Row Crop Planter Lays down Plastic As It Plants

Row Crop Planter Lays down Plastic As It Plants PLANTING EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous 25-2-12 A first-of-its-kind row crop planter lays down a layer of biodegradable plastic as it plants, creating a greenhouse environment for emerging seedlings. The "Samco X-Tend" machine has been used for years to grow corn in Ireland, where growing conditions are marginal. As plants emerge from the soil they pop right through the film, which protects emerging plants from frost and promotes rapid growth during early emergence. The machine is available in 4 and 6-row models. The 4-row model sells for about $20,000. Cost for the plastic film is about $80 per acre. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, SAMCO Agricultural Manufacturing, Tuogh, Adare, Co. Limerick, Ireland (ph 011 353 61 396176; fax 011 353 61 395123; E-mail: samcoagri@eircom.net).

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