Abstract: A method of remediating contaminated groundwater using tree crops and a method of accelerating the root growth of said tree crops in order to hasten the remediation process. Trees are planted in the soil above an area of contaminated groundwater. At least one trench is placed in the soil near the trees. A conduit is placed into the trench and connected to a supply of a fluid beneficial to the root growth of the trees. The fluid is passed through the conduit, into the trench, and thereafter into the surrounding soil. As it flows outward from the trench, the fluid forms a wetting front that eventually contacts the tree roots and stimulates their growth toward the groundwater below.

Abstract: An apparatus for high volume in-situ treatment of contaminated soil is a mobile vehicle with a chain trenching tool an excavator drums attached to the idler wheel to extend the width of soil cutting and increase the volume of soil being churned and treated in-situ. The drums may be arranged both for clock-wise and counter clock-wise rotation, and oriented to provide vertical lifting and swirling of the soil. The apparatus may include a hood disposed over the cutting drums to define a remediation chamber with ports for injecting high temperature air or chemical or biological remediation fluid into the soil. In a preferred embodiment, the hood has internal partitions that create a vapor recovery chamber outboard of the drums.

Abstract: A turf care system and method uses simultaneously fired pulses of high-pressure liquid jets of the mixture shot toward the ground. The liquid is mixed with dry grass seed shortly before being delivered to a high-pressure liquid/seed pumping system, which uses an accumulator and sequencing valve to produce at regular repetitive intervals pulses of the liquid/seed mixture under high pressure. The pulses are delivered to an elongated hydraulic manifold having multiple nozzles pointed downwardly, which are spaced from one another and the ground by predetermined distances. The momentum of the high-pressure jet of liquid/seed mixture issuing from each nozzle cuts through overlying vegetation to deposit the seeds into the crown of the soil at predetermined desired depth. Spray patterns are determined by nozzle orifice shape, and are preferably selected to provide a shallow knife slit-like opening or trench in the crown of the turf.

Abstract: A reforestation and nourishing practice by the use of a lighter-than-air airship system, for dispersing and planting tree saplings, primarily in remote regions which may have been devastated by fire, where access to such regions by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water over selected areas to water or nourish the newly planted trees. The mechanism for temporarily storing and eventually dispensing the tree saplings is a rack mounting at least one cylindrical canister containing plural compartments.

Abstract: A real time soil constituent sensor and precision agricultural chemical delivery system may measure simple in situ soil constituents without the aid of externally applied solvents, or such solvents may be utilized intermittently to calibrate the measurements for greater accuracy. A real time complex in situ soil resistivity sensor and prescription agricultural chemical delivery system includes a plurality of ground-engaging tools in association with individual soil electrode arrays which measure complex solute and matrix resistivity levels. Conventional engaging tools may serve as electrodes for impressing a voltage source and serve as a current sink for the purposes of determining complex resistivity values and components thereof in in situ soils. Alternatively, local resistivity measurements in a single tool can also be employed for separation of resistivity cotributions of the soil solute and the matrix.

Abstract: A liquid manure application system, including a drag hose assembly and three point hitch adapted to retain the assembly in the course of operation while permitting the releasable three point attachment of tillage tools. The hitch itself provides dimensions and characteristics adapted for such use, including a structural attachment site for the drag hose assembly and a side load capacity considerably greater that comparative available hitches, and sufficient to withstand the side load forces encountered in the course of manure application.

Abstract: A method for the subsurface application of fertilizers, biologicals, fumigants, non-fumigant pesticides or other chemicals to soil with reduced application rates. Discrete amounts of the materials are injected into the soil at numerous sites along a path during a pass through the soil. At the injection sites, the materials form diffusion patterns which may touch or overlapping with diffusion patterns of adjacent soil injections. The application of materials to soil in this manner maintains optimum efficacy with the use of the least amount of materials necessary per acre of soil.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a liquid fluid into a soil, includes a stationary feed assembly connected to a vehicle and mounted on an axle, and a discharge assembly configured for rotation about the axle relative to the feed assembly. The discharge assembly includes a plurality of tubes having tips for sequential penetration of the soil and dispensing of liquid fluid into a soil, wherein the feed assembly has a supply zone for liquid fluid, with the supply zone located in an area outside the axle.

Abstract: A liquid manure application system, including a drag hose assembly and three point hitch adapted to retain the assembly in the course of operation while permitting the releasable three point attachment of tillage tools. The hitch itself provides dimensions and characteristics adapted for such use, including a structural attachment site for the drag hose assembly and a side load capacity considerably greater that comparative available hitches, and sufficient to withstand the side load forces encountered in the course of manure application.

