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  <div class="title"><h1>1.8 - Tools to transplant seedlings</h1><br><h3 class="ch-owner">Mitchell van Schepen, University of Guelph, Canada</h3></div>
  <div class="title"><h3>1.8 - Tools to transplant seedlings</h3><br><h3 class="ch-owner">Selena Caltagirone, University of Guelph, Canada</h3></div>
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<p><b>Related video(s)</b>: Rice transplanting (Source: Access Agriculture)</p>
<p><i> https://www.accessagriculture.org/rice-transplanting?cat_id=44</i></p>
 
<p>Suggested citation for this chapter.</p>
<p>Caltagirone,S (2022) Tools to transplant seedlings. In Farmpedia, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org</p>
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       <h3 class="title-bg">Background</h3>
       <h1 class="title-bg">Introduction</h1>
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           <p>The world’s 1 billion women and girls participating in subsistence farming pull weeds by hand to improve their crops and also collect firewood for cooking, resulting in their hands becoming rough and sore (Figure 1). This can be caused by wood splinters being lodged into their skin (Schaffner, 2013). Pulling weeds for hours on end can peel away layers of skin (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). The hands of those farmers can also become dirty and smelly from planting seeds in the soil or spreading manure by hand. To avoid the common aforementioned problems as well as hand injuries, such as cuts and scrapes, they could wear gloves on their hands, see the second picture, (Schaffner, 2013). Gloves are very common in the modern world and can be used for construction, farming, and medical practices. Gloves provide a durable layer between the skin on your hands and whatever you are working with (Espasandín-Arias & Goossens, 2014). There are a few different materials used to make gloves, along with different sizes and grips. With over one billion women and girls working on farms around the world, this grueling work can be made safer and more efficient when wearing gloves.</p>
           <p>Many smallholder farmers transplant vegetables and other seedlings manually, which can cause negative consequences (Jorg et al., 2021). Smallholder farmers may transplant seedlings because it can help reduce pests as well as help crops to fight off weeds (Volente, 2021). This can in turn help women farmers who are especially given the laborious task of removing weeds manually (Volente, 2021). Transplanting is also undertaken to jumpstart crops in small irrigated nurseries, prior to the onset of rainfall, to help extend the growing season. Manual transplanting causes musculoskeletal problems including lower back pain by having to work in awkward positions, as well as hip and knee pain, by forcing farmers to kneel, bend and assume an uncomfortable posture (Xiao et al., 2012). In recent years, tools to transplant vegetable crops have increased, as manual labour becomes more expensive and is also prone to human error such as non-uniform spacing between seedlings (Jorg et al., 2021). In this chapter, I will describe 3 types of transplanting tools, which differ in design, cost and efficiency. </p>
 
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          <p>Rubber and cloth are the two main kinds of gloves produced (Melco, 2016). They both have their own benefits and drawbacks respectively. A benefit from rubber gloves is their ability to resist water from coming in contact with a farmer's skin, see part two, (Espasandín-Arias & Goossens, 2014). While cloth gloves can be beneficial because they can draw moisture away from their hands and can be easily washed to be cleaned. Because rubber gloves are usually meant to be disposed of after single use they tend to be cheaper to make and thus cheaper to buy. Yet some rubber gloves can be made thicker to reuse and are slightly more durable (Melco, 2016). Cloth gloves are designed to be washed after being used and last a long time under normal working conditions.</p>
 
          <p>Along with the different materials gloves are made of, there are also different arm lengths. Some gloves are cut off just in front or around the wrist. While others can be up to and over the elbow and everywhere in between (Melco, 2016). The benefits of the shorter gloves is comfort, no bunching around wrist or elbow, and they can be quickly put on or removed. The benefits of the long gloves are more protection, the entire forearm will be covered. All the while there is less of a chance of getting debris in their gloves because the opening is farther away from what you are working with. Farmers can also work in deeper water or mud with the long rubber gloves without getting your hands wet.</p>
 
