly pressed and covered with a soil layer of at least 2-4 cm;

7) no more than 5% of plants planted at an angle are allowed;

8) with manual planting and similar plant care, a small basin is made around each plant for irrigation; irrigation during planting is carried out regardless of soil moisture, as this ensures contact between the plant roots and the soil and accelerates their establishment. For each plant, 0.3-1.0 liters of water is used during planting. More specifically, the water consumption is determined depending on the state of the soil and weather conditions.

Achieving 100% transplant survival and creating optimal conditions for their growing season can only be attained through the high-quality execution of all elements of the technological process. In addition to the system of soil preparation before planting, when using modern transplanters, it is recommended to pre-treat the planting strips with soil-forming tillers such as AF super or AI maxi.

The tillers are produced in a trailed version. The rotor of the tiller is driven by the tractor's power take-off shaft. The AF super is equipped with a double rotor, which allows for loosening the soil to a depth of 18-22 cm without altering its natural structure. It is suitable for light, sandy loam soils.

The AI maxi is a combined unit. The tiller simultaneously loosens the soil, buries stones and large clods, and applies mineral fertilizers, incorporating them into the soil. The machine has proven itself well on the heavy chernozems of the region. Regardless of the conditions for organizing mineral nutrition for growing plants, the presence of a micro-granulator for fertilizer application during soil preparation is a great advantage of the unit. On one hand, it incorporates fertilizers at an optimal depth, mixing them quite evenly with the soil; on the other hand, it significantly saves on the costs of expensive soluble fertilizers used in drip irrigation.

Despite the fact that the technology of planting transplants using new-generation transplanters does not require special instructions, as the machines are quite reliable in operation and planting parameter adjustments are performed easily and simply, some recommendations should be followed:

Prior to planting, perform pre-planting adjustments to the transplanter, carry out a trial run of transplanting, and ensure that planting parameters are met.

On the day of planting, or no earlier than the day preceding planting, organize the milling of planting strips, as well as the application and incorporation of mineral fertilizers into the soil using soil-forming machines.

Transplanting should be carried out on a leveled surface with a fine-clod structure of the top layers of the soil. The planting depth is determined by the height of the nutrient cube (5-7 cm).

Achieving exceptional straightness of transplant rows during the first pass is essential, as subsequent passes will replicate the actual line established by the outermost row.

Systematically monitor the quality of transplanting: for adherence to the planting pattern; the tightness of soil compaction around the nutrient cube; the uniformity of intervals in the row; the completeness of soil anchoring for the mulching film, etc.

Regardless of soil moisture, ensure irrigation of the planted transplants no later than 3-5 hours after planting, at a rate of 0.5-1.0 l of water per root.

When using mechanized transplanting, it is important to consider the biological characteristics of each crop, as standard settings are not suitable for everyone. For example, overgrown tomato and cucurbit transplants are planted at an angle, burying the lower part of the stem into the soil up to the first green leaves. This stimulates the formation of adventitious roots, which help plants more actively absorb water and elements of mineral nutrition. Conversely, transplants of onion and leafy crops with basal leaf arrangement are planted shallowly, strictly at the level of the root collar.

In the field, young plants are left unprotected from scorching sun rays. For transplants to establish, planting in southern regions must be accompanied by abundant soil moistening. Additionally, choosing the right time of day for conducting field operations helps reduce plant stress.

Transplanter settings and planting schemes

Modern transplanters allow for flexible adjustment of planting parameters according to technological requirements. The equipment ensures precise distribution of plants at a set depth and interval within the row. Depending on the chosen technology, the agronomist can adjust row spacing for row or ribbon planting methods.

The use of mulch on vegetable plantations helps maintain the soil water balance and suppress weed growth. Furthermore, this agricultural practice contributes to earlier harvest ripening. Soil mulching can be performed simultaneously with transplanting and the laying of drip irrigation lines.