Abstract: A digging fork has a shaft at an end of which extends in a row first, second, third and fourth tines. The second and third tines are angled towards each other to form a wedge shape and the first and fourth tines are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: In the case of a soil cultivation device with multiple harrow tines, the harrow tines are fastened to levers, which are mounted to pivot on tie bars of the supporting frame via carriers. The operating position of the harrow tines is defined by the levers being adjacent to tie bars, and the harrow tines are prestressed into the operating position by springs assigned to them in the form of pneumatic cylinders.

Abstract: A ground-opening apparatus for an agricultural implement. The ground-opening apparatus comprises an opening disc for excavating a furrow in the ground, and a support assembly securing the opening disc to the agricultural implement. The support assembly comprises an upper bar, a lower bar, a forward bar, and a rearward bar. The upper bar and the lower bar extend generally in parallel relationship. The lower bar and the rearward bar are joined at a lower, rearward joint. A rotational axis of the opening disc extends through the lower, rearward joint of the support assembly.

Abstract: Different aspects of the disclosure relate to a device and a method for agricultural soil cultivation with the aid of a soil cultivation unit. The method can include, for example: ascertaining an actual soil cultivation result in a soil cultivation area cultivated with the aid of the soil cultivation unit; ascertaining a deviation of the actual soil cultivation result from a setpoint soil cultivation result; and reducing a deviation of the actual soil cultivation result from the setpoint soil cultivation result with the aid of an adaptation of a rotational speed of a rotatably mounted soil cultivation tool.

Abstract: A position monitoring system for an agricultural system includes a controller having a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive a remote sensor signal from a remote sensor indicative of a state of a reference element on one of a work vehicle or an agricultural implement coupled to the work vehicle, determine an orientation of the agricultural implement relative to the work vehicle based at least in part on the remote sensor signal, and output a control signal to control operation of the agricultural system based at least in part on the orientation of the agricultural implement relative to the work vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural implement comprising a main frame supporting a plurality of ground engaging tools, the main frame being transferable between a first configuration, in which a first plurality of ground engaging tools are in a working position, and a second configuration, in which a second plurality of ground engaging tools are in a working position. A first depth wheel is connected to the main frame and capable of adjusting a working depth of the first plurality of ground engaging tools, when the main frame is in its first configuration. A second depth wheel connected to the main frame and capable of adjusting a working depth of the second plurality of ground engaging tools, when the main frame is in its second configuration. At least the first depth wheel is pivotable in such a way that the first depth wheel moves with respect to the second depth wheel.

Abstract: A ground opener for an agricultural implement. The ground opener comprising an opening disc, and a support assembly securing the opening disc to the agricultural implement. The support assembly comprises an upper bar, a lower bar, a forward bar, and a rearward bar. At least a portion of each of the bars is orientated at an offset angle with respect to a direction of travel of the agricultural implement.

Abstract: A depth-adjustment assembly for ground openers of an agricultural implement. The ground openers each include an opening disc, a gauge wheel, and a support assembly securing the ground opener to the agricultural implement. The support assembly is configured to raise and lower the ground opener with respect to the ground and/or to adjust a down-pressure of the ground opener. The depth-adjustment assembly comprises for each of the ground openers, a linkage assembly and a depth-adjustment arm configured to adjust a relative position between the opening disc and the gauge wheel. At least a portion of the linkage extends in parallel relationship with the support assembly. The depth-adjustment assembly further comprises a laterally-extending common pivot bar. Each linkage assembly is secured to the common pivot bar, such that rotation of said common pivot bar is configured to simultaneously adjust the relative position between the opening disc and the gauge wheel of each of the ground openers.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a travel operation unit that is configured to be manually operated and includes a mode operation tool for switching between automatic driving and manual driving, a manual travel control unit that includes a manual travel mode in which manual driving is performed based an operation signal received from the travel operation unit, and an automatic travel control unit that includes an automatic travel mode in which automatic driving is performed, a temporary stop mode in which a vehicle body is temporarily stopped during automatic driving for transitioning from the automatic travel mode to the manual travel mode, and a check mode in which whether a state of the travel operation unit satisfies a manual driving transition condition required for starting manual driving is checked in transition from the temporary stop mode to the manual travel mode.