          <p>When working with smooth items such as hoes and some fruits and vegetables they can be slippery (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). A way to help farmer's hold on to the tools is to get gloves with grips (Melco, 2016). Both rubber and cloth gloves can have grips. Rubber gloves will have ridges in the molds to form grips and granular materials can be added to the outside before drying (Melco, 2016). Another option is to make the rubber gloves out of a non-slip rubber (Melco, 2016). Because cloth alone does not provide grip, cloth gloves must be dipped in liquid rubber to be able to grip smooth objects. The rubber used for grips on cloth gloves can either be non-slip smooth rubber or be rigid (Melco, 2016). </p>
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       <h1 class="title-bg">Pottiputki Transplanting Tool (Expensive)</h1>
       <h3 class="title-bg">Physical Protection</h3>
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          <p>Protection is the main benefit from using gloves. Repetitive motions, such as when pounding grain, can cause irritation to the skin. When collecting firewood the sticks and logs can scratch or cut the skin (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). Weeds can be rough and by scratching their hands many times they can become cut and sore (Espasandín-Arias & Goossens, 2014). By lifting and pulling heavy items the top layer of your skin will separate from the next, causing a blister, by wearing gloves they now will prevent blistering because the glove will act as the top layer of skin and prevent the actual skin from separating (Schaffner, 2013). Manure has a lot of bacteria in it which are harmful if they are swallow, so keeping them away from the hands used to eat with is very beneficial (Furlong, et al., 2015). If farmers are working with firewood or in construction the cloth gloves will work better because they are more durable (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). The disposable rubber gloves would be the worst to use in this scenario because they are so thin, stick to jobs were the main goals are to keep hands dry and dirt free when using disposable rubber gloves.</p>
<p><b>Background:</b></p>
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<p>The Pottiputki transplanting tool is shown in Figure 1 below. This tool has become very popular amongst some farmers (BCC, n.d.). To use this tool, farmers stab the hollow tube into the soil, open the jaws of the tool by stepping on the pedal, drop the seedling in the tool so it can travel down the hollow tube into the ground, pull the tool out of soil, close the jaws and repeat (Bare Mountain Farm, 2017). This tool also has lots of flexibility: farmers can change how deep the seedling goes into the soil (Bare Mountain Farm, 2017). It is also very efficient, able to transplant 400-500 seedlings per hour (Bare Mountain Farm, 2017). The tool is used to transplant a diversity of crops including most flowers, vegetables, and fruits  (Bare Mountain Farm, 2017).</p>
<p>[[Image:Lkj.jpg|thumb|centre|Figure 1. The Pottiputki transplanting tool (https://stuewe.com/product/55mm-pottiputki/)]]</p>
<p><b>Benefits</b></p>
<p>The Pottiputki planting tool offers many benefits for farmers. It is very important for farmers to maintain an ergonomically correct working position to avoid any pain or discomfort (BCC, n.d.). The Pottiputki tool is tall and works in a way that the farmer can stand while using the tool and not have to bend down. This can reduce back and knee problems. The Pottiputki tool is also lightweight (2.92 kg) and comfortable, making it possible for women and people of different strengths to use the tool for hours (BCC, n.d.). This tool is able to plant seedlings of many types of crops, has a sturdy construction, and increases the chances of seedling establishment success due to its mechanics which make the soil less compact (BCC, n.d.). The tool reduces the tiredness of farmers and makes them able to transplant 40% more seedlings than if done manually in the same amount of time (BAP Equipment, n.d). </p>
<p><b>Cost and access</b></p>
<p>The Pottiputki planting tool can be bought online or in stores for around $275 USD (BAP Equipment, n.d). However, if this is unaffordable, small scale farmers can buy cheaper versions made by different companies (Walmart, n.d). Farmers can also share these tools at the village level using a cooperative, or a local entrepreneur can purchase it using a microfinance loan and make it into a fee-for-service business.</p>
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       <h1 class="title-bg">Widger Stainless Steel Seedling Transplanting Tool (Not expensive)</h1>
       <h3 style="background: #FBB03B;padding: 15px;font-weight: 600;color: #000;font-size: 22px;margin:unset;text-align:center;">Defense Against Moisture and Chemicals</h3>
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<p><b>Background:</b></p>  
