Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring soil properties and applying fertilizer during a planting operation. Various sensors are disposed in ground engaging components for monitoring soil properties. The ground engaging components may have structure for opening a side trench in the sidewalls of the seed trench and may include liquid application conduits for injecting liquid into the sidewalls of the resulting side trenches.

Abstract: Described herein are implements and applicators for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a fluid applicator includes at least one applicator arm, a first nozzle disposed to apply fluid to a rhizosphere of the plants, and a second nozzle disposed to apply fluid between the row of plants.

Abstract: Described herein are implements and applicators for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a fluid applicator for applying fluids to plants in rows in a field includes a frame, a coulter connected to the frame and disposed to open a trench between the rows of plants, and at least one application member connected to the frame or to the coulter and disposed to apply fluid to a rhizosphere of the plants.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods related to agricultural planters. In some implementations, the row unit includes a soil engaging member, where the soil engaging member engages at least one sidewall of a trench and displaces soil from the sidewall to cover the seed. In further implementations, the row unit includes a sensing system for sensing sidewall compaction and/or soil moisture.

Abstract: A system (1000) and method of marking soil or crops within afield with a visual strip (1001) to identify an occurrence of a detected event as an agricultural implement (10) traverses a field. The system includes an assembly (100, 200, 300, 500, 700, 800, 900) supported by the agricultural implement. The assembly includes a supply of a colored composition and an actuator (130, 330, 1030) configured to receive the actuation signals sent by the controller (80, 81). The actuator is responsive to the actuation signals to release the colored composition at the location on the field while the agricultural implement advances through the field in the forward direction of travel.

Abstract: Application units provide placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, an application unit includes a frame to be positioned in operation between two rows of plants and a plurality of flexible members coupled to the frame in operation such that the plurality of flexible members guide a lateral position of the frame to be approximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based upon whether at least one flexible member of the plurality of flexible members contacts one or more plants of the two rows of plants. The plurality of flexible members include a plurality of fluid outlets for spraying crop input in close proximity to the rows of plants.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and devices for controlling and monitoring liquid applications of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a flow device for controlling flow during an agricultural operation includes an offset ball valve having multiple openings that rotate in position to control flow of a liquid through the offset ball valve to an outlet passage. The flow device also includes a first passage that provides a first flow path from an inlet to at least one opening of the offset ball valve and second passage that provides a second flow path from the inlet to at least one opening of the offset ball valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a soil condition includes a plurality of elongate beams mounted on opposing sides of a shank and arranged at different heights along the shank, and a plurality of load cells. Each load cell of the plurality is coupled to the shank and to a beam of the plurality such that a horizontal force on the beam induces the load cell to generate a signal corresponding to a force on the beam. A method includes dragging at least a portion of a shank through soil, inducing a force on each of a plurality of load cells related to horizontal forces on the plurality of beams, and generating signals with the load cells. The method may be used to measure soil compaction and/or identify a compaction layer.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and devices for controlling and monitoring liquid applications of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a flow device for controlling flow during an agricultural operation includes an offset ball valve having multiple openings that rotate in position to control flow of a liquid through the offset ball valve to an outlet passage. The flow device also includes a first passage that provides a first flow path from an inlet to at least one opening of the offset ball valve and second passage that provides a second flow path from the inlet to at least one opening of the offset ball valve.

Abstract: Control modules in a network for controlling fluid flow to nozzles.

Abstract: A trench closing assembly including at least one soil deflector.

Abstract: A fluid system includes a fluid control assembly in fluid communication with a fluid source in fluid communication with a fluid supply port and the fluid control assembly is in fluid communication with an actuator via an outlet port. A controller controls at least one supply valve and at least one exhaust valve. The at least one supply valve and exhaust valve are in a normally closed position until being actuated by the controller to an open position. The fluid control assembly includes a pressure sensor in communication with the outlet port. Whereby when pressure in the outlet port is less than a predetermined pressure, a controller opens the supply valve to communicate fluid to the actuator via the actuator line and when the pressure in the outlet port is greater than a predetermined pressure the controller opens the exhaust valve to vent the is outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A trench closing assembly including a fluid applicator.

Abstract: A trench closing assembly including at least one rock guard.

Abstract: Described herein are implements, systems, and methods for applying stress to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, an agricultural implement comprises a frame transverse to a direction of travel of the agricultural implement and a stress mechanism disposed on the frame in operation such that the stress mechanism applies a force to the row of plants as the agricultural implement moves through the field.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a field position and a transport position.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for determining the depth of a trench opened by an agricultural planter. Sensors are provided for detecting the position of a ground-engaging element of the planter such as a gauge wheel or seed firmer of a row unit of the planter. Apparatus and methods are provided for installing such sensors onto a row unit of the planter. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for controlling downpressure on a row unit based on the trench depth. Methods are provided for mapping trench depth measured by the depth sensors.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring soil properties including soil moisture and soil temperature during an agricultural input application. Embodiments include a soil moisture sensor and/or a soil temperature sensor mounted to a seed firmer for measuring moisture and temperature in a planting trench. Additionally, systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting depth based on the monitored soil properties.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and implements for sensing, analyzing, and displaying different soil parameters. A soil sensing system includes a mechanical component of an agricultural implement and at least one sensor disposed on the mechanical component. The sensor generates an electromagnetic field through a region of soil as the agricultural implement traverses a field. The sensor comprises at least one radar transmitter and at least one radar receiver and the sensor measures different soil parameters including a soil dielectric constant.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring soil properties including soil moisture and soil temperature during an agricultural input application. Embodiments include a soil moisture sensor and/or a soil temperature sensor mounted to a seed firmer for measuring moisture and temperature in a planting trench. Additionally, systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting depth based on the monitored soil properties.