Abstract: An articulated tractor comprises a front frame, a rear frame articulated to the front frame by a central articulation, and a pivotable hitch carried by one of the front frame and the rear frame. The hitch is pivoted during steering. Front wheels are offset from the rear part of the tractor.

Abstract: An automatic steering system for a work vehicle includes: a steering travel apparatus for performing leftward turning based on a leftward steering amount with respect to a straight-forward direction and performing rightward turning based on a rightward steering amount with respect to a neutral position; a subject vehicle location calculator for calculating a location of a subject vehicle; a locational shifting calculator for calculating locational shifting from the travel route and the location of the subject vehicle; a vehicle body direction calculator for calculating a vehicle body direction that indicates a direction of a vehicle body; a directional shifting calculator for calculating directional shifting from the travel route and the vehicle body direction; a steering amount calculator for calculating a first steering amount, which is a steering amount for correcting the locational shifting and the directional shifting, based on the locational shifting and the directional shifting; and a steering amount l

Abstract: An agricultural method includes selecting a seed with predetermined end product properties; selecting microbes to assist seed growth and providing the microbes to help the seed during early stage growth; planting the seed on a farm and periodically capturing growth data with one or more sensors; storing the growth data on a blockchain; viewing the growth data by an interested party; and controlling an irrigation system in response to the growth data.

Abstract: A precision pneumatic seed drill. The seed drill comprises at least one sowing element having a seed selector device housing a perforated selector disc which selects seed and has opposing faces subject to a pressure differential. A sowing duct is associated with the selector device. A system measures the speed of forward movement of the seed drill with reference to the ground being sown in order to vary the rotational speed of the selector disc according to the speed of forward movement measured by the measuring system. A pressurization device associated with the selector disc applies the pressure differential to the faces. An ejector along the sowing duct is fed by a compressed air dispenser for pneumatically accelerating the seeds singled out by the selector device. A device for varying the pressure of compressed air fed to the ejector is calibrated according to the typology of the seed to be sown.

Abstract: The devices, systems, and methods herein use air pressure to dispense seed into the ground in a controlled manner. In certain embodiments, a valve is actuated to push a single seed out of a seed chamber. The seed can be conveyed from the metering housing and through a seed delivery apparatus to the furrow at high speed. The seed is rapidly conveyed from the seed chamber to the furrow by a precisely controlled air pulse to eliminate variation enable high planting speeds.

Abstract: A fluid line connection for a pneumatic distribution system for an agricultural air seeder includes a female connector having an inside diameter with a groove and a male connector configured for internal assembly with the female connector. The male connector has an external tab that engages the groove to retain the male connector to the female connector when the female connector is rotatingly assembled with the male connector. The female connector is removed by rotating and disassembling from the male connector to access a conveyance tube or manifold for servicing these parts. A sealing member is assembled between the male and female connectors to form a fluid seal. A primary tube can be assembled between two fluid line connections to form a quick connect assembly. A fitting connector and a locking ring are assembled with a fluid line connection to retain a primary tube thereon for an air drill.

Abstract: The invention is directed broadly to an entrainment unit for distributing seed, comprising: a seed chamber for seed in bulk; a mixing chamber for mixing seed and air, the mixing chamber having an outlet for discharging entrained seeds; and an air supply unit for: (a) supplying a first air flow to the seed chamber and entraining and transporting seed to the mixing chamber, and (b) supplying a second air flow to the mixing chamber for forming a combined air flow that entrains the seed and transports the seed through the discharge outlet.

