Abstract: Compositions comprising microbiological strains and cultures and methods of use thereof are provided herein. Certain strains, cultures, and compositions thereof are useful for the control of head blight disease, for example, of various crop plants. Biological control compositions, and methods of use thereof to prevent, inhibit or treat the development of plant pathogens or disease and for preserving plant yield, are also provided.

Abstract: A soil cutting head for a mount of an agricultural implement includes a head having a leading extremity for cutting into soil ahead of the mount, and a fertilizer tube extending through the head to a discharge end for discharging a stream of fertilizer into the soil from the head.

Abstract: A seed firmer and bracket combination for a planter row unit. The bracket includes a forward configured to mount to a frame member of the planter row unit. A rearward portion extends rearward of the seed tube or seed conveyor. The seed firmer includes a body having an upper portion, a tail portion, and a resilient flexible portion between the upper portion and the tail portion. The upper portion is releasably received in a vertical opening in the bracket such that the resilient flexible portion and tail portion extend downwardly and rearwardly from the bracket. The seed firmer is releasably restrained in the bracket preventing the seed firmer from moving upward, forward, rearward and downward until the upper portion of the seed firmer is disengaged from the bracket.

Abstract: A system for identifying plugging of ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool configured to be supported by an agricultural implement and a signal transmission device provided in operative association with the ground engaging tool, with the signal transmission device being configured to transmit wireless signals. The system may also include an antenna spaced apart from the signal transmission device and configured to receive the wireless signals transmitted from the signal transmission device, and a controller communicatively coupled to the antenna. The controller is configured to determine when the ground engaging tool is experiencing a plugged condition based at least in part on at least one of an attenuation parameter of the wireless signals received by the antenna from signal transmission device or a lack of wireless signals received by the antenna from signal transmission device.

Abstract: An error detection and flow rate monitoring system of a liquid fertilizer distribution system of an agricultural implement that can provide feedback to identify compromised flow states in the system and corresponding locations of potential blockage or component failure. The system may include pressure sensors that may be evaluated in pairs or otherwise analyzed comparatively to determine flow rate or other characteristics through nozzle assemblies. The pressure sensors may be mounted in the wet boom between the rows. A control system compares the pressure values before and after each row to determine the pressure drop across its nozzle assembly and may further use the pressure drop values to determine flow or application rates and corresponding errors in the pressure drop, flow rate, and application rate compared to their acceptable values and may provide feedback to identify a specific location(s) of potential blockage or flow-control component failure.

Abstract: A system and method that automatically monitors product use, such as the type and amount of agricultural and/or horticultural product stored in and dispensed from a cartridge over time and/or by geographic location. Monitored data are stored in memory such as a tag on the cartridge and may be transmitted to a server for storage, aggregation, and analysis. The cartridge may be authenticated before being authorized for use for the benefit of a current user in dispensing the product. The cartridge may be refilled after confirmation of authorization codes on the cartridge and refilling equipment tags. The cartridge may be calibrated automatically based on the bulk density or other parameter of the product in the cartridge. Data may be aggregated from a plurality of cartridges automatically. As-applied data from individual cartridges may be used to verify, independent of operator input, treated area coverage and product application rate.

Abstract: A sectioned metering system and method is provided. One metering system for distributing an agricultural product in a field includes a drive input and a rotary shaft assembly coupled to the drive input and configured to be driven in rotation by the drive input. The metering system also includes a first metering section driven by the rotary shaft assembly and at least two additional metering sections. Each additional metering section is selectively engageable to drive the respective additional metering section by the rotary shaft assembly. Each additional metering section is also selectively disengageable to interrupt driving of the respective additional metering section by the rotary shaft assembly while the first metering section remains driven.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for exterminating pests by injecting high-temperature steam into the ground including sand and the like, wherein a needle rod fixing plate (20) in which a plurality of needle rods (30) is arranged and fixed at the left and right sides thereof is coupled with a lever plate (12) rotated upward and downward by an operating cylinder (10) at a backside of autonomous power equipment (2), a steam generation unit (16) is provided to generate high-temperature steam enabling insect extermination and sterilization and supply the steam to steam injection holes (36) of the needle rods (30), a steam generation unit (16) and a needle rod (30) are connected by a hose, a steam distributor (44-1, 44-2) for supplying the steam to each needle rod (30) is provided on the hose, both ends of the steam distributor (44-1, 44-2) are coupled with a cover (48) so as to be sealed, a heating wire (49) for increasing the temperature of the steam again is provided therein, the needl

