Abstract: A scraper for removing soil or debris from at least one of an opening disk and a gauge wheel on a planter assembly, the scraper comprising: a scraper blade formed from a first material, wherein the scraper blade comprises a scraping edge; and a wear-resistant surface disposed on the scraper blade, wherein the wear-resistant surface is disposed on the scraper blade in a position spaced from the scraping edge of the scraper blade.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing soil for the placement therein of at least one of seed and fertilizer. A frame is provided with there being first structure on the frame for penetrating the soil to create an opening for at least one of seed and fertilizer as the frame is advanced in a travel direction. A second structure is provided on the frame at least partially downstream of the first structure for at least one of a) stripping soil clods from the first structure and b) loosening soil downstream of the first structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing soil for the placement therein of at least one of seed and fertilizer. A frame is provided with there being first structure on the frame for penetrating the soil to create an opening for at least one of seed and fertilizer as the frame is advanced in a travel direction. A second structure is provided on the frame at least partially downstream of the first structure for at least one of a) stripping soil clods from the first structure and b) loosening soil downstream of the first structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for laying seeds includes a towable frame from which one or more blades are supported for cutting a slot in the ground surface below, a seed and fertiliser chute feeds seed into the cut ground surface via a channel formed between the frame and blade(s) and tines which make a horizontal branch cut from the slot. A scraper device continually cleans the blade(s).

Abstract: For cutting the roots of weeds in agricultural fields, rolling knives in the form of flat, circular plates with sharp, peripheral edges are journaled to struts connected to a tool bar drafted in a direction of draft. The knives rotate about knife axes that are normal to knife planes containing their sharp edge. All knife axes are about 45.degree. from vertical. For bedded fields, the rolling knives are preferably connected to the tool bar in knife sets of two for each soil bed, with the knives of each set engaging opposite sides of each bed. As the rolling knives roll within the soil, their sharp edges sever the roots of weeds. In an alternate embodiment, a vertical stabilizer plate is rolled opposite each rolling knife to stabilize the soil therebetween. In another embodiment, each strut includes a hinge that has a hinge axis substantially within the knife plane. The knives swing about the hinge axes and trail in the direction of draft following the path of least resistance through the soil.