          <p>Moisture blocking is a way gloves can prevent your skin from drying out and from getting too wet and dehydrating farmer's hands. By keeping the moisture from the hands inside the gloves they will prevent the skin from cracking and becoming infected (Schaffner, 2013). As well when working in wet conditions your hands can shrivel and become dehydrated if they are constantly in contact with water.</p>
<p>Some farmers may want a smaller and less expensive tool for smaller scale plantings (e.g. home gardens). For this, the Widger Stainless Steel Seedling tool is ideal, as shown in Figure 2 below. This smaller tool, which is about the size of a hand, a farmer should make an indentation in the soil with the end of the tool, pick up small seedlings with the tool using the correct end depending on the seedling size, place the seedlings in the hole and cover with soil (TerroirSeeds, n.d). The tool has been shown to be helpful for multiple crops, including small radish or beets (Gardens, n.d.).</p>  
          <p>Pesticides can be absorbed by your skin and become harmful to the body, gloves provide an extra barrier to block them from entering in a farmer's body (Furlong, et al., 2015). Fertilizers such as nitrogen can also be caustic, and these are usually spread through broadcasting by hand. Mud can get under your nails and into cracked or cut skin and can infect a farmer's hands. Gloves will keep the mud out and keep hands clean. Both liquid pesticides and dry fertilizers can irritate skin if they come into contact with it (Kim, et al., 2013). Wearing the proper gloves, rubber ones in this case, can save their hands from becoming itchy (Keeble et al., 1996). Human skin can also absorb the pesticides which are harmful to your body, wearing gloves would prevent the pesticides from ever touching your skin.</p>
<p>[[Image:Lpo.jpg|thumb|centre|Figure 2. The Widger stainless steel seedling transplanting tool  (Source: https://store.underwoodgardens.com/Widger-Stainless-Steel-Seedling-Tool/productinfo/T1095/]]</p>
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<p><b>Benefits</b></p>
<p>The Widger seedling tool has numerous benefits. One end of the tool is smaller and curved perfectly to carry seedlings that are very small. The tool is strong and therefore not easily breakable; it fits into the average hand; the curved support helps prevent injuring fragile seedlings; and the tool is the ideal size to open up spaces in the soil before transplanting (Burgon & Ball, 2022).</p>
<p><b>Cost and access:</b> The Widger stainless steel tool costs only $10 USD on many websites (TerroirSeeds, n.d).</p>
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       <h3 class="title-bg">Wearable</h3>
       <h1 class="title-bg">Gripper Tools to Transplant Vegetable Seedlings</h1>
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          <p>Comfortable gloves help farmer's work longer because their hands will not hurt from completing your task. Sizing is very important when finding comfortable gloves (Melco, 2016). Make sure gloves are the proper length and width, as not to restrict movement. There will be less pain from pulling weeds and they will be able to pull more weeds because they would not have to wait a long for the pain to subside between pulling each weed, because there will be no pain if wearing gloves (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). If farmer's find they are working hard and their hands start to sweat the gloves should be removed , dry your hands, and put on a new pair. Cloth gloves are more breathable then rubber ones, using them is another way to prevent hands from getting sweaty. The cloth gloves can also be softer and easier to clean, but are more restricting to movement due to their durability and tougher material. Since children will also be farming, smaller glove sizes can be found. Gloves are designed to fit a farmer's hand snugly, so children should not wear adult sized gloves when working. </p>
<p><b>Background:</b></p>
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Tools designed specifically to transplant vegetable seedlings include the the needle gripper and the two-finger gripper. These tools are shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 below, respectively. These two types of grippers work very similar to each other with just a few differences (Jorg et al., 2021). For the two-finger gripper, a farmer can change the closing angle of the gripper as well as have a soft touch on their fingers due to the polyurethane foam which can stop any pain that may arise from continuous gripping (Jorg et al., 2021). On the other hand, the needle gripper grasps the seedlings with two needles, and the farmer is able to regulate the distance between the needles to fit the size of the seedlings they are transplanting (Jorg et al., 2021). To use the grippers, one should grip the handles with their fingers, put the tool into the soil over the seedling, and push the handles together to grip the seedling for transplanting (Jorg et al., 2021).</p>