Abstract: A seed delivery apparatus having a seed meter configured to entrain seeds on a seed disc and to release said entrained seeds at a seed release location; a seed conveyor having an upper end disposed to receive released seeds from said seed meter and a lower end through which the released seeds are discharged proximate a soil surface; and a loading wheel rotatably disposed at said upper end of said seed conveyor to introduce the released seeds from said seed meter into said seed conveyor, wherein said loading wheel has a plurality of radial fingers with each of said radial fingers having a sinusoidal configuration.

Abstract: A seed meter for metering a plurality of seeds includes a seed meter housing defining a seed inlet, a seed outlet, and a chamber therebetween, a hub rotatably mounted to the seed meter housing about a rotational axis and extending from a first end positioned within the chamber of the seed meter housing to a second end positioned outside of the seed meter housing, a metering element mounted to the hub within the chamber, a plurality of drain apertures located in the seed meter housing adjacent to the hub, and a handle mounted to the second end of the hub, the handle extends over the plurality of drain apertures in an axial direction parallel to the rotational axis of the hub.

Abstract: A seed placement unit including a body, a seed channel and a placement chamber, the seed channel extending from a first end, open to the exterior of the body for seed input, to a second end, open to the exterior of the body adjoining the placement chamber, for seed output. A guidance wheel intersects the seed channel and has at least one opening to receive a seed within the seed channel and carry it through the seed channel as the guidance wheel is rotated by a Geneva gear or other suitable mechanism. A closing wheel mechanism in the placement chamber rotates in synchronism with the guidance wheel to receive a seed from the seed channel and transfer the seed to the seed output opening. The seed placement unit may be carried on an agricultural vehicle or other mobile conveyance.

Abstract: A seed distribution device for precision sowing machines. The device includes a housing for a seed selector disc which is mounted for rotation about a central rotation axis, at least one ring of holes in the seed selector disc which is provided to transport seeds over a circular trajectory, a first singulator and a second singulator which are mounted so as to be radially facing on the housing at opposite sides of the circular trajectory of the seeds and the first and second singulator being distal and proximal with respect to the central rotation axis, respectively, the first singulator and second singulator defining a disruptive selection path for the seeds and being independently and selectively adjustable to modify at least locally the disruptive path so as to eliminate duplicates of seeds from the disc without creating failures.

Abstract: A system for sensing characteristics of a trench in a soil surface during planting operations. A trench opening assembly opens a trench in the soil surface as the trench opening assembly moves in a forward direction of travel. A trench closing assembly disposed rearward of the trench opening assembly closes the opened trench with soil. One or more sensors may be disposed on an appurtenance disposed in said trench configured to provide characteristics of an area of the open trench or an area of the trench closed with soil by the trench closing assembly or a sensor may be disposed outside of said trench configured to provide characteristics of an area of the trench closed with soil or a combination of the sensors may be disposed in the trench and outside of the trench.

Abstract: A working machine including a traveling unit, comprising a detecting unit configured to detect a direction of a landmark in a work area with respect to a direction of travel of the working machine, and a calculation unit configured to specify a relative position of the working machine to the landmark based on a detection result by the detecting unit.

Abstract: A lawn mower is provided with a housing that has a discharge opening for discharging cut material. A covering device is arranged at the housing and is provided with a cover and a locking device. The cover can pivot about a pivot axis. The cover covers the discharge opening in a closed state of the cover and opens the discharge opening in an open position of the cover. In the closed state of the cover, the cover can be locked by the locking device in a locked position of the cover. The cover is moveable relative to the housing in a direction of the pivot axis. The cover is unlocked from the locked position of the cover by a movement of the cover in the direction of the pivot axis.

Abstract: A control system and method for operating an articulating header of a combine harvester in a failsafe mode. The method includes monitoring the articulating header, alerting a user when a fault condition is detected in the articulating header, and converting the articulating header to a non-articulating header in response to the fault condition so that the combine harvester may be operated in a failsafe mode.