Abstract: An all wheel steer variable load carrying tractor vehicle which is particularly suited for towing crop input implements, the front section of which comprises a cab and engine the back section of which comprises several storage containers for carrying bulk crop inputs. The storage containers are releasably attached to the vehicle and can be changed based on the type of crop inputs applied and any implements towed by the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with low impact ground engaging means, such as tracks to increase maneuverability. The vehicle may also be equipped with a combination of high flotation tires or tracks to minimize soil compaction. A delivery system in combination with a control system coordinates the movement of the crop inputs from the vehicle to places located off the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for rapidly treating the surface and subsurface of soil by irradiation with microwave energy to preclude germination of existing seeds and to kill weeds prior to sowing new seed and to kill insects. A microwave weed seed sterilizer is powered by a generator set to produce microwave energy to a predetermined depth in the soil. The preferred embodiment of the microwave weed seed sterilizer is portable and operatively attached to a self-propelled farm machine. The self-propelled farm machine moves along a field while the portable microwave weed seed sterilizer emits microwave energy into the soil.

Abstract: An all wheel steer variable load carrying tractor vehicle which is particularly suited for towing crop input implements, the front section of which comprises a cab and engine the back section of which comprises several storage containers for carrying bulk crop inputs. The storage containers are releasably attached to the vehicle and can be changed based on the type of crop inputs applied and any implements towed by the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with all wheel steering to increase maneuverability. The vehicle is also equipped with high flotation tires or tracks to minimize soil compaction. A delivery system in combination with a control system coordinates the movement of the crop inputs from the vehicle to places located off the vehicle.

Abstract: A liquid distribution apparatus for use with a planter, drill or other farming implement having a seed tube that deposits seeds in a furrow. The liquid distribution apparatus includes a supply channel in fluid connection with a hose supplying a liquid to the furrow. The liquid distribution apparatus also includes a distribution channel that is oriented to distribute the liquid onto one or both sidewalls of the furrow. The apparatus may be used alone or along with an extension for reducing seed bounce.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically measuring soil pH at a relatively large number of places in a field, and automatically creating a soil pH map by simultaneously measuring the position of the apparatus and storing the pH data in association with the location from which the corresponding soil sample was taken. The apparatus includes a wheeled chassis, a shank for exposing soil at a controlled depth, a sampling tray for collecting soil, a probe for measuring the pH of the soil, a water supply for cleaning the probe between measurements, a devise for measuring the location of the apparatus, and a computer for controlling the measurement cycle and recording the data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sterilizing soils and of the equipment related thereto. The method comprises sequentially at least the following phases:—dispersion into the soil of at least one compound, solid, liquid or gaseous, able to react exothermically with water and/or steam, or other substance;—injection of at least one jet of water and/or steam, or of another substance, into the soil in such a way as to produce heat in the subsequent reaction with the compound. Between the two aforesaid phases it is convenient to proceed to break up the soil to favor its mixing, with the compound and create the best conditions for the reaction.

Abstract: An all wheel steer variable load carrying tractor vehicle which is particularly suited for towing crop input implements, the front section of which comprises a cab and engine the back section of which comprises several storage containers for carrying bulk crop inputs. The storage containers are releasably attached to the vehicle and can be changed based on the type of crop inputs applied and any implements towed by the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with all wheel steering to increase maneuverability. The vehicle is also equipped with high flotation tires or tracks to minimize soil compaction. A delivery system in combination with a control system coordinates the movement of the crop inputs from the vehicle to places located off the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is a planter which embeds planted seeds into the ground and then dispenses liquid in the vicinity of the embedded seeds. The planter includes a flexible arm which drags upon the ground and presses the deposited seeds into the ground and liquid dispensing passage disposed on the flexible arm. The liquid dispensing passage may be integrally with the arm or may be separate from the arm. A flexible hose may be disposed within the passage and connected to a liquid supply tank for communicating the liquid from the supply tank to the embedded seeds. The resulting planted seeds are thereby embedded and substantially free of surrounding air pockets, and provided with liquid after being embedded to provide proper germination and growth.

