Abstract: In an embodiment, a test section comprises at least one surface defining an at least partially enclosed space. The at least partially enclosed space defines an airflow path for air to flow. The test section also comprises a nozzle disposed in the at least partially enclosed space. The nozzle is configured to spray an agricultural spray and is positioned to emit the agricultural spray such that at least a section of the agricultural spray exhibits a non-parallel angle relative to the airflow path defined by the at least partially enclosed space. The test section further comprises at least one stimulus source positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the agricultural spray adjacent to the nozzle. Additionally, the test section comprises at least one detector positioned to image at least the portion of the agricultural spray adjacent to the nozzle.

Abstract: Controlling insect damage in a plant. In one embodiment, the methods include applying insecticide and at least one fertilizer in-furrow at planting. In particular examples, methods of controlling cutworms in corn include applying tefluthrin and at least one pop-up fertilizer in-furrow at planting.

Abstract: A soil resistivity detection system for an agricultural implement includes a row unit having row unit components. The row unit components include a residue management system configured to condition soil at a leading edge of the row unit, an opening system configured to form a furrow in the soil, a closing assembly configured to close the furrow, and a press wheel assembly configured to compact the soil. The soil resistivity detection system also includes a control assembly configured to output an electrical current to a first pair of the row unit components, receive voltages from a second pair of the row unit components, determine a voltage differential based on the voltages, and determine a soil resistivity based on the voltage differential.

Abstract: A system for measuring soil properties on-the-go using a narrow profile sensor unit is provided on an implement for traversing a field. The sensor unit includes a front disk/coulter arranged to open a slot in the soil, a runner assembly arranged to follow behind the front disk/coulter for sliding contact with the soil in the slot, and a rotating disk/spoked wheel arranged to follow behind the runner assembly to close the slot. The front disk or coulter serves as a first electrode of an electrode array, the runner assembly has second and third electrodes attached thereto, and the rotating disk/spoked wheel serves as a fourth electrode. The electrode array can be used to measure soil electrical conductivity at multiple depths and to measure soil moisture. An optical window and pH sensor can also be incorporated into the runner assembly to measure soil reflectance and soil pH.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for gas sensing including: a sample inlet; a first sorbent tube and a second sorbent tube each in fluidic communication with the sample inlet, wherein the first sorbent tube is sensitive to a first set of gas analytes and the second sorbent tube is sensitive to a second, different set of gas analytes; an array of gas sensors housed in a chamber that is in fluidic communication with the first sorbent tube and the second sorbent tube; and a desorption system configured to selectively desorb and direct contents from each of the first sorbent tube and the second sorbent tube into the chamber housing the array of gas sensors at different times. Methods for gas sensing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stable concentrated solution of a metam salt and a polysulfide, particularly calcium polysulfide, can be used to treat for soil pathogens, including the pathogen responsible for potato early die. Calcium polysulfide alone in sufficient concentration and dosage provides activity against the same pathogen. It is believed that the high concentrations of the compounds, that is, the high concentration of lime sulfur admixed with a metam, results in lower rates of degradation that result from calcareous soil, increased soil adsorption or retention, and improved distribution of metam or methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) in the soil.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a chassis and a shank or shanks carried by the chassis. The shank or shanks include an on-the-go nitrate-N sensor or sensors. Nitrate-N conditions are determined for at least first and second zones at different soil depths, either by multiple sensors carried on one or multiple shanks during a single pass of the agricultural implement, a single sensor carried first at the first depth and thereafter at the second depth during multiple passes of the agricultural implement, or a sensor moved between the first and second zones during a single pass of the agricultural implement. Rates for applying additional nitrogen can be calculated from the determined conditions, and the application rates and determined conditions can be mapped.