Abstract: A driver assistance system of an agricultural work machine constructed as forage harvester, wherein the agricultural work machine comprises a header for gathering crop, a chopping device having a chopping drum and chopping knives for comminuting the crop, and a monitoring device operable to generate a signal containing information about the wear status of the respective chopping knife and/or about the distance of the cutting edge of a chopping knife from a shear bar. This information is compared with a reference value, and the agricultural work machine has activation devices for activating and deactivating a knife grinding process and means for change of position of the shear bar. The monitoring device is integrated in the driver assistance system so that the driver assistance system automatically detects when a knife grinding process or a change of position of the shear bar must be activated or deactivated.

Abstract: Crop is carried into a feed opening of a harvester by two side drapers, two rear back sheets defining an opening between inner edges, a central feed draper and a roller with end flight portions and a central finger portion located above the feed draper. In this geometry, a bottom tangent to the flight portions has a position which is at a height below the rear edge of the side drapers. The roller axis of the feed roller is behind the rear edge of the side drapers and behind a common plane containing the back sheets. The inner guide roller of each of the first and second side drapers is located inwardly of the inner edge of the first back sheet and inwardly of an outer end of the end flight portion. A forward most tangent to the flight portions projects forward of or proud of the common back sheet plane.

Abstract: A grass mowing machine includes a vehicle body frame, a mower deck incorporating a rotary cutter blade, a coupling mechanism for coupling the mower deck to the vehicle body frame with allowing a lateral displacement of the mower deck in a vehicle body transverse direction, a mower electric motor attached to the mower deck and configured to feed rotary power to the rotary cutter blade and a displacement operation mechanism MV for laterally displacing the mower deck in the vehicle body transverse direction in operative association with the coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A farm implement includes a frame, a container mounted on the frame, an intake housing rotatably connected to a front wall of the container proximate to a discharge opening, a first auger assembly, and a second auger assembly. The first auger assembly is disposed in the container and conveys agricultural material through the discharge opening. The second auger assembly is rotatably connected to an outlet of the intake housing and includes an inlet that receives agricultural material from the intake housing and an outlet that discharges agricultural material. The farm implement further includes a first mounting assembly and a second mounting assembly disposed along the front wall. The second auger assembly is mounted on one of the first and second mounting assemblies at an operating position, without being mounted to the other one of the first and second mounting assemblies.

Abstract: A feeder unit for an agricultural baler includes: a first rotor including a plurality of first extensions extending therefrom, the first rotor being configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation at a first rotation speed; and a second rotor arranged in parallel with the first rotor relative to the axis of rotation and comprising a plurality of second extensions extending therefrom that intermesh with the plurality of first extensions, the second rotor being configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation at a second rotation speed that is different from the first rotation speed.

Abstract: A modular multi-tiered planter kit that comprises two support elements that are fitted for positioning on a surface, perpendicular to the surface and spaced from each other, a plurality of planter assemblies that are fitted for connection in a disassemblable mounting, with the two support elements in a multi-tier configuration, wherein they each extend in an essentially horizontal direction, in the gap between the two support elements, wherein the kit is characterized in that once mounted as stated, the planter assemblies each comprise a unified planter element that serves in each of the planter assemblies, and the planter assemblies comprise one or more from the group of various types of planter assemblies.

Abstract: A modular farm system is provided having a hub container and pluralities of farm containers connectable to the hub container. A passageway is provided between the hub container and each farm container. The hub container includes a shared workspace and at least one shared utility for distribution among the farm containers. Each farm container includes a work zone and a grow zone. A plurality of plant panels and a lighting system are mounted for growing plants in a controlled environment within the grow zone.

Abstract: A method for receiving, over a computer network, from a plurality of devices installed in an indoor farming module, a plurality of data associated with at least one of: a water level in a watering reservoir, a pH level in an irrigation system, a temperature in the indoor farming module, a humidity level in the indoor farming module, a carbon dioxide level in the indoor farming module, and a power relay status, filtering the received plurality of data on a remote computer based on a filtering field, displaying, in a plurality of panels, the filtered data received from the plurality of devices; configuring a plurality of schedules for the plurality of devices, wherein the plurality of schedules comprise at least one of an irrigation schedule, a lighting schedule, and a data collection schedule, and sending the configured plurality of schedules to one or more controllers of the indoor farming module.