Abstract: A crop input applicator system for controlling the application of crop inputs from each dispensing point. The applicator is equipped with a locating system and an on-board computer. The on-board computer uses location data collected from the locating system, along with machine signature data, and application maps to create status maps indicating the area treated by crop inputs. The computer compares the status map to the current location of the applicator and based on the comparison automatically controls dispensing points so that those dispensing points over an area previously treated are deactivated, while dispensing points over an area not yet treated remain active.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil injection apparatus in which a probe having on insertion tip is inserted into the soil. A pair of probe guide assemblies are positioned adjacent each side of the probe to provide stability of the probe and prevent breaking of the probe. A probe hydraulic system extends and retracts the probe from the soil. A liquid pumping system pumps liquid into an outlet of the probe after insertion of the probe into the soil. A control system activates the probe hydraulic system and liquid pumping system. Preferably, a switch is used to activate the pumping system to pump liquid into the soil after the probe has been inserted a predetermined depth into the soil. The soil injection apparatus can be attached to a self-propelled vehicle. A carrier can be attached to the vehicle for holding debris removed from the soil injection site.

Abstract: An ozone containing gas is injected into a portion of top soil that was previously oversaturated with water, to stimulate the propagation and growth of living organisms. The injected ozone oxidizes at least one molecule (also called “parent molecule”) in the top soil to create at least one byproduct that is smaller than the parent molecule. The small size of such byproducts allows the byproducts to cause the growth of living organisms (such as plants including fungi and tomatoes). The byproducts can be used to grow a fungi (such as Trichoderma, spp.) that is (1) parasitic to detrimental fungi such as fusarium or is (2) a stimulant for chlorophyll-bearing plants, or is both. The byproducts can also be used to directly grow the chlorophyll-bearing plants. An ozone containing gas can be injected via a soil injector connected to an ozone supplier that is either stationary or is moved over a field, e.g. by a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fumigating soil in a manner to prevent or minimize escape of fumigating gases and in a manner to facilitate the planting of a cover crop at the time of fumigation. An apparatus for simultaneously treating soil with soil fumigant material applied at a full application rate includes a fumigant material applicator applying fumigant below the surface of the soil at a rate of at least 10 gallons per acre. The apparatus further includes a soil leveling apparatus, and a soil packer positioned between the applicator and packer. The apparatus further includes with a cover crop seed planter, with the soil leveling apparatus and packer being positioned between the applicator and planter.

Abstract: A real time soil constituent sensor and precision agricultural chemical delivery system may measure simple in situ soil constituents without the aid of externally applied solvents, or such solvents may be utilized intermittently to calibrate the measurements for greater accuracy. A real time complex in situ soil resistivity sensor and prescription agricultural chemical delivery system includes a plurality of ground-engaging tools in association with individual soil electrode arrays which measure complex solute and matrix resistivity levels. Conventional ground-engaging tools may serve as electrodes for impressing a voltage source and serve as a current sink for the purposes of determining complex resistivity values and components thereof in in situ soils. Alternatively, local resistivity measurements in a single tool can also be employed for separation of resistivity contributions of the soil solute and the matrix.

Abstract: The outlet hose from the lagoon pump is telescopically connected to the waste injector inlet tube such that the outlet hose is free to rotate and maintain itself in a straight condition by the fluid pressure in the outlet hose during use. A tow swivel is provided which allows the tractor and waste injector to pull the outlet hose back and forth across the field without interfering with the free rotation of the outlet hose relative to the inlet tube.

Abstract: A spray cart with pivoting suspension assemblies that include articulating trailing wheels with a hitch arrangement that can vary the amount of weight of the spray cart that can be transferred either to a towing vehicle or to an implement towed by the spray cart. The advantage of this variable weight transfer includes reducing soil compaction by the spray cart wheels by shifting weight to the tractor or by shifting weight to a towed disc, the disc is more effective. The spray cart has means of attachment to a towed disc or plow that effectively creates a single unit out of the spray cart and the towed disc or plow. This combined with the articulating trailing wheels reduces side loads on the wheels.

Abstract: The present invention is a planter which embeds planted seeds into the ground and then dispenses liquid in the vicinity of the embedded seeds. The planter includes a flexible arm which drags upon the ground and presses the deposited seeds into the ground and liquid dispensing passage disposed on the flexible arm. The liquid dispensing passage may be integrally with the arm or may be separate from the arm. A flexible hose may be disposed within the passage and connected to a liquid supply tank for communicating the liquid from the supply tank to the embedded seeds. A diverter disposed at the outlet of the liquid supply diverts the liquid flow from flowing directly over the embedded seed. The resulting planted seeds are thereby embedded and substantially free of surrounding air pockets, and provided with adjacent liquid after being embedded to provide proper germination and growth.

