Abstract: An agricultural implement is directed to delivering a fluid to the soil of an agricultural field and includes a main frame attached to an opener device, a closing device, a pivoting assembly, and an injection tine. The opener device forms a furrow in the soil, the closing device trails the opener device for closing the furrow, and the injection tine delivers the fluid towards the furrow. The injection tine has a pivoting end attached to the pivoting assembly and a bottom end extending downwardly into the furrow between the opener device and the closing device. The pivoting end is pivotably connected at the pivoting end such that the injection tine is freely pivotable in at least two independent pivotable directions relative to furrow. A diffuser is attached to the bottom end of the injection tine for expelling the fluid into the furrow.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.

Abstract: A disc planter (10) for applying fertilisers and seeds to soil, and incorporating previously applied chemicals therein, the disc planter (10) having a frame (12) with a longitudinal forward direction of travel, and a plurality of rotatable tools mounted in series to the frame, the plurality of rotatable tools including a fertiliser furrow opening disc (16), a seed furrow opening disc (18), a soil throw controlling wheel (20), a soil closing wheel (22)and a soil disturbing star wheel (24), wherein the fertiliser furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are alternately oppositely inclined to one another in the forward direction of travel, the fertiliser furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), soil throw controlling wheel (20), soil closing wheel (22) and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are longitudinally spaced and alternately laterally offset from one another in the forward direction of travel, the soil throw controlling wheel (20) is closely

Abstract: An agricultural implement for delivering ammonia gas to soil includes a soil cutting device for forming a furrow in the soil to be fertilized, a closing device trailing the cutting device for closing the furrow, and an ammonia gas delivery tube extending downwardly into the furrow between the cutting device and the closing device, and then extending rearwardly along the furrow to the closing device for delivering ammonia gas onto at least one wall of the furrow rearwardly of the trailing end of the cutting device and of the leading end of the closing device. A discharge nozzle is mounted on the trailing end of the ammonia gas delivery tube for discharging ammonia gas onto the bottom and/or sides of the furrow. The ammonia gas delivery tube and the discharge nozzle may be made of non-metallic material, such as polymeric material, to reduce or avoid freezing of soil and moisture on the implement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to be mounted upon a planter row unit for delivering liquid fertilizer to the bottom of a trench without contacting the seed to be planted may be integrated with a cleaner for the furrow opening device. The system as claimed and described is adapted for mounting to substantially all modern row units employing floating row units. The method and apparatus as described does not interfere with existing down pressure or seed placement systems as found on modern row crop planters. As described and implemented, the method and apparatus is more compact and lighter in weight than the prior art. The attached assembly for a seed planting unit works in combination with a seed trench opener to form a trench for the deposit of liquid fertilizer offset from and parallel to the later formed seed trench.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to be mounted upon a planter row unit for delivering liquid fertilizer to the bottom of a trench without contacting the seed to be planted may be integrated with a cleaner for the furrow opening device. The system as claimed and described is adapted for mounting to substantially all modern row units employing floating row units. The method and apparatus as described does not interfere with existing down pressure or seed placement systems as found on modern row crop planters. As described and implemented, the method and apparatus is more compact and lighter in weight than the prior art. The attached assembly for a seed planting unit works in combination with a seed trench opener to form a trench for the deposit of liquid fertilizer offset from and parallel to the later formed seed trench.

Abstract: A liquid metering system for an agricultural implement is modular, having individual metering pumps for each crop row. The pumps are individually controlled for precise application of the liquid input and are preferable electrically driven. A common pump is used, making the system modular in that varying sizes of implements can be produced by varying the number of pumps. A common supply line is used to supply a liquid input from a reservoir to the pumps. Each pump is connected to the common supply line. By connecting each pump to the common supply line, the difficulty of routing individual hoses from a central pump to each row unit are overcome.

Abstract: The present planter unit, and planter implements using the present planter unit, include first and second discs and first and second pathways. The first and second discs may be generally planar and in a non-overlapping relation. As the planter unit is towed through a field, the first disc creates a first trench in the seedbed and the first pathway deposits a first material in the first trench. Subsequently, the second disc creates a second trench which is continuous with the first trench and partially fills the first trench. A second material is deposited in the second trench by the second pathway.

