Abstract: An attachment for a roto-tiller adapted to aerate and fertilize ground in preparation for seeding and planting which comprises a pair of rotatable cylinders adapted to replace the conventional tiller tines and to attach to the rotatable shaft driven by the roto-tiller unit; a plurality of spaced aerating spike members distributed uniformly around each of the cylinders; a plurality of ports or openings in each of the cylinders, the openings likewise being uniformly distributed about the external periphery of the cylinders; spring-loaded dispenser plugs positioned in the openings to be activated by each contact with the ground as the unit moves and the cylinders rotate; and dispensing valves located within the ports of the cylinders to dispense liquid fertilizer from inside the cylinders.

Abstract: Disclosed are improvements relating to injection of water-absorbent polymers, including a blend containing fine granules, using one or more air-blown, plowblade applicators. The process creates a "blanket" of moisture-retaining particles for the plant roots. A further aspect of the invention includes drawing a plowblade through the soil at an appropriate shallow angle and speed to establish a wave in the soil, together with the use of a deflector and control over the air pressure, all of which maximizes diffusion and distribution of the injected particles.

Abstract: A method of killing soil pathogens to improve the agricultural production of a field comprises the steps of moving a plurality of agricultural tools through the soil and during this movement emitting microwave energy into the soil at a frequency within the range of 2GH.sub.z to 12GH.sub.z. The microwave energy heats the soil organisms to levels sufficient to kill the organisms.

Abstract: A process for killing soil pathogens to improve agricultural production includes the steps of treating a field with a soil conditioning agent to reduce the clods in the soil to microaggregates. Hot water is applied to the treated soil at varying depths to kill soil borne organisms. Beneficial organisms are then applied to the sterilized soil to repopulate the soil with these beneficial organisms.

Abstract: An improved tractor for earth grading and soil compaction having a hydraulically operated bucket mounted on the front and including a water tank and water spray nozzle. The water spray nozzle is positioned on the bucket so that it can add water to soil as it is moved by the bucket and also can be raised and aimed by the tractor operator. This permits the tractor operator to use the water spray to wet down a load of soil in a truck.

Abstract: A variable rate "on the go" fertilizer application controller for use with an agricultural earth working implement comprising a controlled metering device mounted on the implement. The control includes a reversible motor that operates a valve in the meter and at the same time a power take-off from the valve actuator drive operates a calibrated dial indicator to be interpreted by an operator so that action may be taken by a remote control device to make adjustments to compensate for variable soil conditions to get optimum crop production.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for improving the friability of soil. The process involves the upward blasting of compressed gas through nozzles, caused to penetrate the surface of the soil. The apparatus employs a hollow drum mounted upon a framework in manner to rotate about a horizontal axis. The drum has a cylindrical wall which holds a multitude of nozzles, each nozzle having a plurality of upwardly directed apertures. When the nozzles are in a vertically downward position penetrating the soil, a short duration pulse of air is passed through the nozzles.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing, maintaining or enhancing microorganisms utilized to remediate contaminated soil or groundwater which includes of a direct push rod or cylinder equipped with a fluid or gas delivery system. The system also includes computer-based monitoring capabilities which can monitor or control the subsurface events. Microorganisms, nutrient solutions, or gases such as air can be introduced into the subsurface environment of predetermined locations. The delivery device is a long rod or cylinder which is pushed into the ground via applied pressure at the surface. The internals of this device contain tubing or other means to deliver fluid through openings in the rod or cylinder to the surrounding environment. The fluid may be driven into the environment by surface pumps or gas pressure. The delivery rod or cylinder may be withdrawn for reutilization or left in place for continuous service.

Abstract: Subsoil treatment apparatus (1) comprises an impact striking head (2) associated with one end (3) of an impact transmission block (4) which has an internal chamber (5) connectable to a source of compressed air, and a hollow, tubular, ground-piercing spike (6) projecting from an opposite end (7) of the block (4) and to which impacts are transmitted from the block (4), the end (8) of the spike (6) associated with the block (4) being in air flow communication with the chamber (5), and the opposite end (9) of the spike (6) being provided with at least one air discharge aperture (10). The invention also includes a truck (28) carrying multiple apparatus (1).

Abstract: A real time soil chemical sensor and precision agricultural chemical delivery system includes a plurality of ground-engaging tools in association with individual soil sensors which measure soil chemical levels. The system includes the addition of a solvent which rapidly saturates the soil/tool interface to form a conductive solution of chemicals leached from the soil. A multivalent electrode, positioned within a multivalent frame of the ground-engaging tool, applies a voltage or impresses a current between the electrode and the tool frame. A real-time soil chemical sensor and controller senses the electrochemical reaction resulting from the application of the voltage or current to the leachate, measures it by resistivity methods, and compares it against pre-set resistivity levels for substances leached by the solvent. Still greater precision is obtained by calibrating for the secondary current impressed through solvent-less soil.

Abstract: A combination tillage and incorporating implement having widely spaced sweeps in several rows at the forward portion of the main frame with tow trailing rows of angled spider wheels supported in pairs, for ground contour following ability and ease and flexibility of manufacture, by rockable arms extending rearwardly from the frame. Spray nozzles or the like, positioned rearwardly of the sweeps and forwardly of the spider wheels, apply material to the soil loosened and leveled by the sweeps to eliminate banding and uneven application otherwise causded by sweeps parting the soil or by material being deposited on rough ground surfaces. The rotational axes of the wheels of each row are parallel and angled with respect to the transverse direction with the rear row of wheels being angled in the opposite direction to that of the leading row to provide aggressive mixing and smooth uninterrupted soil flow across the width of the implement.

Abstract: An injection implement for introducing chemicals to subsurface areas which includes a ground penetrating bit and a fluid injector which are hydraulically operated so as to slectively penetrate the earth's surface and which also includes a chemical supply circuit and tamping mechanism for initially introducing chemcials to the injector under pressure and thereafter closing the opening in the earth's surface created by the penetrating bit and fluid injector so as to prevent the escape of chemicals to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A movable type of device for fertilizing the soil by piercing a nozzle into the same comprises a moving support which is adapted to lift, retain and move a device for fertilizing the soil by piercing a nozzle into the same. This device comprises a nozzle for injecting a specified amount of fertilizer from its tip end portion into the soil by use of a blast of air, a nozzle striking hammer for applying an impact force to the nozzle to drive the same into the soil, a nozzle drawing-out for drawing the pierced nozzle out of the soil, a blast source for causing a blast of air to be produced, and a fertilizer metering chamber for metering the fertilizer. The fertilizer metering chamber indludes a fertilizer holding chamber which is arranged to temporarily hold therein the specified amount of fertilizer supplied from a fertilizer storage chamber. The fertilizer is suitably fed into a passage of the device for being injected into the soil from the tip end portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: A quick pneumatic coupling particularly well adapted for use in a folding agricultural planter comprises a rigid plastic funnel mounted to the end of a first conduit and a flexible and resilient rubber flange member mounted to a second conduit. The inner surface of the funnel forms a sealing surface which is contacted by the flange when it is inserted into the funnel. The coupling can be automatically coupled and decoupled by pivotally inserting and withdrawing the flanged member into and out of the receiving funnel.