Abstract: A finger wheel adapted to follow behind and/or beside a furrow opener at varying angles to the vertical and to the direction of travel. The finger wheel is useful for covering a furrow with loose soil to retain gaseous material such as anhydrous ammonia in the soil. The finger wheel is also useful for removing dry soil from the top of a seed furrow to reduce the effective depth of seeding and improve emergence. Also provided are a gaseous material injector and seeding apparatus using a known double inclined disc in combination with the finger wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning and rejuvenating septic tank sewage systems. Where the septic tank has a drainfield associated therewith, the method comprises penetrating the ground near a drainfield lateral, and agitating the area near the drainfield lateral while simultaneously applying suction to the drainfield lateral. Accumulated scum and waste is thereby removed from the drainfield lateral. Where the septic tank system has a dry well associated therewith, the method comprises penetrating the bottom of the dry well and agitating the area underneath the dry well to form accumulated scum and waste into a froth or malt at the bottom of the dry well, and removing the froth or malt by suction. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a penetrating nozzle attached to an articulated boom assembly for penetrating the ground near a drainfield lateral or underneath a dry well to apply forced air or fluid or suction to agitate the area near the drainfield lateral or underneath the dry well.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and method for the subsurface application of chemicals such as fertilizer, pesticides and fumigants in soil. A frame is shown, capable of being pulled across a field, the frame having a plurality of shanks with a shovel and an downward facing nozzle mounted at the end of each shank. The shovels all lie in a single plane, substantially horizontal to the soil's surface. Means are provided for delivering the chemical from a reservoir of such to the nozzles. The chemical is thereby applied in a single pass at a depth of up to 12 inches, and allowed to migrate upward in the soil, thereby achieving application of the chemical in a discreet layer of the soil, without unduly disturbing the soil's surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for in-situ remediation of contaminant-bearing earthen material includes a generally cylindrical tined assembly; a housing for mounting the tined assembly for rotational motion; an hydraulic driver for delivering torque to rotate the tined assembly; and an additive supply system configured to drop an additive into the space defined by and along the length of the cylindrical tined assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rollable container for storing, transporting and distributing a mass having little or no cohesion, for instances; liquids incorporating possibly solid constituents, such as liquid manure or fertilizer; or solid substances consisting of granules and/or powder. A container is provided in which the contact pressure with the ground is considerably reduced. The container is embodied as a hollow wheel, which is mounted via rotation bearings for rotation in a frame which is coupled or can be coupled by a coupling device to a motor vehicle, for instance a tractor, the space in the wheel being sealingly connected via a rotation bearing to a conduit which is stationary relative to the frame or at least occupies a substantially fixed position relative to the frame for supplying and discharging mass to and from the space, which wheel can roll over the ground during movement of the frame caused by the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A cylinder 16 has a piston 19 slidable therein, to force liquid from the cylinder out through a hollow needle 18. A pair of handles 11 extend outwardly from the cylinder, substantially normal thereof. Each handle carries a lever 30 pivoted thereon. In use, movement of the piston is less than the corresponding movement of a manually operable portion 32 (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The present invention is a planter which embeds planted seeds into the ground and then dispenses liquid in the vicinity of the embedded seeds. The planter includes a flexible arm which drags upon the ground and presses the deposited seeds into the ground and liquid dispensing passage disposed on the flexible arm. The liquid dispensing passage may be integrally with the arm or may be separate from the arm. A flexible hose may be disposed within the passage and connected to a liquid supply tank for communicating the liquid from the supply tank to the embedded seeds. The resulting planted seeds are thereby embedded and substantially free of surrounding air pockets, and provided with liquid after being embedded to provide proper germination and growth.

Abstract: A vehicle for applying nitrogen to the soil. The vehicle includes a pulling vehicle having a massive towing capacity and a tool bar coupled to the pulling vehicle. A large anhydrous ammonia tank is secured to the pulling vehicle and a pump is secured between the tank and the tool bar to move anhydrous ammonia from the tank to the tool bar, where the anhydrous ammonia is injected into the soil. By pumping the anhydrous ammonia, the present invention can be used to apply anhydrous ammonia to the soil in temperatures which would otherwise be too cold to effectively apply anhydrous ammonia using only vapor pressure.