Abstract: A liquid manure distribution system where the manure is directed to an interior conduit within a distribution assembly or an outer rotating cylindrical member with tines attached thereto, creating crevice-like openings in the earth or a field and an internal timing member provides a slot for distribution of liquid manure at timed intervals when the slot is in positional alignment with the fluid passage openings as they are positioned downwardly adjacent to the formed crevice-like opening within the field.

Abstract: A disc furrow opener and method for single pass placement of seed and fertilizer in agricultural planting uses a scraper to both scrape the disc and form a seed shelf in the furrow formed thereby and delivers seed onto the seed shelf and fertilizer into a bottom portion of the open furrow formed by the disc below the seed shelf. Placement of seed and fertilizer is achievable in a single pass over the area to be seeded without need for a second opening implement rearward of the disc and without being limited to the use of liquid fertilizer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to be mounted upon a planter row unit for delivering liquid fertilizer to the bottom of a trench without contacting the seed to be planted is disclosed and claimed. The system as claimed and described is adapted for mounting to substantially all modern row units employing floating row units. The method and apparatus as described does not interfere with existing down pressure or seed placement systems as found on modern row crop planters. As described and implemented, the method and apparatus is more compact and lighter in weight than the prior art. The attached assembly for a seed planting unit works in combination with a seed trench opener to form a trench for the deposit of liquid fertilizer offset from and parallel to the later formed seed trench. The apparatus allows directed liquid fertilizer delivery in close proximity to the seed trench with minimal disruption of said seed trench. The attachment includes a single disk blade disposed forward of the seed trench forming unit.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a tool bar and at least one opener/closer arrangement carried by the tool bar for opening a trench in soil. Each opener/closer arrangement includes an opener disc positioned at an angle relative to a working direction and defining a trench profile. The opener disc has an axis of rotation, a leading edge, and a trailing edge positioned adjacent one side of the trench profile. A gauge wheel is positioned generally inline with the opener disc adjacent to the trailing edge of the opener disc. The gauge wheel has a leading edge positioned between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the opener disc. A first closing wheel is positioned on a side of the trench profile opposite to the gauge wheel. The first closing wheel has a leading edge positioned between the axis of rotation and the trailing edge of the opener disc. A second closing wheel is positioned on a same side of the trench profile as the gauge wheel.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a frame and at least one fertilizer opener carried by the frame for opening a trench in soil. Each fertilizer opener includes an opener disc positioned at an angle relative to a working direction, a boot positioned behind the opener disc relative to the working direction, and at least one fertilizer tube positioned behind the boot relative to the working direction. The boot includes a recess at a trailing edge thereof. The recess at least partially surrounds at least one fertilizer tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying liquid-solid dispersions to soil. Valves are provided which permit cleaning. An elongate conduit, with an aperture at one end, and a first valve proximate such aperture may be opened to permit passage of a pig member. An upwardly extending conduit is “T'ed” off the elongate conduit, and connects with a manifold and a plurality of supply tubes to direct the liquid-solid dispersions to the soil at various points along the frame of the applicator. A second valve may be provided on the upwardly extending conduit, which may be closed to prevent initial supply of the liquid-solid dispersion to the apparatus and instead flow to the aperture to prevent plugging during initial operation. The second valve, when closed, further serves as an anti-siphoning valve to prohibit further supply of liquid solid dispersion to the manifold. A method for cleaning such apparatus is further disclosed.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for clearing and tilling soil to be planted includes a residue-clearing sub-assembly including a first rotatable coulter wheel and at least one toothed wheel mounted for rotation about an axis located rearwardly of the axis of rotation of the first coulter wheel of forward portion of the toothed wheel overlaps a rear portion of the first coulter wheel. A tillage sub-assembly includes second and third coulter wheels that are offset from each other both laterally and fore and aft, and are mounted for rotation about axes of rotation that are located rearwardly of the axes of rotation of the toothed wheels. A depth control device is mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation located rearwardly of the axis of rotation of the rearmost of the second and third coulter wheels. A common frame carries the residue-clearing sub-assembly, the tillage sub-assembly, and the depth control device so that all of the axes of rotation are fixed relative to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to be mounted upon a planter row unit for delivering liquid fertilizer to the bottom of a trench without contacting the seed to be planted is disclosed and claimed. The system as claimed and described is adapted for mounting to substantially all modern row units employing floating row units. The method and apparatus as described does not interfere with existing down pressure or seed placement systems as found on modern row crop planters. As described and implemented, the method and apparatus is more compact and lighter in weight than the prior art. The attached assembly for a seed planting unit works in combination with a seed trench opener to form a trench for the deposit of liquid fertilizer offset from and parallel to the later formed seed trench. The apparatus allows directed liquid fertilizer delivery in close proximity to the seed trench with minimal disruption of said seed trench. The attachment includes a single disk blade disposed forward of the seed trench forming unit.