Abstract: A tillage implement comprising a frame operably supporting tillage tools, and a soil monitoring system comprising instrumentation operably supported from the frame and disposed to detect soil criteria before, after, or before and after the soil is tilled by the tillage tools. The soil criteria detected is at least one of surface residue criteria, soil clod size criteria and soil shatter criteria.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for determining soil parameters of a field across which an agricultural implement is being moved may include a sensor mounted on a ground engaging member. As such, the sensor may be configured to capture data indicative of a soil parameter of soil within the field. Furthermore, the system may include a controller configured to receive an input indicative of a selected planting depth for the field. Moreover, the controller may be configured to control an operation of an actuator in a manner that adjusts the penetration depth of the ground engaging member such that the sensor is positioned at the selected planting depth. Additionally, the controller may be configured to determine the soil parameter of the soil within the field at the selected planting depth based on the data received from the sensor.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling the growth of an invasive species by application of a composition comprised of a natural pesticide derived from a species to the invasive species, especially endocides.

Abstract: A system for measuring soil properties on-the-go uses soil-engaging components of an existing farm implement as electrodes for a soil conductivity measurement system. The soil-engaging components can be: electrically isolated shanks and/or replaceable points or sweeps on a tillage implement; a row cleaner or coulter device on the front of a planter row unit, the closing wheels on the back of the planter row unit, or an entire planter row unit; or an additional soil contacting component added to an existing implement shank. A soil engaging component serving as an electrode is electrically isolated from other components of the implement. A soil conductivity measurement is made by passing current between a first pair of soil-engaging electrodes and measuring voltage resulting from the current between a second pair of soil-engaging electrodes. A narrow profile sensor unit can be attached to the implement to measure additional soil properties.

Abstract: Hydraulic supply systems and cranes incorporating the same are disclosed. Hydraulic supply systems may include an auxiliary hydraulic circuit that includes a pump, a power source, and a plurality of plumbing elements. The hydraulic supply systems may further include a control system that controls operation of at least a portion of the plurality of plumbing elements and a control panel that is positioned remotely from the control system and is in communication with the control system, where the control panel provides selective input to the control system.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the techniques herein include receiving a request for a suggested distribution rate of a particular field-distributed commodity in a particular geographical area. Based on that request, two or more rate models for distribution of the particular field-distributed commodity are computed, where one rate model is a user-tolerance model. The suggested distribution rate of the particular field-distributed commodity is determined by performing Bayesian updating where the user-tolerance model is treated as a prior distribution and distributions for each of the other rate models of the two or more rate models for distribution of the particular field-distributed commodity in the particular geographical area are treated as input data in the Bayesian updating. The determined suggested distribution rate of the particular field-distributed commodity is then sent in response to the received request.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for generating digital models of relative crop yield based on nitrate values in the soil is provided. In an embodiment, nitrate measurements from soil during a particular portion of a crop's development and corresponding crop yields are received by an agricultural intelligence computing system. Based, at least in part, on the nitrate measurements and corresponding crop yields, the system determines maximum yields for each location of a plurality of locations. The system then converts each crop yield value into a relative crop yield by dividing the crop yield value by the maximum crop yield for the location. Using the relative crop yields and the corresponding nitrate values in the soil, the system generates a digital model of relative crop yield as a function of nitrate in the soil during the particular portion of the crop's development.

Abstract: System for the disinfection of agricultural soil includes an electric energy source, at least one radiofrequency or microwave generator connected to the electric energy source and arranged to convert the electric energy into electromagnetic power and a plow-like electromagnetic applicator connected to the radiofrequency or microwave generator via wave-guiding lines, the plow-like electromagnetic applicator being arranged to be inserted into the soil so as to transmit the electromagnetic power to the soil, thus obtaining a disinfection of the soil.

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. Liquid delivery systems inject liquid into the soil adjacent to the seed planting trench formed by the planter row unit trench opening assembly.