<p>[[Image:Hyti.jpg|thumb|centre|Figure 3. Two-finger gripper vegetable seedling transplanting tool (Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2624-7402/3/3/43/htm)]]</p>
<p>[[Image:Jhn.jpg|thumb|centre|Figure 4. Needle gripper vegetable seedling transplanting tool (Source:  https://www.mdpi.com/2624-7402/3/3/43/htm)]]</p>
<p><b>Benefits:</b></p>
<p>Gripper tools for vegetable transplanting have many benefits. Just like the previous tools discussed, the grippers transplant seedlings at a faster rate than traditional methods, saving labour time and money for farmers (Jorg et al., 2021). In one study, farmers tested both gripper tools on four different vegetable crop for their ability to transplant seedlings and the subsequent success of the seedlings (Jorg et al., 2021). Both grippers had great success lifting the seedlings from their tray; the two finger gripper had a success rate of 95%, while the needle gripper had a success rate of 81.75% (Jorg et al., 2021). Overall, the two finger gripper worked best and was most successful with lettuce and chicory.</p>  
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       <h3 class="title-bg">Constraints To Adoption</h3>
       <h1 class="title-bg">Critical Analysis </h1>
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          <p>Gloves are very useful to farmers, but there can still be some drawbacks. Possible culturable taboos might vary from location to location. Gloves might seem feminine and not easily adopted by men in the community. Gloves act as a second, tougher skin, but they are not a farmer's skin and can slide around while working. This may feel odd and uncomfortable but farmers can get used to the new feeling over time. Gloves can come in many colours and thicknesses, which may make a farmer's hands look funny or larger. Human skin is very stretchy and flexible, while glove materials tend to be tougher than skin and will reduce movement, but not enough to hinder work. Rubber gloves can stretch well, but make hands sweat, while cloth gloves are breathable but reduce dexterity.</p>
<p>The Pottipuki planting tool is a good tool overall to transplant large numbers of seedlings; however it may have difficulty transplanting soft seedlings that are floppy at early stages which causes them to roll around inside the tool (e.g. Dianthus ornamental plants) (Baremtnfarm, 2017). As for the Widger tool, it is only effective for tiny seedlings (TerroirSeeds, n.d). A tool that is able to transplant seedlings of all sizes could potentially benefit farmers and reduce the money they spend on tools. The two gripper tool for vegetable crops is very successful at lifting seedlings without damaging the plant (Jorg et al., 2021). However, when the needle gripper was tested with leek vegetable seedlings, when the tool lifted the seedlings, the soil frequently got detached from the roots and sometimes shattered (Jorg et al., 2021). Additionally, overlapping leaves of different seedlings sometimes made it difficult for the two-finger gripper to transplant seedlings, although this problem did not occur with the needle gripper (Jorg et al., 2021). These tools can save a farmer time which in turn saves money, and also saves the farmer strain and pain from manual transplanting. </p>
          <p>Farmers can find gloves to use and get started from local vendors (European Commission For The Control Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease, 2016). Once you have completed your work for the day you can clean them are reuse them, or dispose of them if they were ripped or torn (Kim, et al., 2013). You can get gloves made of rubber and like materials as well as ones made of durable cloths. The thin rubber gloves tend to be made for a single use only. A trick that the European Commission For The Control Foot-And-Mouth Disease mentions that you can wear two pairs of rubber gloves at the same time for extra protection (European Commission For The Control Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease, 2016).</p>
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      <h1 class="title-bg">Picture Based Lesson to Train Farmers </h1>
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[[Image:2.8a page-0001.jpg|thumb|centre|Picture Based Lesson to Train Farmer|Click on the image to access a higher resolution image as well as lessons adapted for different geographic regions.]]</p>
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       <h3 class="title-bg">Helpful Links To Get Started </h3>
       <h1 class="title-bg">Practical Links To Get Started </h1>
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          <p>Here are websites to find more information about how to obtain gloves:</p>
<p>Alibaba and Indiamart have inexpensive seedling transplanters starting at $10 USD: Search “Seedling transplanter” at Alibaba.com and Indiamart.com</p>
          <p>[https://www.alibaba.com/ Alibaba]</p>
 
