A mechanism to regulate winged coulter depth and overdrilled seed spacing in field experiments

A mechanism capable of holding a coulter at specified depths in soil is described. Rolling, positive depth regulation is pivoted over the leading point of the lateral wings of the coulter on a common walking beam axle. This places depth sensing as close as possible to the point on the coulter most influencing groove depth, without interfering with groove formation or applied herbicide. The coulter is raised or lowered in a shaft to produce the desired depths. Results are presented illustrating the ability of this design to maintain groove depth despite changes in surface contour. A hand‐loaded seeder which can be incorporated into the unit is also described and evaluated. Seed is released from regularly spaced holes in a slide immediately over the coulter seed tube, resulting in very low seed delivery error.