Abstract: An improved fertilizer knife presents a leading edge, a first flexible fertilizer tube receiving portion and a second fertilizer tube receiving portion. The first and second flexible tube receiving portions are precision cast to frictionally receive the distal end of a flexible polymer fertilizer tube. The first and second flexible tube receiving portions are adapted so that the second flexible tube receiving portion can be mounted to the first flexible tube receiving portion. Both flexible tube receiving portions also each have at least one opening at their lower ends for allowing fertilizer to escape from a flexible fertilizer tube.

Abstract: A v-slice insert for row crop planters includes a precision cast insert body which extends from an upper forward attachment end to a lower trailing end. The v-slice insert features a precision cast internal fertilizer tube receiving channel which protects a fertilizer tube, which, in turn delivers fertilizer to soil that eventually lies directly under planted seeds. The v-slice insert also includes a step feature near the fertilizer tube outlet to prevent the obstruction of the fertilizer tube with soil should the v-slice insert be moved in a reverse direction through soil during a turn. Further, side bulges in the sides of the v-slice insert fracture seed planting furrow side walls to facilitate closure of the furrow and complete covering of the planted seed.

Abstract: An improved fertilizer knife assembly includes a shank member for attaching to the machine shank of a fertilizer implement, a point member and a fertilizer tube. The point member has side flange portions that extend past the back surface of the shank member to provide a channel for receiving and protecting the lower end of the fertilizer tube. The point member is removably mounted to the shank member and is configured as one of two distinctive types of point members: a strip-till point member and a low-draft point member. Accordingly, a fertilizer implement with improved fertilizer knife assemblies may be reconfigured for either strip-till or low-draft cultivation with only a few minutes of effort.

Abstract: An improved fertilizer knife presents a leading edge and rear tube receiving portion. The rear tube receiving portion is precision cast to frictionally receive the distal end of a flexible polymer fertilizer tube which is connected, at least indirectly, to an implement fertilizer tank. The rear tube receiving portion also has at least one opening at the lower end thereof for allowing fertilizer to escape from the flexible polymer fertilizer tube into the surrounding soil during a fertilizing operation.

Abstract: An improved fertilizer knife assembly includes a shank member for attaching to the bracket piece of a fertilizer implement, a point member and a fertilizer tube. The point member is removably mounted to the shank member and includes a chisel like leading edge and opposite generally flat flank portions. The flank portion presents a pattern of crumbler ridges. The leading edge and the crumbler ridges break and crumble the soil into small clumps so that the fertilizer knife assembly leaves a narrow furrow filled with crumbled soil so that the fertilizer tube may deposit fertilizer which is trapped at the bottom of the furrow as the improved fertilizer knife assembly drafts through soil.

Abstract: A knife assembly includes a unique finned point with angled soil-engaging surfaces defining several fracture areas and preventing slabbing to avoid excessive soil disturbance and knife wear. The knife has an extended length between the point and upper mounting brackets to facilitate operation of the point over a substantial range of depths, and the mounting brackets operate above ground level even at maximum point depth operation.

Abstract: A knife assembly includes a unique finned point with angled soil-engaging surfaces defining several fracture areas and preventing slabbing to avoid excessive soil disturbance and knife wear. The knife has an extended length between the point and upper mounting brackets to facilitate operation of the point over a substantial range of depths, and the mounting brackets operate above ground level even at maximum point depth operation.