          <p>[https://www.indiamart.com/ Indiamart]</p>
<p>How to use Pottiputki planting tool
          <p>[http://www.store.nzfarmsource.co.nz/ Store Nzfarmsource]</p>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDVr6X_jfh8.</p>  
          <p>[https://www.adenna.com Adenna]</p>
 
          <p>[https://www.farmcity.co.za/ Farmcity]</p>
<p>Where to buy Pottipuki planting tool
          <p>[https://www.crazystore.co.za/ Crazystore]</p>
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/Garosa-Seedling-Transplanter-Transplanting-Tool-1pc-Seedling</p>
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<p>More cost efficient Pottipuki planting tool
g-Planter-Vegetable-Young-Plant-Garden-Greenhouse-Manual-Transplanting-Tool/19L9E962BMWV </p>
 
<p>Stainless steel transplant tool
https://store.underwoodgardens.com/Widger-Stainless-Steel-Seedling-Tool/productinfo/T1095/ </p>
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       <h3 class="title-bg">References</h3>
       <h1 class="title-bg">References</h1>
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           <p>Espasandín-Arias, M., & Goossens, A. (2014). Natural rubber gloves might not protect against skin penetration of methylisothiazolinone. Contact Dermatitis, 70(4), 249-251. doi:10.1111/cod.12221</p>
           <p>1.Bare Mountain Farm (2017)  Pottiputki- Great Planting Tool. www.baremtnfarm.com (Retrieved September 29, 2022)</p> 
          <p>European Commission For The Control Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease. Suggested FMD PPE guidelines - Food and Agriculture, (2016)  
 