Abstract: A soil treatment dispensing assembly that is provided with a frame and a coulter wheel coupled to the frame that is adapted to engage the soil to form a trench. The soil treatment dispensing assembly is also provided with a support arm having a leading edge adapted to engage the soil. The support arm includes a tubular applicator that is coupled to the lower portion of the support arm. The applicator includes a tapered forward region, a dispensing opening and an internal cavity formed in the applicator. The soil treatment dispensing assembly also includes an application conduit arranged to terminate within the internal cavity of the applicator. The application conduit is connectable to a source of treating product, such as fertilizer, and communicates the treating product directly into the internal cavity of the applicator. Treating product within the internal cavity exits the opening formed in the applicator to treat the soil.

Abstract: A disc opener assembly for an agricultural planter includes a coulter disc formed without a pilot hole for the spindle of the mounting hub. The mounting hub is formed without the spindle such that the coulter disc is supported directly in a cantilevered manner from the mounting flange of the mounting hub. The coulter disc is formed with fastener holes aligned with mounting holes in the mounting flange for the passage of fasteners to affix the coulter disc to the mounting flange. The fasteners are countersunk into the coulter disc to present a smooth exterior surface. A seal is positioned between the mounting flange and the coulter disc to prevent the entry of dirt and debris into the mounting hub. No dust cap on the exterior surface of the coulter disc is required with this configuration which improves the operation of the disc opener assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a method of tillage using ridges comprises a slurry injector (1, 2, 4, 5), a ridging plough (7, 8), a ridge shaper (9) and sowing, laying or planting equipment (10) coupled together into a unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to be mounted upon a planter row unit for delivering liquid fertilizer to the bottom of a trench without contacting the seed to be planted is disclosed and claimed. The system as claimed and described is adapted for mounting to substantially all modern row units employing floating row units. The method and apparatus as described does not interfere with existing down pressure or seed placement systems as found on modern row crop planters. As described and implemented, the method and apparatus is more compact and lighter in weight than the prior art. The attached assembly for a seed planting unit works in combination with a seed trench opener to form a trench for the deposit of liquid fertilizer offset from and parallel to the later formed seed trench. The apparatus allows directed liquid fertilizer delivery in close proximity to the seed trench with minimal disruption of said seed trench. The attachment includes a single disk blade disposed forward of the seed trench forming unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interseeding an area of ground having existing vegetation growing thereon are provided. The interseeder apparatus tills a plurality of spaced-apart rows in the ground, deposits seed in the exposed soil of the rows, compacts the seed into the rows, and optionally, sprays at least a portion of the exiting vegetation adjacent the rows with a herbicide so as to reduce competition for the new seedling.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of a liquid manure to soil, possessing a frame which is adapted when towed over soil to apply such to the soil. A supply conduit, having a distal end and a proximal end is provided. The distal end thereof is adapted to be releasibly coupled and in fluid communication with a flexible supply hose which supplies the liquid-solid solution, such as liquid manure, to the distal end of the conduit. The proximal end of the conduit is in fluid communication with a manifold which thereafter via a plurality of supply tubes supplies such liquid/liquid solid dispersion to the soil. An intermediate portion of the supply conduit is flexible. A boom member at its distal end supports a distal end of the supply conduit. A proximal end of the boom member is pivotably coupled to the frame to allow pivotal movement of the distal end of the boom member in at least a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A farm implement for applying a product to a row crop or a row seeded field wherein the implement has a plurality of spaced-apart product dispensers mounted thereon, each of which is individually automatically controlled. The rate of product being dispensing from each of the product dispensers is automatically operated dependent upon the ground speed of the individual product dispensers or dependent on other criteria.