Abstract: A translucent solar module assembly for integration with a greenhouse having a frame with a plurality of roof supports includes a pair of brackets attachable to each of the plurality of roof supports, a bi-facial solar panel attachable to the pair of brackets, and a pair of reflector rails attachable to each of the plurality of roof supports. A dichroic reflector is attachable to the pair of reflector rails.

Abstract: A flexible growcenter includes a mobile container, a behind-the-meter power input system, a power distribution system, a growcenter control system, a climate control system, a lighting system, and an irrigation system. The growcenter control system modulates power delivery to one or more components of the climate control system, the lighting system, and the irrigation system based on unutilized behind-the-meter power availability or an operational directive. A method of dynamic power delivery to a flexible growcenter using unutilized behind-the-meter power includes monitoring unutilized behind-the-meter power availability, determining when a growcenter ramp-up condition is met, and enabling behind-the-meter power delivery to one or more computing systems when the growcenter ramp-up condition is met.

Abstract: Method and system for cultivating angiosperms in a limited space in natural or artificial light by a dynamic growth constraint apparatus that limits vertical growth during the vegetation phase but allows vertical growth during the flowering phase, such that the flower or fruit may be optimally harvested. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a mesh to constrain vertical growth of the cultivated plant and a mechanism for raising, lowering and rotating the plant or constraining mesh with respect to the other. In various embodiments, the mesh is moved with respect to the plant during the vegetation phase of the plant and immobile during the flowering phase of the plant. Plant phase and thus the mesh/plant motion may be controlled by artificial light timing, the detection of natural light, or by digitized image analysis of the plant during its growth phases.

Abstract: A plant bulb protection assembly includes a tube has a first end that is tapered to penetrate ground. The tube has an inside diameter that is sufficient to accommodate a plant bulb and surround the plant bulb when the tube is inserted into ground. The tube is comprised of a resilient material to inhibit being chewed or otherwise penetrated by a rodent thereby protecting the plant bulb from being eaten by the rodent. A cage is coupled to the tube to inhibit rodents from entering the tube from above the ground. A retainer is coupled to the tube and a grapple is movably coupled to the tube. The grapple is positioned on an opposite side of the tube with respect to the retainer. Moreover, the grapple releasably engages the retainer on an adjacent one of the tubes with respect to the tube on which the grapple is positioned.

Abstract: A guard includes a wall arrangement defining, or being configurable to define, an enclosure. The wall arrangement having, or is configurable to have, an aperture for receiving an elongate support to secure the enclosure to a ground surface. The aperture is defined at least by two side edges that provide the aperture with an aperture height and that are spaced apart from each other to provide the aperture with an aperture width.

Abstract: Some variations provide an emulsion-colloid system for forming a colloidal barrier material disposed on a substrate, the system comprising a hydrophilic first liquid, an acid, a gelling agent, a hydrophobic second liquid, a plasticizer, and optionally additives, wherein the emulsion-colloid system is characterized by (1) a first instance that is a flowable emulsion above 60° C. and less than the boiling point of the first liquid, and (2) a second instance that is a colloid below 40° C. The emulsion-colloid system is capable of reversible transition, mediated by temperature, between the first instance and the second instance. The disclosed colloidal barrier material provides the functionality of plastic alternatives while removing disadvantages. The disclosed colloidal barrier material reduces labor-intensive application of the barrier, such as the case for covering grain piles with plastic tarps.

Abstract: A method for controlling a serine content of a solanaceous plant, comprising performing cultivation of a solanaceous plant using a cultivation solution containing sodium chloride, while adjusting one or both of concentration of sodium chloride in the cultivation solution and number of days for performing the cultivation using the cultivation solution.