          Food and Agriculture Organization. Rural women in household production: Increasing contributions and persisting drudgery. (2016).
<p>2.BAP Equipment (n.d.). Pottiputki planting tool.  BAP Equipment Ltd. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://www.bapequipmentstore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1031m,</p>
          </p>
<p>3.BCC (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2022, from http://pottiputki.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Planting_email.pdf </p>
          <p>Furlong, M., Tanner, C. M., Goldman, S. M., Bhudhikanok, G. S., Blair, A., Chade, A., . . . Kamel, F. (2015). Protective glove use and hygiene habits modify the associations of specific pesticides with Parkinson's disease. Environment International, 75, 144-150. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2014.11.002</p>
<p>4.Jorg, O. J., Sportelli, M., Fontanelli, M., Frasconi, C., Raffaelli, M., & Fantoni, G. (2021). Design, development and testing of feeding grippers for vegetable plug transplanters. AgriEngineering 3(3), 669-680. https://www.mdpi.com/2624-7402/3/3/43/htm </p>
          <p>Keeble, V. B., Correll, L., & Ehrich, M. (1996). Effect of Laundering on Ability of Glove Fabrics to Decrease the Penetration of Organophosphate Insecticides Through in vitro Epidermal Systems. J. Appl. Toxicol. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 16(5), 401-406. doi:10.1002/(sici)1099-1263(199609)16:53.3.co;2-6</p>
<p>5.Burgon and Ball. (2022). Seedling Widger. Burgon and Ball company website. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://www.burgonandball.com/products/seedling-widger</p> 
          <p>Kim, J., Kim, J., Cha, E., Ko, Y., Kim, D., & Lee, W. (2013). Work-Related Risk Factors by Severity for Acute Pesticide Poisoning Among Male Farmers in South Korea. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(3), 1100-1112. doi:10.3390/ijerph10031100</p>
<p>6.Walmart. (n.d.). Garosa seedling transplanter: Walmart Canada. Walmart.ca. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/Garosa-Seedling-Transplanter-Transplanting-Tool-1pc-Seedling-Planter-Vegetable-Young-Plant-Garden-Greenhouse-Manual-Transplanting-Tool/19L9E962BMWV </p>
          <p>Melco, M. (2016). Gardening Gloves. Retrieved from [http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Gardening_Gloves Garden Lovetoknow]</p>
<p>7.Volente, G. (2021, March 23). Transplanting plants: Reasons, methods, & examples. Greenhouse Today. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from https://www.greenhousetoday.com/transplanting-plants-reasons-methods-examples/ </p>
          <p>Schaffner, A. D. (2013). Minimizing Surgical Skin Incision Scars with a Latex Surgical Glove. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 37(2), 463-463. doi:10.1007/s00266-013-0071-y</p>
<p>8.Widger stainless steel seedling tool. Terroir Seeds, Underwood Gardens. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://store.underwoodgardens.com/Widger-Stainless-Steel-Seedling-Tool/productinfo/T1095/ </p>
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<p>9.Xiao, H., McCurdy, S. A., Stoecklin-Marois, M., Li, C.-S., & Schenker, M. (2012). Agricultural work and chronic musculoskeletal pain among Latino Farm Workers: The MICASA study. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 56(2) 216-225 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3593628/</p>  
<p>10.YouTube. (2017). Cool Tool Speeds up Planting. YouTube. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDVr6X_jfh8. </p>  
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Latest revision as of 21:02, 14 January 2026

1.8 - Tools to transplant seedlings


Selena Caltagirone, University of Guelph, Canada

Img 8 1.jpeg

Related video(s): Rice transplanting (Source: Access Agriculture)

https://www.accessagriculture.org/rice-transplanting?cat_id=44

Suggested citation for this chapter.

Caltagirone,S (2022) Tools to transplant seedlings. In Farmpedia, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org

Introduction

Many smallholder farmers transplant vegetables and other seedlings manually, which can cause negative consequences (Jorg et al., 2021). Smallholder farmers may transplant seedlings because it can help reduce pests as well as help crops to fight off weeds (Volente, 2021). This can in turn help women farmers who are especially given the laborious task of removing weeds manually (Volente, 2021). Transplanting is also undertaken to jumpstart crops in small irrigated nurseries, prior to the onset of rainfall, to help extend the growing season. Manual transplanting causes musculoskeletal problems including lower back pain by having to work in awkward positions, as well as hip and knee pain, by forcing farmers to kneel, bend and assume an uncomfortable posture (Xiao et al., 2012). In recent years, tools to transplant vegetable crops have increased, as manual labour becomes more expensive and is also prone to human error such as non-uniform spacing between seedlings (Jorg et al., 2021). In this chapter, I will describe 3 types of transplanting tools, which differ in design, cost and efficiency.

Pottiputki Transplanting Tool (Expensive)

Background:

The Pottiputki transplanting tool is shown in Figure 1 below. This tool has become very popular amongst some farmers (BCC, n.d.). To use this tool, farmers stab the hollow tube into the soil, open the jaws of the tool by stepping on the pedal, drop the seedling in the tool so it can travel down the hollow tube into the ground, pull the tool out of soil, close the jaws and repeat (Bare Mountain Farm, 2017). This tool also has lots of flexibility: farmers can change how deep the seedling goes into the soil (Bare Mountain Farm, 2017). It is also very efficient, able to transplant 400-500 seedlings per hour (Bare Mountain Farm, 2017). The tool is used to transplant a diversity of crops including most flowers, vegetables, and fruits (Bare Mountain Farm, 2017).

