Abstract: A seed boot (700) having a leading edge (701): a channel (702) for transporting seed opposite the leading edge (701), wherein the channel (702) has a first end (703) and a second end (704), and further comprising a channel exit (705) at the second end (704): a wedge (707) for forming a trench disposed at a bottom of the seed boot (700)), wherein the wedge (707) extends from the leading edge (701) and terminates before the channel exit (705).

Abstract: A sample unloading system comprising: a sample staging rack comprising at least one inclined feed ramp configured for receiving an elongated sample tube configured for holding the sample, the sample tube including a first end cap and a second end cap; an unloading apparatus coupled to the staging rack, the unloading apparatus configured to receive the sample tube from the staging rack; and a transfer mechanism operable to transfer the sample tube from the staging rack to the unloading apparatus. Method for unloading a sample container.

Abstract: A system having a boom; a plurality of cameras attached to the boom; and a plurality of lenses on each camera; wherein not all lenses have a same field of view.

Abstract: Implements and application units include a trench closer for closing a trench during applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a trench closer for a fertilizer applicator includes a bar moved through a field transverse to a direction of travel, a fertilizer applicator connected to the bar for forming a trench in soil. The fertilizer applicator comprises a coulter, a knife, or a coulter and a knife, and a trench closer disposed behind the fertilizer applicator in the direction of travel and connected to the fertilizer applicator or the bar.

Abstract: Described herein are implements and applicators for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a fluid applicator for applying fluid to plants in rows in a field includes at least one applicator arm that is actuated by an actuator to move the applicator arm from a position in the row between plants to a position adjacent to the plant.

Abstract: A trench opener having a row unit comprising a frame and a shank; a disc rotatingly attached to the frame, wherein the disc has an angle ? from vertical greater than zero degrees to 10 degrees; a wedge attached to the shank, the wedge having a disc facing side that is parallel with the disc, a second side opposite the disc facing side, wherein the second side is perpendicular to a ground surface, and a leading edge.

Abstract: A sample unloading system comprising: a wash-down enclosure defining an inner chamber; a rotatable carriage disposed in the inner chamber, the carriage configured to receive a sample tube containing an agricultural material and rotate the sample tube between a plurality of rotational positions; a tube gripper mechanism disposed on the carriage, the tube gripper mechanism configured to selectively engage the sample tube when positioned in the carriage; wherein the tube gripper mechanism retains the sample tube in the carriage when the sample tube is in an inverted position.

Abstract: Described herein are implements and applicators for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a fluid applicator for applying fluid to plants in rows in a field includes at least one applicator arm that is actuated by an actuator to move the applicator arm from a position in the row between plants to a position adjacent to the plant.

Abstract: An implement having a frame and a soil moving implement that is attached to the frame. The soil moving implement is disposed in a row between plants for moving soil from between rows of plants to at least the rhizosphere of the plants to cover fluid that is deposited in the rhizosphere.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring soil properties and applying fertilizer during a planting operation. Various sensors are disposed in ground engaging components for monitoring soil properties. The ground engaging components may have structure for opening a side trench in the sidewalls of the seed trench and may include liquid application conduits for injecting liquid into the sidewalls of the resulting side trenches.

Abstract: A spraying system that includes at least one camera to determine for at least one nozzle spray angle, average of spray angle, standard deviation of spray angle, relative pressure, absolute pressure, relative flow rate, absolute flow rate, percent plugged, and/or spray pattern uniformity/variability of the spray from the at least one nozzle.

Abstract: A system having a boom; a plurality of cameras attached to the boom; and a plurality of lenses on each camera; wherein not all lenses have a same field of view.

Abstract: A system having: a boom; at least one nozzle assembly attached to the boom; and a nozzle or a second nozzle assembly; wherein the at least one nozzle assembly and the second nozzle assembly each comprise a nozzle and at least one light; wherein the at least one light is disposed to illuminate a spray from an adjacent nozzle assembly or nozzle.

Abstract: A liquid application apparatus for applying liquid to soil during a planting operation, having: a ground-engaging component mounted to a planter row unit, the planter row unit opening a planting trench, the planter row unit depositing seeds in the planting trench, the ground-engaging component disposed at least partially within said planting trench as the planter row unit traverses the field; a first liquid injection conduit mounted to said ground-engaging component and disposed to inject liquid into a first sidewall of said planting trench, and wherein said ground-engaging component is mounted in a housing via at least one of a height adjustment arm that is pivotably mounted in the housing to allow for height adjustment of said ground-engaging component, and a spring that is pivotably mounted in the housing to allow for vertical deflection of said ground-engaging component.

Abstract: A system having a boom; an arm attached to the boom; and a camera connected to the arm; wherein at least one of i) a distance between the boom and the camera is adjustable, ii), an angle between the arm and the boom is adjustable, and iii) the camera is rotatably connected to the arm.

Abstract: A ground-engaging component disposed at least partially within a planting trench formed by a planter row unit in a soil surface. The ground engaging component is capable of pivoting laterally side-to-side about a pivot axis as the ground engaging component advances in a forward direction of travel. The ground engaging component may include at least one wing extending laterally outward to form a side trench in a sidewall of the planting trench as the planter row unit advances in the forward direction of travel. The at least one wing may include a fluid outlet in fluid communication with a fluid source to deposit fluid into the side trench.

Abstract: A row cleaner assembly includes an upper subframe mounted to an agricultural planter forward of the planter row unit and longitudinally aligned with the trench opening assembly. A lower subframe rotatably supports first and second row cleaner wheels. An intermediate subframe is pivotally connected at a forward end to the upper subframe and is pivotally connected at a rearward end to the lower subframe. A first and second linkages are pivotally connected at a forward end to the upper subframe and are pivotally connected at a rearward end to the lower subframe. An actuator system is capable of applying a downforce and an optional lift force to the lower subframe. The row cleaner assembly may include a gauge wheel supported by a rear strut subframe. The row cleaner assembly may include a depth selector to change the depth of penetration of the row cleaner wheels into the soil surface.

Abstract: A spraying system including a boom having a first end, a middle, and a second end; a plurality of nozzles disposed on the boom; a plurality of cameras (70) disposed on the boom and positioned to each view a subset of the plurality of nozzles; a plurality of lights disposed on the boom and positioned to each illuminate a subset of the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: An agricultural row cleaner having: a frame; a first row cleaner wheel disposed on a first side of the frame; a second row cleaner wheel disposed on a second side of the frame; and a third wheel attached to the frame and having a leading edge disposed forward of the first row cleaner wheel and the second row cleaner wheel along a direction of travel.

Abstract: An agricultural implement having a camera facing in a forward direction of travel on the agricultural implement. A mirror is disposed in a portion of a forward field of view of the camera such that the camera captures an image that includes a forward field of view and a rearward view.