Abstract: Soil treatment device for treating a contaminated soil and/or groundwater contained therein, comprising measuring means for measuring contamination of the soil, injecting means for injecting soil decontamination agents in the soil and a longitudinal soil penetration rod provided with a rod tip at an end of the soil penetration rod for moving the soil penetration rod into the soil, the outer surface of the soil penetration rod comprising a measuring section comprising at least one sensor of the measuring means for measuring contamination of the soil adjacent to the measuring section when moved into the soil and an injection section comprising at least one injection nozzle of the injecting means for injecting decontamination agent in the soil adjacent to the injection section, wherein the measuring section and the injection section are provided at longitudinally distinct locations of the soil penetration rod and in that the measuring section is closer to the rod tip than the injection section, characterized in

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for on-the-go soil nitrate level sensing, and optionally using the sensing to inform or instruct nitrogen fertilizer application across the field. In one form, the apparatus includes a soil sensing tool which carries a diamond ATR cell in combination with an FTIR field ruggedized spectrometer. The optical surface of the diamond ATR cell can be adjusted in pitch and depth to the soil. A processor is programmed to manipulate acquired spectra to derive a prediction of nitrate level for a given soil position in the field. This can be used to modulate a fertilizer applicator operation or coupled with georeference data collected simultaneously to generate a map of soil nitrate levels for the field, which can be used as a prescription for nitrogen fertilizer application.

Abstract: A system for dispensing seeds and a treatment. The system includes a first tube for dispensing the seeds via a first outlet, a second tube for dispensing the treatment via a second outlet, and a first valve at an upper portion and a second valve at a lower portion of the second tube. The second outlet is located between the discs of a furrow-opening wheel. The first valve is positioned outside of the furrow during operation and controls movement of the treatment from a container into the second tube. The second valve controls release of the treatment from the second outlet into the furrow. The second valve may open and close in response to pressure exerted by the treatment in the second tube. Depending on the treatment, the valves may release the treatment on, adjacent to, or both behind and in front of the dispensed seeds.

Abstract: An agricultural system can include an agricultural machine having an in-situ sampling of samples for analysis and determination of preferred courses of action based on characteristics of the samples. Options regarding the preferred courses of action can be communicated to a user for selection.

Abstract: A method for reducing damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation. Damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation can be reduced by carrying out the steps of: A) making a furrow in a cultivated land; B) seeding the furrow formed in the foregoing step with corn; C) applying to the furrow one or more selected from Compound Group (II), or C?) applying to the furrow one or more selected from Compound Group (I) and one or more selected from Compound Group (II); and D) closing the furrow. Compound Group (I): clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and thiacloprid; Compound Group (II): bifenthrin, bioresmethrin, deltamethrin, bioallethrin, ethofenprox, fenpropathrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, fenvalerate, esfenvalerate, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, alpha-cypermethrin, tralomethrin, fluvalinate, permethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, flucythrinate and tefluthrin.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying porous carbonaceous particles to soil for purpose of cultivating plants having roots, where at least 95% of the porous carbonaceous particles have a particle size less than or equal to 10 mm. The method incorporates the porous carbonaceous particles into the soil surrounding the plant roots at a depth of between 0-24 inches from the soil surface, where the porous carbonaceous particles are positioned in the area surrounding the roots of the plants at a ratio of between 1:999 to 1:1 porous carbonaceous particles to soil.

Abstract: A mobile soil-working device, having a machine frame, a drive for at least one insertion tool that can be moved up and down and inserted into the ground and pulled out again, the insertion tool being in a starting position at a predefined insertion angle before insertion into the ground and when in the ground executing a pivoting movement, which is superposed on the up and down movement, about a first pivot axis in the direction of a first pivot direction owing to the movement of the machine frame in the direction of travel, and having a returning means, which is coupled to the insertion tool and moves the insertion tool back into the starting position after its exit from the ground by pivoting the insertion tool in a second pivoting direction opposite to the first pivoting direction.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an area is disclosed herein. Specifically, a chemical-based system is disclosed. The system can comprise a chemical, chemical compound or chemical mixture. The system can, in one embodiment, permanently crush and/or flatten upon contact with no ability to be repaired or concealed after contact with a disturbance by an intruding force. The disturbance to chemical leaves behind impressions, which can be used to determine characteristics about intruding forces.

