Abstract: An apparatus for applying a liquid to a plant growing in soil includes a handheld assembly having a spray configuration for applying a liquid to a plant as a spray at a location above the surface of the soil in which the plant is growing, and a probe configuration for applying a liquid below the surface of the soil proximate to the roots of the plant. The assembly is selectively reconfigurable by a user between the first spray configuration and the second probe configuration.

Abstract: A plant irrigation system and method of use, wherein the system accepts a fluid and releases it over time to one or more plants. The improved design has the following modifications: The float valve has been re-located to inside the stake to allow the valve to be more stabilized. The outlet valve at the bottom of the container has been relocated so the water exits from the stake via the flexible outlet irrigation tube rather than a valve that was at the bottom of the container. The Inlet flow tubs has been relocated so that it feeds water directly into the stake as opposed to feeding it into an inlet in the container. The fluid that is released through the valves attached to the flexible outlet irrigation tube will be released with stronger pressure. The system can be fed manually or via an irrigation network capable of feeding fluid to one or more containers. Fluid flow into each individual container is controlled via a float valve or level switch.

Abstract: A plant irrigation system and method of use, wherein the system accepts a fluid and releases it over time to one or more plants. The system can be fed manually or via an irrigation network capable of feeding fluid to one or more containers. The irrigation network can feed fluid automatically or manually. Fluid flow into each individual container is controlled via a float valve or level switch. Fluid exits the container and waters the ground immediately below via a fluid release valve that can be manually set, regulating the flowrate out of the container. The containers are above the ground, each mounted upon a stake, and utilize a flexible impermeable membrane.

Abstract: Apparatuses and techniques for subterranean placement or positioning of one or more items are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus is configured to form a hole in the ground and subsequently provide a pathway for positioning one or more items in the hole. In one form, the items that may subterraneously placed or positioned using the apparatus may include agricultural products such as seeds or delivery vehicles that include one or more fertilizers or pesticides or combinations of these materials.

Abstract: A method for introducing a substance into a non-woody plant is provided with soft stem tissue comprising forming an initial hole into a stem of the plant, subsequently extending the size of the initial hole to form a final hole, wherein the depth of the hole is between 50% and 90% of diameter of the stem, subjecting the interior of the final hole with a substance, and closing the final hole. In addition, the non-woody plant is also provided.

Abstract: A manual sprayer for receiving a liquid which includes a gripping knob mounted on one end of a reservoir and a spray assembly mounted in fluid communication on another end of the reservoir, a skirt for supporting the spray assembly against the ground, and a vent for venting the reservoir. The apparatus includes a valve that is actuated by a user gripping the knob and the valve being movable between a closed position preventing communication between the reservoir and the outside and an open position allowing such communication.

Abstract: A material dispensing device delivers material directly into the ground. According to one embodiment of the material dispensing device, the device comprises an elongated hollow shaft, a receptacle, a helical flange and on or more openings formed in the shaft or helical flanges. The receptacle is disposed adjacent one end of the shaft for holding material. The receptacle is communicatively open to the shaft such that the material or a liquid-material mixture dissolved from at least a portion of the material can flow from the receptacle into the shaft. The helical flange is secured to the shaft. The shaft and helical flange are configured such that rotation of the shaft and flange causes the material dispensing device to be driven into the ground. The one or more openings formed in the shaft or helical flange disperse the material or the liquid-material mixture into the ground.

Abstract: A method and device for dispensing a predetermined or measured amount of a fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, chemical, or the like material includes a housing with a plurality of chambers in communication with each other. A plurality of valves are provided for opening or restricting the flow between the chambers. One of the chambers includes a measuring chamber, and a second of the chambers includes a storage chamber disposed downstream of the measuring chamber. A dispensing chamber is disposed downstream of the storage chamber. A material discharge valve is operably associated with the dispensing chamber for discharging the material from the housing.

Abstract: A system for the variable rate application of pesticides is provides, comprising a) a vehicle capable of traversing an agricultural production area; b) at least one sensor for attachment to said vehicle for direct sensing plant and/or condition data on said agricultural production area, said sensor being capable of transmitting said directly sensed data to computing means; c) computing means for processing the data output of said sensor; d) at least one tank mounted on or attached to said vehicle carrying pesticidal formulations; e) pesticide delivery means mounted on or attached to said vehicle capable of receiving delivery instructions from said computing means and of delivering pesticides from said tank in compliance with said instructions; characterized in that f) said computing means is capable of reading and processing data from a computer-readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of data, said plurality of data including data relating to the functional relationship between the amounts of indivi

Abstract: A multi-functional water jet weeder, cultivator, root waterer, and soil aerator device comprising a telescopic rod with an inclined handle grip, and having at least two inter-changeable spraying heads of different size with two rows of multiple metal spikes surrounded by water jets, combinable with a water hose having a quick disconnect unit at the opposite end of the device, and an on/off water control switch on the handle grip. A fertilizer or herbicide can be added by attaching a reservoir on the handle grip.

Abstract: A fire ant eradication apparatus comprises a tubular handle having a first end adapted for attachment to a pressurized water source and a second end. The apparatus further includes a conduit having proximal and distal ends relative to a user with the proximal end coupled to the second end of the handle for fluid transmission therebetween. A dispensing assembly is attached to the handle with the conduit extending therethrough. Insecticide is aspirated from the dispensing assembly into the conduit as water flows through the conduit. The conduit includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart nozzle assemblies for dispersing the insecticide from the conduit. The distal end of the conduit includes a point assembly having a cone section and a tip. The upper end of the cone section has a diameter greater than the diameter of the conduit such that the nozzle assemblies will not become clogged with soil as the apparatus is inserted into the ground.