A method, a container, and a planting device are provided for improving seedling emergence from seeds through soil and improving yield of plants in a field. The method includes selectively planting two seeds next to one another within the soil to provide sufficient emergence energy so the seedlings emerge together through the soil. One of the seedlings is then selectively destroyed to provide a desired spacing between plants in the field. A capsule is provided to contain plantable agricultural products. The capsule enables uniform and consistent planting plantable agricultural products, enables close proximity planting of multiple plantable agricultural products next to one another, and enables uniform and consistent engagement and dispensing of the seeds by planting equipment. A planting device, defined by a planter plate, is designed to consistently and uniformly plant the capsules containing agricultural products within the field.

A method, a container, and a planting device are provided for improving seedling emergence from seeds through soil and improving yield of plants in a field. The method includes selectively planting two seeds next to one another within the soil to provide sufficient emergence energy so the seedlings emerge together through the soil. One of the seedlings is then selectively destroyed to provide a desired spacing between plants in the field. A capsule is provided to contain plantable agricultural products. The capsule enables uniform and consistent planting plantable agricultural products, enables close proximity planting of multiple plantable agricultural products next to one another, and enables uniform and consistent engagement and dispensing of the seeds by planting equipment. A planting device, defined by a planter plate, is designed to consistently and uniformly plant the capsules containing agricultural products within the field.

The invention relates to seed material pellets of elongated form each comprising at least two seeds of elongated form, wherein the pellets consist of the seeds embedded within a matrix, wherein at least 80% of the seeds are oriented in directions essentially parallel to the pellets, and wherein the matrix does not comprise distinct layers of different constitution.

The invention relates to seed material pellets of elongated form each comprising at least two seeds of elongated form, wherein the pellets consist of the seeds embedded within a matrix, wherein at least 80% of the seeds are oriented in directions essentially parallel to the pellets, and wherein the matrix does not comprise distinct layers of different constitution.

Resilient plant development media are disclosed that can include a first layer that includes a plurality of adjacent strands, a second layer that includes a plurality of strands that are adjacent and that is in stacked relation relative to the first layer, wherein the strands of the first layer and the strands of the second layer are in a non-aligned orientation relative to each other. The strands in the first layer and the strands in the second layer may define a crisscross pattern. The multilayer resilient media is effective in supporting seeds during germination and plants throughout their growth and development. The multilayer resilient media is effective for use in various plant growing modalities, e.g., aeroponic, nutrient film, and hydroponic plant growing environments, ratooning processes, and may be easily cleaned for reuse.

A packaging article comprising a wall having an outer surface and an inner surface is disclosed along with methods of forming the packaging article. A first patch consisting essentially of an adhesive and one or more materials that biodegrade within about 6 months include a first seed associated therewith. The first patch is adhered to the inner surface of the packaging article and is removable therefrom without a use of a tool, by a human being. The first seed is configured to remain associated with the first patch after removal of the first patch from the inner surface, and the first seed has at least a 50% likelihood of germinating within thirty days after deployment of the first patch under at least about one inch of soil under climatic and meteorological conditions appropriate for germination of the first seed.

A packaging article comprising a wall having an outer surface and an inner surface is disclosed along with methods of forming the packaging article. A first patch consisting essentially of an adhesive and one or more materials that biodegrade within about 6 months include a first seed associated therewith. The first patch is adhered to the inner surface of the packaging article and is removable therefrom without a use of a tool, by a human being. The first seed is configured to remain associated with the first patch after removal of the first patch from the inner surface, and the first seed has at least a 50% likelihood of germinating within thirty days after deployment of the first patch under at least about one inch of soil under climatic and meteorological conditions appropriate for germination of the first seed.

To provide a seedsheet manufacturing apparatus that can increase a manufacturing speed and a seedsheet. A seedsheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a paste reservoir configured to store a paste in which a seed and a fluid are mixed; a plate cylinder disposed above the paste reservoir; a doctor blade configured to scrape a portion of the paste adhering to a surface of the plate cylinder; a pressing roller disposed such that the pressing roller faces the plate cylinder and a mounting paper is allowed to pass through a gap formed between the pressing roller and the surface of the plate cylinder; a supply unit configured to feed the mounting paper to the gap; and a recovery unit configured to recover the mounting paper that passes through the gap.

A seedling-package forming system includes a first conveyor including a first track and a first sheet arranged on the first track. A second conveyor is located at a downstream position and includes a second track and a second sheet arranged to lie on the second track. The second track is configured to transport the second sheet toward the first sheet. The first sheet and the second sheet are packed around a plurality of seedlings to form a seedling package.

A seedling package includes a seedling including a root structure in soil and a shoot structure protruding from the soil and a seedling-retainer band. The seedling-retainer band includes a first sheet arranged to partially surround a first side of the root structure of the seedling and a second sheet arranged to partially surround an opposite second side of the root structure of the seedling.