Abstract: An adhesively bonded frame section for an agricultural sprayer boom is provided. One agricultural sprayer boom section includes a first support member and a second support member disposed adjacent to the first support member. The boom section also includes a side plate adhesively bonded to a first lateral side of the first support member, and to a first lateral side of the second support member to couple the first support member to the second support member.

Abstract: An agricultural planting system and method comprising a soil sampling and analysis means, wherein soil samples are taken and analyzed in real-time during a planting operation (or, optionally, via a separate, prior operation) to determine the conditions and nutrient content of the soil, and a planting system, wherein the planting system is capable of planting seeds in any arbitrary position on an X-Y plane directly beneath the planting system, whereby the data gathered from the analyzed soil samples are used to determine the optimal placement of seeds or plants in a field in order to take advantage of the soil conditions present and to optimize crop yield.

Abstract: A method for reducing damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation. Damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation can be reduced by carrying out the steps of: A) making a furrow in a cultivated land; B) seeding the furrow formed in the foregoing step with corn; C) applying to the furrow one or more selected from Compound Group (II), or C?) applying to the furrow one or more selected from Compound Group (I) and one or more selected from Compound Group (II); and D) closing the furrow. Compound Group (I): clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and thiacloprid; Compound Group (II): bifenthrin, bioresmethrin, deltamethrin, bioallethrin, ethofenprox, fenpropathrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, fenvalerate, esfenvalerate, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, alpha-cypermethrin, tralomethrin, fluvalinate, permethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, flucythrinate and tefluthrin.

Abstract: A metering device for an agricultural implement to apply a field input, for example, pneumatically delivered granular product including seed or fertilizer, to an agricultural field. the rate of application of dispensers of one section of the implement can be collectively varied in relation to the rate of application of the dispensers of a different section of the implement frame.

Abstract: An air flow control system for an agricultural product delivery system includes a sensor. The sensor is disposed within, along, or just before a secondary distribution manifold for measuring an air flow pressure therein. The sensor generates a signal in response to the air flow pressure in the secondary distribution manifold. The air flow control system also includes a controller which is operatively connected to the sensor. The controller is configured to receive the signal and to adjust the air flow pressure to the secondary distribution manifold in response to the signal.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a storage tank, a pump positioned below a bottom portion of the storage tank, and a control system disposed above the bottom portion of the storage tank. The storage tank is configured to hold a flowable agricultural product. The pump is configured to direct the flowable agricultural product out of the storage tank. The one or more controls are configured to control application of the flowable agricultural product.

Abstract: Methods for fumigating soil include applying over fumigant-treated soil a multilayer polymeric film to form a vapor barrier between the fumigant-treated soil and the atmosphere to at least partially contain the fumigant. The multilayer film includes at least one barrier layer comprising at least one vinylidene chloride polymer and protecting layers on each side of the barrier layer. The multilayer film preferably has at least one UV protecting layer and optionally at least one reflective layer.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a first tool bar and a second tool bar each supporting respective ground engaging tools and fluid dispersal components. The second tool bar is pivotally coupled to the first tool bar. The agricultural implement further includes fluid conduits coupled to respective tool bars for conveying fluid to the respective fluid dispersal components. Additionally, each of the conduits has a flexible end adjacent to the other tool bar. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a fluid joint coupled between the first and second flexible ends and configured to provide a sealed connection between the first and second flexible ends during relative pivotal movement of the first and second tool bars in operation but to allow for uncoupling of the first and second flexible ends for servicing of the agricultural implement.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection apparatus may include a first connection for coupling to an N line, and at least one voltage-limiting element which is designed to block the current through the voltage-limiting element up to a predefinable threshold value of the voltage dropped across the voltage-limiting element and to conduct the current above this threshold value. The overvoltage protection apparatus may further include a second connection for coupling to a metal housing of an electrical apparatus, at least one capacitor, and at least one first non-reactive resistor. The at least one capacitor, the at least one first non-reactive resistor and the at least one voltage-limiting element are connected in series between the first connection and the second connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pesticidal composition comprising an effective amount of sulphur, an effective amount of at least one acaricide selected from the group consisting of bifenazate, fenpyroximate, fenazaquin, hexythiazox, spirodiclofen, spiromesifen and their salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: A method and system for managing nitrogen applied by nitrogen application equipment to a geographic region includes determining a growth stage for the geographic region using a crop module, and determining a nitrogen change for the geographic region based on the growth stage using a nitrogen change module, which can additionally or alternatively include determining an amount of nitrogen initially available for a geographic region.