Abstract: A method of irrigation comprises supplying water to an inclined irrigation pipe provided with a plurality of drippers such that a pressure at a highest level of the inclined irrigation pipe is at most 200 cm H2O.

Abstract: A wireless system is provided for monitoring environmental, soil, or climate conditions and/or controlling irrigation or climate control systems at an agricultural or landscape site. In some embodiments, the wireless system includes at least one wireless control nodes for monitoring environmental, soil, or climate conditions and/or for controlling one or more irrigation or climate control systems at the site. The wireless system also includes a web based application or a cell phone application and a gateway coupled to a communications network. The communications network is configured to transfer data to and receive remote control commands or queries from an end-user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a controllable irrigation and environment monitoring system, devices, and applications, are described. The irrigation system may use a valve on each spray head which may allow each spray head of the irrigation system to be independently controlled. The spray radius and the water flow of each of the spray heads may be individually adjusted. The irrigation system may include sensors which provide feedback and the system may individually adjust each of the spray heads of the irrigation system and may adjust the watering schedule, water flow, and spray radius based on the sensor feedback. The irrigation system may be automated and self-managed and may adjust watering schedules according to an algorithm. The algorithm may use data collected by the system and also may use user-defined parameters such as local watering restrictions.

Abstract: According to an irrigation method based on water usage characteristics and real-time weather condition during different crop growth stages, whether the crops are in a shortage of water in the growth is determined based on an actual soil water content, a water usage amount of the crops during the given growth stage, and a rainfall amount during the next day. If the shortage of water occurs, the actual water usage amount of the crops is calculated, and a water pump can be self-adaptively turned on to water the crops and an administrator is informed when the reservoir has an insufficient water storage, according to the relation between the water storage amount of the reservoir and the actual water usage amount.

Abstract: A vehicular gesture control system includes sensors such as IoT (internet of things) sensors that can share data with other vehicles and that can communicate with the cloud to provide intelligent handling of the irrigation system.

Abstract: Crops for human and animal consumption of many types are well known by their respective growers. Years of experience in the field provide the grower knowledge about a range of conditions that lead to the full spectrum of crop yields and crop quality, and each grower creates a store of knowledge which they can combine with the available measures of those conditions.

Abstract: Provided is a method of delivering water to a root system of a crop, the method including causing the crop to be adjacent to, or in a region of, soil containing hydrogel, and delivering air to the hydrogel.

Abstract: A tessellated ceramic apparatus for plant growth is set forth devised to support germination and plant growth upon an exterior surface. Water moves under osmotic pressure from a water storage volume disposed in osmotic communication with the ceramic, through the ceramic to become available water at the exterior surface. A graduated cross-section regulates water flow from a water storage volume through to the exterior surface along a pressure gradient exerted by the water head. Plant growth is facilitated within a plurality of tessellated indentations disposed upon the exterior surface and growth may be restricted from areas of the exterior surface by application of gloss, glaze, sealants and/or other surface features that may blend design elements to augment and support a living design.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrid SVPH2138, pepper line SBR8T14-6236, and pepper line SLR8T14-6237. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVPH2138, pepper line SBR8T14-6236, and pepper line SLR8T14-6237 and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a pepper plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid pepper hybrid SVPH2138, pepper line SBR8T14-6236, and pepper line SLR8T14-6237 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrid SVPB8973 and pepper line SBO-8T15-6368. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVPB8973 and pepper line SBO-8T15-6368 and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a pepper plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid pepper hybrid SVPB8973 and pepper line SBO-8T15-6368 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tobacco inbred plants TN90 SRC, CMS TN90 SRC, KY14 SRC, CMS KY14 SRC, L8 SRC, NC775 SRC, CMS NC775 SRC, NC645 SRC, NC638 SRC, CMS NC638 SRC, TN86 SRC, and CMS TN86 SRC, and hybrids KY14 X L8 SRC, NC7 SRC, and NCBH129 SRC. The present disclosure also provides parts of such plants and products made from those parts. The present disclosure also includes progeny of the provided plants including hybrids.