Abstract: Device for measuring soil conductivity is comprised of a frame adapted to be conveyed over a ground surface and plurality of soil engaging coulters insulated from each other and insulatively mounted to this frame. This device also includes means for passing a current between a first pair of coulters through the soil and means for measuring this current. It further comprises means for measuring the resulting voltage between a second pair of coulters. This device for measuring soil conductivity also is comprised of electrical contact members which provide consistent electrical contact from the coulter to the means for measuring current and voltage. An electrical signal received by a coulter travels to a mounting flange and then to a dust cap. The dust cap passes this electrical signal to the spindle by way of a spring-loaded plunger. This electrical signal travels from the fixed spindle to the means for measuring current and voltage.

Abstract: A soil aerator fertilizer especially adapted for the treatment of trees in an orchard-like setting includes hydraulic cylinder units mounted on opposing sides of a trailer or vehicle so that trees on either side of the trailer can be simultaneously treated while the trailer is intermittently moved through the orchard. Each of the hydraulic cylinder units includes an extensible piston having a ground penetrating probe attached thereto. The trailer or vehicle also supports a source of hydraulic fluid, a source of pressurized air or gas, a source of an aqueous fertilizer and/or nutrient mixture, and valves for selectively controlling the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic cylinder units and for selectively supplying either pressurized air or gas, or liquid fertilizer and/or nutrient mixture to the probe for distribution below the surface of the soil.

Abstract: The present invention is a planter which embeds planted seeds into the ground and then dispenses liquid in the vicinity of the embedded seeds. The planter includes a flexible arm which drags upon the ground and presses the deposited seeds into the ground and a rigid tube which is attached to the flexible arm. A flexible hose extends from a liquid supply tank and is telescopingly received within the rigid conduit for communicating the liquid from the supply tank to the embedded seed. The resulting planted seeds are thereby embedded and substantially free of surrounding air pockets, and provided with liquid after being embedded to provide proper germination and growth.

Abstract: A real time soil constituent sensor and precision agricultural chemical delivery system may measure simple in situ soil constituents without the aid of externally applied solvents, or such solvents may be utilized intermittently to calibrate the measurements for greater accuracy. A real time complex in situ soil resistivity sensor and prescription agricultural chemical delivery system includes a plurality of ground-engaging tools in association with individual soil electrode arrays which measure complex solute and matrix resistivity levels. Conventional ground-engaging tools may serve as electrodes for impressing a voltage source and serve as a current sink for the purposes of determining complex resistivity values and components thereof in in situ soils. Alternatively, local resistivity measurements in a single tool can also be employed for separation of resistivity contributions of the soil solute and the matrix.

Abstract: A walk-behind, multi-functional device for use in a nursery is capable cultivating while applying fertilizer and herbicide as desired. An electric clutch assembly combines with a steering assembly to permit easy maneuverability of the walk-behind device.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sterilizing soil includes an implement including a plurality of subsurface tools having hot water nozzles mounted thereon and connected to a source of hot water. Hot water is injected into the top layer of soil as the implement is moved over a field. Stirrer tools are mounted on the implement rearwardly of the subsurface tools and extend into the ground for mixing the soil and hot water to thereby provide a uniform temperature to the soil. A foam applying system applies an insulating foam to the surface of the soil immediately after the injection of hot water into the soil.

Abstract: A pulsed injection system for injecting a stream of high pressure liquid into the ground is used for distributing liquid in a turf root zone. Each nozzle of the apparatus includes one or more nozzle openings which are arranged at an angle to the vertical so that the stream generated is not vertical but instead projects outwardly from the nozzle with a partly horizontal component of direction. This direction maximizes the distance traveled through the root zone of the turf to kill maximum numbers of parasites and also, particularly when the number of openings per nozzle is increased to four provides a maximum blanket of the injected liquid in an expansion zone of each jet with minimum spaces between the expansion zone and maximum coverage. This blanket is used particularly with herbicide injection to prevent weeds growing through the herbicide into the turf.

Abstract: An ozone containing gas is injected into soil, preferably relatively dry and approximately uniform in consistency, to kill biological life forms. A soil injector injects ozone containing gas from an ozone supplier. In one embodiment, the ozone supplier is moved over the field by a structure such as a trailer or a vehicle. In another embodiment, a lattice arrangement of conduits is used to inject the ozone containing gas into the soil. The soil is optionally covered with a gas semipermeable or impermeable membrane subsequent to or prior to injection of the ozone containing gas. In yet another embodiment, the soil is transferred to a chamber and subjected to in-vitro ozone treatment. In accordance with this invention, the soil is exposed to a sufficient concentration of ozone for a sufficient period of time such that the ozone oxidizes the impurities thereby reducing detrimental organisms, and thus sanitizing the soil.