Abstract: A ground working apparatus for dispensing an agricultural additive to the soil is provided. The apparatus is mounted to a tool bar that is operable to be towed across an agricultural field. The apparatus includes a coulter blade in combination with a knife element, and a conduit attached thereto operable to dispense the agricultural additive in the soil. The knife element and the coulter blade characterize a gap therebetween. The gap is defined by a forward edge of the knife element having a radius of curvature that is less than a radius of curvature of the coulter blade. The conduit in interchangeably attached by at least one conduit mount plate at the knife element.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of a liquid or liquid-solid dispersion to soil, which is adapted when towed over soil to apply such liquid-solid dispersion to the soil. A supply conduit, having a distal end and a proximal end is provided. The distal end thereof is adapted to be releasibly coupled and in fluid communication with a source of liquid-solid solution, such as liquid manure. The supply conduit is pivotally coupled, via a pivot member, to the frame of the implement to permit the supply conduit to be pivoted in a substantially horizontal plane. The pivot member is coupled at one end thereof to the supply conduit at a location intermediate the distal end and the proximal end of such supply conduit, and is pivotally coupled at an opposite end to the frame of the apparatus. A manifold portion, having a plurality of manifolds thereon, is provided.

Abstract: A ground working apparatus for dispensing an agricultural additive to the soil is provided. The apparatus is mounted to a tool bar that is operable to be towed across an agricultural field. The apparatus includes a coulter blade in combination with a knife element, and a conduit attached thereto operable to dispense the agricultural additive in the soil. The knife element and the coulter blade characterize a gap therebetween. The gap is defined by a forward edge of the knife element having a radius of curvature that is less than a radius of curvature of the coulter blade. The conduit in interchangeably attached by at least one conduit mount plate at the knife element.

Abstract: Plastic mulched raised beds are fumigated using a fumigation system containing two opposing armatures affixed to a mounting arm at about a 15° angle and a blunt-ended knife with a blade attached at about a 90° angle to the knife. The system allows fumigant to be applied to the interior of the raised, plastic mulched beds without disturbing the mulch.

Abstract: A liquid fertilizer application system for efficiently dispensing and placing liquid fertilizer within a furrow to minimize germination injury. The liquid fertilizer application system includes a fertilizer tube having an input opening and a discharge opening, a mounting tab and a centering bracket. The fertilizer tube is attached to a shank of a planter implement using the mounting tab and is additionally positioned by the centering bracket. The discharge opening of the fertilizer tube is located in front of a scraper attached to the planter implement seed tube. The discharge opening of the fertilizer tube is forward of the seed tube to allows for the application of the fertilizer into a prepared furrow prior to placement of the seed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying liquid anhydrous ammonia to a pump or other flow control system whereby a separation chamber removes vapor generated by friction in the flow path from a storage tank containing saturated anhydrous ammonia. Additionally, liquid ammonia in the separation chamber creates a static head pressure. The difference in height between the inlet near the top of the separation chamber and the outlet at the bottom causes the static head pressure. The static head assures pure liquid at the bottom since absolute pressure exceeds saturation pressure. As a result, the feed stream to the pump or other flow control system is free of ammonia vapor.

Abstract: An application system for applying nitrogen to the soil. The system is a tool bar provided with a plurality of long arms, coupled to disks. Coupled behind the disks is a nitrogen dispensing system, coupled to a large fluid tank on a vehicle. By utilizing a high clearance vehicle, the system is utilized to apply nitrogen supplements to the soil throughout the growing season.