Figure 1. The Pottiputki transplanting tool (https://stuewe.com/product/55mm-pottiputki/)

Benefits

The Pottiputki planting tool offers many benefits for farmers. It is very important for farmers to maintain an ergonomically correct working position to avoid any pain or discomfort (BCC, n.d.). The Pottiputki tool is tall and works in a way that the farmer can stand while using the tool and not have to bend down. This can reduce back and knee problems. The Pottiputki tool is also lightweight (2.92 kg) and comfortable, making it possible for women and people of different strengths to use the tool for hours (BCC, n.d.). This tool is able to plant seedlings of many types of crops, has a sturdy construction, and increases the chances of seedling establishment success due to its mechanics which make the soil less compact (BCC, n.d.). The tool reduces the tiredness of farmers and makes them able to transplant 40% more seedlings than if done manually in the same amount of time (BAP Equipment, n.d).

Cost and access

The Pottiputki planting tool can be bought online or in stores for around $275 USD (BAP Equipment, n.d). However, if this is unaffordable, small scale farmers can buy cheaper versions made by different companies (Walmart, n.d). Farmers can also share these tools at the village level using a cooperative, or a local entrepreneur can purchase it using a microfinance loan and make it into a fee-for-service business.

Widger Stainless Steel Seedling Transplanting Tool (Not expensive)

Background:

Some farmers may want a smaller and less expensive tool for smaller scale plantings (e.g. home gardens). For this, the Widger Stainless Steel Seedling tool is ideal, as shown in Figure 2 below. This smaller tool, which is about the size of a hand, a farmer should make an indentation in the soil with the end of the tool, pick up small seedlings with the tool using the correct end depending on the seedling size, place the seedlings in the hole and cover with soil (TerroirSeeds, n.d). The tool has been shown to be helpful for multiple crops, including small radish or beets (Gardens, n.d.).

Figure 2. The Widger stainless steel seedling transplanting tool (Source: https://store.underwoodgardens.com/Widger-Stainless-Steel-Seedling-Tool/productinfo/T1095/

Benefits

The Widger seedling tool has numerous benefits. One end of the tool is smaller and curved perfectly to carry seedlings that are very small. The tool is strong and therefore not easily breakable; it fits into the average hand; the curved support helps prevent injuring fragile seedlings; and the tool is the ideal size to open up spaces in the soil before transplanting (Burgon & Ball, 2022).

Cost and access: The Widger stainless steel tool costs only $10 USD on many websites (TerroirSeeds, n.d).

Gripper Tools to Transplant Vegetable Seedlings

Background:

Tools designed specifically to transplant vegetable seedlings include the the needle gripper and the two-finger gripper. These tools are shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 below, respectively. These two types of grippers work very similar to each other with just a few differences (Jorg et al., 2021). For the two-finger gripper, a farmer can change the closing angle of the gripper as well as have a soft touch on their fingers due to the polyurethane foam which can stop any pain that may arise from continuous gripping (Jorg et al., 2021). On the other hand, the needle gripper grasps the seedlings with two needles, and the farmer is able to regulate the distance between the needles to fit the size of the seedlings they are transplanting (Jorg et al., 2021). To use the grippers, one should grip the handles with their fingers, put the tool into the soil over the seedling, and push the handles together to grip the seedling for transplanting (Jorg et al., 2021).

Figure 3. Two-finger gripper vegetable seedling transplanting tool (Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2624-7402/3/3/43/htm)

Figure 4. Needle gripper vegetable seedling transplanting tool (Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2624-7402/3/3/43/htm)

Benefits:

Gripper tools for vegetable transplanting have many benefits. Just like the previous tools discussed, the grippers transplant seedlings at a faster rate than traditional methods, saving labour time and money for farmers (Jorg et al., 2021). In one study, farmers tested both gripper tools on four different vegetable crop for their ability to transplant seedlings and the subsequent success of the seedlings (Jorg et al., 2021). Both grippers had great success lifting the seedlings from their tray; the two finger gripper had a success rate of 95%, while the needle gripper had a success rate of 81.75% (Jorg et al., 2021). Overall, the two finger gripper worked best and was most successful with lettuce and chicory.