Abstract: An agricultural planter having sensors for measuring multiple soil properties adjusts planting depth and seeding rate in real time based on the measured soil properties. An optical module is carried by the planter for collecting soil reflectance data. A pair of soil contact blades protrude from or are embedded in the optical module for collecting soil EC data and soil moisture data. A switching circuit or phase lock loop allows the same soil contact blades to feed signals to both a soil EC signal conditioning circuit and a soil moisture signal conditioning circuit. The soil moisture data can be used to calibrate the soil EC data and the soil reflectance data to compensate for effects of changing soil moisture conditions across a field. The sensor module can be positioned behind a seed tube and used as a seed firmer, or incorporated into a seed tube guard.

Abstract: The invention describes a surge-protection arrangement (1) for an electronic device (3) comprising a heat-dissipating load (10) thermally connected to a heat sink (107) of the load (10), which surge protection arrangement (1) comprises at least one high impedance arrangement (ZHI, ZHI_N, ZHI_P) connected in series with the load (10); at least one low impedance arrangement (ZLO, ZLO_N, ZLO_P) connected in parallel with the load (10); and a ground connection (FE) arranged to electrically connect the heat sink (107) and a low impedance arrangement (ZLO, ZLO_N, ZLO_P); wherein the high-impedance arrangement (ZHI, ZHI_N, ZH_IP) is realized to discourage a common-mode surge current (Is) from entering the load (10), and the low-impedance arrangement (ZLO, ZLO_N, ZLO_P) is realized to encourage a common-mode surge current (Is) to bypass the load (10) into a ground connection (FE).

Abstract: A no-till apparatus for application of herbicide and fertilizer, soil preparation, and seeding of a cover crop in a standing crop has inter-row assemblies configured to pass along inter-row areas between adjacent row lines of standing crop plants. Each assembly includes a fertilizer applicator, a no-till soil preparation element, a cover crop seed applicator, and a post-seeding element. The apparatus may include movable auxiliary seeding units such that the apparatus may operate as a grain drill.

Abstract: A no-till apparatus for application of herbicide and fertilizer, soil preparation, and seeding of a cover crop in a standing crop has inter-row assemblies configured to pass along inter-row areas between adjacent row lines of standing crop plants. Each assembly includes a fertilizer applicator, a no-till soil preparation element, a cover crop seed applicator, and a post-seeding element.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle platform system and method configured to perform various in-season management tasks, including selectively applying fertilizer, mapping growth zones and seeding cover crop within an agricultural field, while self-navigating between rows of planted crops and beneath the canopy of the planted crops on the uneven terrain of an agricultural field, allowing for an ideal in-season application of fertilizer to occur once the planted crop is well established and growing rapidly, in an effort to limit the loss of fertilizer.

Abstract: Provided is a method for reducing damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation. Damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation can be reduced by carrying out the steps of A) ditching a cultivated land; B) seeding with corn a furrow formed in the foregoing step; C) applying to the furrow an aqueous dispersion or aqueous solution of one or more selected from the below-mentioned compound group (I); and D) closing the furrow. Compound group (I): clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid or thiacloprid.