Abstract: Disc openers (14) for use with an air seeder (10), are configured for seeding and fertilizing a field (G). The opener (14b) broadly includes a drawbar assembly (16), a disc assembly (18) including a coulter disc (20) and a gauge wheel (22), a seed boot (24), a fertilizer injector wing (26), a firming wheel assembly (28), and a closing wheel assembly (30). The fertilizer injector wing (26) is configured for fixed attachment to the seed boot (24) and broadly includes a body (48), including an angled outboard portion (56), a toxic fertilizer injector (50), and a non-toxic fertilizer injector (52). The opener (14b) with the fertilizer injector wing (26) is configured to place the seed row (S) and the dedicated fertilizer band (DB) at an optimum geometric positional alignment relative to the seed row (S), in a single, low soil disturbing planting pass without disrupting the seed bed (BS).

Abstract: An applicator unit for applying slurry fertilizer beneath the soil with reduced soil displacement includes a spring-cushioned main mounting shank and a forward spring-biased colter. A narrow applicator shank is mounted to the main mounting shank by a pair of vertically spaced bolts, including a lower shear bolt, at a location just above the surface of the soil. The sweep shank is generally upright and includes a nose portion at a lower leading edge which includes a generally blunt lower portion and a tapered leading edge for forming a furrow without tilling the soil. The furrow is formed in three stages by the blunt nose pad, the upright tapered leading edge of the sweep shank, and by a pair of mounting plates carrying the slurry tube and widening the top of the furrow.

Abstract: A planning assembly and liquid application device for same having a furrow opening mechanism, a frame including a seed guide, a seed tube for directing seeds into a furrow, a liquid source, a liquid delivery conduit having a delivery end, and a furrow closing mechanism. The planting assembly also including a spray arm including a proximal end, a central portion, and a distal end, the proximal end being mounted to a second tube, the seed guide, or the frame, and the central portion extending rearwood such that the distal end is disposed above the furrow, and wherein the liquid delivery conduit is in fluid communication with the liquid source and the delivery end is adjacent to the distal end.

Abstract: A frame, with attached blade, for distributing fertilizer under soil surface.

Abstract: A tine assembly comprising a plurality of individual tines, each tine with an arcuate shaped base section and a blade section. Each tine is mountable between a pair of hubs suds that each blade extends radially outward therefrom. The base portions are clamped, secured, or otherwise engaged between the hub assemblies. The blades may be positioned to be twisted in various angles about a line extending substantially radially outwards, by the use of wedge-shaped, arcuate blocks. The blocks and individual tines may be positioned in a multitude of different configurations to providing desired rotational positioning of the tine blade sections.

Abstract: The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels. Fluid is pumped to a fluid port in a hub having a fluid port in fluid communication with the disc valve fluid channel. As the tines of the fluid distribution disc penetrate the field surface, fluid is channeled through the disc valve into the fluid distribution disc channels and the tines.

Abstract: A device is attached to a vehicle, such as a tractor, to deliver slurry into soil. The device has a hinged connector allows side-to-side movement between the vehicle and the main frame. There is at least one coulter attached to the main frame, a retaining wheel and slurry applicator attached to the main frame; and a closure wheel attached to the main frame. The at least one coulter preferably is a double coulter system.

Abstract: A winged implement includes an hydraulic control circuit having two operator-controlled valves, including a work valve and a transport valve. Using only these controls, and without leaving the tractor cab, the operator can (1) fold the implement for transport; (2) unfold the wings; (3) place the implement in the field use position with substantial constant down pressure on the wings; and (4) raise the wings and center section to an intermediate position with the wings inclined upwardly for end row turns.

Abstract: A liquid manure applicator comprises a frame having support wheels mounted to a carriage movable relative to the frame and one or more transversely extending shafts of tines positioned rearward of the support wheels. Rearward of the tines are distributed one or more sprays. The frame is mounted to the vehicle through vertically reciprocating parallelogram linkage which permits the frame to move vertically while maintaining the orientation of the frame and the ground. The supporting wheels are pivoted so as to passively steer as the frame is moved laterally. The elevation of the tine assemblies and sprays relative to the ground is adjusted through manipulation of the height of the supporting wheels. A minimal number of large bore clog resistant sprays is used, supplied from a distributor.