Critical Analysis

The Pottipuki planting tool is a good tool overall to transplant large numbers of seedlings; however it may have difficulty transplanting soft seedlings that are floppy at early stages which causes them to roll around inside the tool (e.g. Dianthus ornamental plants) (Baremtnfarm, 2017). As for the Widger tool, it is only effective for tiny seedlings (TerroirSeeds, n.d). A tool that is able to transplant seedlings of all sizes could potentially benefit farmers and reduce the money they spend on tools. The two gripper tool for vegetable crops is very successful at lifting seedlings without damaging the plant (Jorg et al., 2021). However, when the needle gripper was tested with leek vegetable seedlings, when the tool lifted the seedlings, the soil frequently got detached from the roots and sometimes shattered (Jorg et al., 2021). Additionally, overlapping leaves of different seedlings sometimes made it difficult for the two-finger gripper to transplant seedlings, although this problem did not occur with the needle gripper (Jorg et al., 2021). These tools can save a farmer time which in turn saves money, and also saves the farmer strain and pain from manual transplanting.

Picture Based Lesson to Train Farmers

Click on the image to access a higher resolution image as well as lessons adapted for different geographic regions.

Practical Links To Get Started

Alibaba and Indiamart have inexpensive seedling transplanters starting at $10 USD: Search “Seedling transplanter” at Alibaba.com and Indiamart.com

How to use Pottiputki planting tool https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDVr6X_jfh8.

Where to buy Pottipuki planting tool https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/Garosa-Seedling-Transplanter-Transplanting-Tool-1pc-Seedling

More cost efficient Pottipuki planting tool g-Planter-Vegetable-Young-Plant-Garden-Greenhouse-Manual-Transplanting-Tool/19L9E962BMWV

Stainless steel transplant tool https://store.underwoodgardens.com/Widger-Stainless-Steel-Seedling-Tool/productinfo/T1095/

References

1.Bare Mountain Farm (2017) Pottiputki- Great Planting Tool. www.baremtnfarm.com (Retrieved September 29, 2022)

2.BAP Equipment (n.d.). Pottiputki planting tool. BAP Equipment Ltd. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://www.bapequipmentstore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1031m,

3.BCC (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2022, from http://pottiputki.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Planting_email.pdf

4.Jorg, O. J., Sportelli, M., Fontanelli, M., Frasconi, C., Raffaelli, M., & Fantoni, G. (2021). Design, development and testing of feeding grippers for vegetable plug transplanters. AgriEngineering 3(3), 669-680. https://www.mdpi.com/2624-7402/3/3/43/htm

5.Burgon and Ball. (2022). Seedling Widger. Burgon and Ball company website. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://www.burgonandball.com/products/seedling-widger

6.Walmart. (n.d.). Garosa seedling transplanter: Walmart Canada. Walmart.ca. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/Garosa-Seedling-Transplanter-Transplanting-Tool-1pc-Seedling-Planter-Vegetable-Young-Plant-Garden-Greenhouse-Manual-Transplanting-Tool/19L9E962BMWV

7.Volente, G. (2021, March 23). Transplanting plants: Reasons, methods, & examples. Greenhouse Today. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from https://www.greenhousetoday.com/transplanting-plants-reasons-methods-examples/

8.Widger stainless steel seedling tool. Terroir Seeds, Underwood Gardens. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://store.underwoodgardens.com/Widger-Stainless-Steel-Seedling-Tool/productinfo/T1095/

9.Xiao, H., McCurdy, S. A., Stoecklin-Marois, M., Li, C.-S., & Schenker, M. (2012). Agricultural work and chronic musculoskeletal pain among Latino Farm Workers: The MICASA study. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 56(2) 216-225 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3593628/

10.YouTube. (2017). Cool Tool Speeds up Planting. YouTube. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDVr6X_jfh8.

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