Abstract: A furrow tool configured to attach to a planting device includes a compressor including a neck portion and a body extending from the neck portion. A deflector is connected to the compressor. The deflector includes a top portion connected to the neck portion and an extension portion. The extension portion is located beneath a bottom side of the body and may be configured to deflect seeds. The furrow tool also includes an attachment mechanism connected to the neck portion and configured to attach to the planting device.

Abstract: Metering devices for an agricultural implement are provided for applying a field input, for example, pneumatically delivered granular product including seed or fertilizer or sprayed liquid product including fertilizer and the like, to an agricultural field. In the applying of the field input, the rate of application of the dispensers of one section of the implement can be collectively varied in relation to the rate of application of the dispensers of a different section of the implement frame.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a first tool bar and a second tool bar each supporting respective ground engaging tools and fluid dispersal components. The second tool bar is pivotally coupled to the first tool bar. The agricultural implement further includes fluid conduits coupled to respective tool bars for conveying fluid to the respective fluid dispersal components. Additionally, each of the conduits has a flexible end adjacent to the other tool bar. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a fluid joint coupled between the first and second flexible ends and configured to provide a sealed connection between the first and second flexible ends during relative pivotal movement of the first and second tool bars in operation but to allow for uncoupling of the first and second flexible ends for servicing of the implement.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame assembly configured to support a storage tank. The frame assembly includes a pair of longitudinal beams positioned on opposite lateral sides of the storage tank, and multiple cross members extending between the pair of longitudinal beams. A substantially flat upper surface of each cross member is secured to a lower surface of each longitudinal beam, and each cross member is configured to support the storage tank via contact between the substantially flat upper surface of the cross member and a substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank such that the substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank is positioned vertically below an upper surface of each longitudinal beam.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a storage tank, a pump positioned below a bottom portion of the storage tank, and a control system disposed above the bottom portion of the storage tank. The storage tank is configured to hold a flowable agricultural product. The pump is configured to direct the flowable agricultural product out of the storage tank. The one or more controls are configured to control application of the flowable agricultural product.

Abstract: A machine includes a plurality of ground engaging elements and an operator control station supported on a frame. A work tool is pivotably attached to the frame using a lift arm assembly and a tilt linkage. At least one device measures a quantity associated with at least one of the lift arm assembly, the tilt linkage, and the work tool. An electronic controller, in communication with an operator display and the at least one device. The electronic controller is configured to store an operator selected orientation of the work tool, calculate a current orientation of the work tool based on the quantity, and calculate a deviation of the current orientation from the operator selected orientation. A visual representation of the deviation is displayed on the operator display.

Abstract: An emissions recycling system is used on a vehicle towing an agricultural implement to enrich the fertility of the soil. The system includes an exhaust collector for collecting exhaust emissions from the internal combustion engine of the towing vehicle and an exhaust distribution system for injecting at least a portion of the exhaust emissions collected by the exhaust collector into the ground worked by the ground working tools of the agricultural implement. Fertility of the soil is enriched by bioactivity within the soil's micro flora which consumes the greenhouse gas and emissions.

Abstract: Methods for fumigating soil include providing a fumigant including at least one volatile substance into or onto soil and applying over the soil a multilayer polymeric film to form a vapor barrier between the fumigant-treated soil and the atmosphere to at least partially contain the fumigant. The multilayer film includes at least one barrier layer comprising at least one vinylidene chloride polymer and protecting layers on each side of the barrier layer. The multilayer film preferably has at least one UV protecting layer and optionally at least one reflective layer.

Abstract: A stationary system for gas treatment of top soil to kill plant pests including either underground or above ground piping netting for facilitating the flow of gas towards the roots of the plant, preferably via one or more injection nozzles. The system may be adapted to be in combination with water/fertilizers irrigation system, such that both (i) plant growth is promoted and (ii) plant pathogen kill by a compressible gas is provided.