Abstract: A method of stimulating root growth of seeds is disclosed in which seeds are treated with an effective amount of an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of metal alkanoates. Alkanoates having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred, with acetates most preferred. Metals selected from the group consisting of boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, sodium and zinc are preferred, with zinc particularly preferred. In one embodiment, an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate is applied to seeds in-furrow. In another embodiment, seeds are treated with an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate prior to planting. In yet another embodiment, an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate is mixed with an insecticide and resulting solution applied to seeds in-furrow.

Abstract: An applicator mechanism is used in combination with a land vehicle and a source of fluid treatment substance to introduce the substance into a turf surface so that the turf surface is treated by the chemical. The applicator mechanism includes a frame mountable to the land vehicle. The frame is movably supported by gauge wheels and gauge rollers above the turf surface such as the frame is capable of being driven across the turf surface by the vehicle. At least one applicator unit is swivelably attached to and depends from the frame. The unit includes a sled slidably engaged in the turf surface and at least one coulter mounted axially rotatably to the sled and having a cutting edge that extends below the sled for engaging and cutting the turf surface. A chemical dispensing device is mounted to the sled rearwardly of the coulter and extends below the sled.

Abstract: An applicator mechanism is used in combination with a land vehicle and a source of fluid treatment substance to introduce the substance into a turf surface so that the turf surface is treated by the chemical. The applicator mechanism includes a frame mountable to the land vehicle. The frame is movably supported by gauge wheels and gauge rollers above the turf surface such as the frame is capable of being driven across the turf surface by the vehicle. At least one applicator unit is swivelably attached to and depends from the frame. The unit includes a sled slidably engaged in the turf surface and at least one coulter mounted axially rotatably to the sled and having a cutting edge that extends below the sled for engaging and cutting the turf surface. A chemical dispensing device is mounted to the sled rearwardly of the coulter and extends below the sled.

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 method and apparatus for implanting a soil conditioner such as a water-absorbing substance into the soil underlying a grass or turf surface. The apparatus includes narrow vertical blades rotatably supported by the apparatus for creating deep notches extending to the soil for which perceptibility is limited and a dispensing system having tubes which are aligned with the blades to deliver the substance into the soil via the deep notches created by the blades. A drive assembly links a blade shaft supporting the blades with a feed bar slidably supported in a container channel to convert rotation of the blade shaft into reciprocated sliding of the feed bar to periodically bring openings in the feed bar into confronting relationship with openings in the container channel.

Abstract: A method of stimulating root growth of seeds is disclosed in which seeds are treated with an effective amount of an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of metal alkanoates. Alkanoates having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred, with acetates most preferred. Metals selected from the group consisting of boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, sodium and zinc are preferred, with zinc particularly preferred. In one embodiment, an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate is applied to seeds in-furrow. In another embodiment, seeds are treated with an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate prior to planting. In yet another embodiment, an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate is mixed with an insecticide and resulting solution applied to seeds in-furrow.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for dispensing liquid fertilizer to a forestry planting site of the type normally found in a commercial forestry operation. One or more liquid fertilizer accommodating tanks are mounted on a vehicle such as a plow, a planter or other mobile equipment used in the tree farming industry. Liquid fertilizer is dispensed at selected locations along the site. Typically, fertilization is performed contemporaneously with another task such as cultivating, tilling, subsoiling or planting.

Abstract: A winged implement includes an hydraulic control circuit having two operator-controlled valves, including a work valve and a transport valve. Using only these controls, and without leaving the tractor cab, the operator can (1) fold the implement for transport; (2) unfold the wings; (3) place the implement in the field use position with substantial constant down pressure on the wings; and (4) raise the wings and center section to an intermediate position with the wings inclined upwardly for end row turns.

Abstract: A planting machine for delivering liquid pesticides to the soil mixing zone preceding the furrow closing mechanism to effectively distribute liquid pesticide throughout soil covering seed in a furrow. The planting machine has a furrow opening mechanism, seed dispensing means, and furrow closing mechanism and includes a seed positioning means mounted on the seed dispensing means for effectively locating seeds in the furrow. Also, the planting machine includes means for liquid pesticide spray delivery mounted thereon so as to direct a spray towards the furrow closing mechanism and into the soil mixing zone being created by the furrow closing mechanism. The means for spray delivery can be mounted on the conventional seed positioning means as well as independently mounted on the planting machine.

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.