Abstract: A plunger pump suitable for an apparatus for injecting liquid under high pressure through a plurality of nozzles (104) into the turf. A plunger (34) of the pump is connected through a connecting rod (39) to a crank shaft (12) for the reciprocation thereof, and the crank shaft is more quickly rotated through its angle of rotation at the discharge stroke than through the angle of rotation at the suction stroke of the plunger to increase discharge pressure of the liquid upon its intermittent injection.

Abstract: A digger for facilitating the application of a supplement to a mushroom bed includes a shroud having a top wall and side walls. A motor driven shaft is mounted to the side walls with the plurality of digging tines extending generally radially outwardly from the shaft. Supplement is conveyed from a compartment mounted to the shroud and toward the area of the mushroom bed where the tines are digging into the bed.

Abstract: A light-weight turf conditioning machine provides programmable subterranean soil processing. The machine includes a set of electronically controlled air guns that are mounted on a frame a given distance above the ground. Each air gun disperses a high pressure stream of fluid into the ground in a vertically aligned cylindrical shape drilling holes into a golf green. The holes are drilled using a hydrated polymer that absorbs and releases moisture in a controlled fashion fostering plant growth. A programmable controls circuit controls the rate, pattern and depth in which holes are drilled into a golf green. A portable storage tank is fluidly joined by a hose to the air guns. The hose allows the storage tank to spaced from the machine as the air guns are carried over the golf green.

Abstract: A cultivator-injector machine for sub-surface application of fluid to a field which machine includes a chassis carrying one or more tines, each tine having one or more fluid delivery pipe(s) mounted extending longitudinally down a rearward, in use, face thereof, each delivery pipe having a closed lower end and one or more lateral apertures therein, the chassis further carrying one or more free-turning cutting discs, each mounted closely in front of and substantially aligned with a respective tine along the axis of ploughing motion of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus that treats and/or fixes soil gases liberated during plowing. An upper portion of a plow blade comprises a detachable panel made from a catalyst metal and behind the detachable panel is an electric resistance heater. A compressed fluid hose and nozzle located proximate the upper portion of the plow blade supplies reactants which react with a soil gas in the presence of a catalyst and heat.

Abstract: A liquid distributor having a pair of variable displacement pumps driven by a single electric motor, the rotation speed of which is determined by a voltage from a controller in response to a predetermined ground speed and application rate which mixes a chemical with water in a desired proportion and delivers a solution to be directed into an open furrow just prior to the furrow being covered with dirt.

Abstract: A weed killing system utilizes hot water or steam, alone, or in combination with an herbicide to kill weeds. Cart, backpack, and vehicle mounted versions are disclosed in propane and electrically powered embodiments. A cart mounted version includes a detachable wheel assembly to allow selective conversion into a manually manipulable wand, and may be provided with an angularly adjustable bifurcated distribution nozzle. In electrically heated embodiments, Salt may be added to the heated water in order to increase the boiling point to enable higher effective application temperatures. A gas powered version includes a microprocessor control system for regulating water level in a tank portion of a heater, gas supply to a burner assembly, electric spark ignition of the burner assembly, and hot water or steam outlet dependent upon temperature and pressure levels in the tank portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for introducing a particulate matter along with a driving liquid, such as water, into a ground surface. The apparatus is also highly effective for perforating and thereby aerating the ground surface. The particulate matter may preferably adopt the form of a powder like substance often referred to as "polymer" and which is injected into the ground for purposes of acting as a plant food or a plant additive in various agricultural operations. The apparatus utilizes an injector device for mixing the polymer or other particulate matter with the driving liquid, such as water, at a point in close proximity to the ground surface so that there is no pre-mixing of the particulate matter and the driving liquid. The driving liquid is pumped to the injector at a high pressure and introduced into a high pressure chamber of the injector. The liquid is then forced through a very small diameter nipple opening leading to a low-pressure chamber.

Abstract: A trailer vehicle for distributing a fertilizing manure slurry to a field which includes a slurry distribution assembly mounted to the rear of the vehicle having four slurry distribution units, each with three plow teeth and a slurry distribution nozzle associated with the teeth for feeding the slurry at root level in the soil. The distribution assembly includes an elongated manifold with four flexible conduits extending from the manifold to each nozzle on the distribution units. The manifold communicates with the slurry tank. The trailer vehicle can also have a special suspension to maintain the tank relatively level. The trailer has three sets of wheels which are articulated in tandem, and the rear wheels of the trailer can be steered in the arc traced by the motive vehicle pulling the trailer.