Abstract: A product reservoir is provided that includes a flexible bag and a carton to receive and retain the flexible bag. The bag may contain liquid chemical substances that are dispensed from the bag through a bag spout. The product reservoir may serve as a component to a fluid delivery system, such as a direct injection system employed by agricultural seed planting machines. When the bag is connected to the direct injection system, the liquid substance is placed in fluid communication with a delivery device whereby the substance can be dispensed to a selected area for treatment. The liquid substance may be mixed in-line with water received from a water reservoir prior to being dispensed by the delivery device. The planting machine may be equipped with a plurality of product reservoirs. A method of applying a liquid pesticide to a selected area is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method for reducing damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation. Damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation can be reduced by carrying out the steps of: A) making a furrow in a cultivated land; B) seeding the furrow formed in the foregoing step with corn; C) applying to the furrow one or more selected from Compound Group (II), or C?) applying to the furrow one or more selected from Compound Group (I) and one or more selected from Compound Group (II); and D) closing the furrow. Compound Group (I): clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and thiacloprid; Compound Group (II): bifenthrin, bioresmethrin, deltamethrin, bioallethrin, ethofenprox, fenpropathrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, fenvalerate, esfenvalerate, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, alpha-cypermethrin, tralomethrin, fluvalinate, permethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, flucythrinate and tefluthrin.

Abstract: An inductor box for an agricultural implement having compression limiters. One inductor box includes a housing having a first side configured to receive an agricultural product from a tank. The first side has a sealable surface, and the sealable surface has plates attached thereto. The inductor box includes a first gasket disposed on the sealable surface and configured to establish a seal between the sealable surface and a corresponding surface of the tank. The plates are configured to extend through respective openings in the gasket, and to block compression of the first gasket beyond a desired compression limit.

Abstract: An agricultural material applicator is disclosed herein. The applicator uses a coulter, a knife, and a dual sealer assembly to provide agricultural material such as liquid manure to the soil. Weight of the agricultural material applicator is supported by the sealer assembly to eliminate the need for additional gauge wheels. The sealer assembly is two sealers provided with independent suspension to allow one sealer to move out of the way of an obstruction, while the other sealer continues to operate.

Abstract: A system for dispensing agricultural products includes: a master controller, sets of agricultural product containers, meter devices, and secondary controllers. The meter devices are operatively connected to the product containers and configured to dispense products from the containers to rows in a field wherein each of the sets of containers is associated with a respective row in the field. The secondary controllers actuate the meter devices. Each secondary controller receives command data from the master controller and controls the meter devices for dispensing in response to the command data. Agricultural product from each product container is dispensed in accordance with operator defined instructions to the master controller. The instructions are capable of being provided to the master controller during the planting allowing the dispensing of individual containers to be controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plough which is used by actuating a thrust movement from a tractor vehicle with one arm lowered and with the other one raised, then it is turned and returns to the same furrow with the arms in the opposite position. The said plough is constituted by a metal chassis, wheel sets, a vertical tripod or turret, a receptacle for electrically operated valves, turning means, fluid transmission lines, hydraulic cylinders and dispensers.

Abstract: Provided is agricultural equipment for delivering fluid to a field. The agricultural equipment includes a system having a plurality of flow indicator sensors for providing an output indicative of whether or not fluid is flowing through the sensors above or below a prescribed rate and an indicator panel for providing at least one of a visual or an audio indication to an operator indicative of whether or not fluid is flowing through the flow indicator sensors above or below the prescribed rate. The indicator panel may be provided in a location to allow an operator to determine when an interruption occurs, for example by viewing a visual indication on the indicator panel, without the operator having to look away from a direction of motion. In this way, the operator can safely and efficiently determine if there is an interruption and then take the necessary steps to clear the interruption.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying an active substance to the root zone of a plurality of plants, the applicator assembly comprising: a subsoil applicator having a cutting element for generating an incision in the ground, an injector associated with the cutting element to allow the active substance to be injected into the incision; and a positioning device adapted to allow the position of the cutting element to change position such that an incision is generated in some material in the root zone while the cutting element moves over other material in the root zone.

Abstract: A product reservoir is provided that includes a flexible bag and a carton to receive and retain the flexible bag. The bag may contain liquid chemical substances that are dispensed from the bag through a bag spout. The product reservoir may serve as a component to a fluid delivery system, such as a direct injection system employed by agricultural seed planting machines. When the bag is connected to the direct injection system, the liquid substance is placed in fluid communication with a delivery device whereby the substance can be dispensed to a selected area for treatment. The liquid substance may be mixed in-line with water received from a water reservoir prior to being dispensed by the delivery device. The planting machine may be equipped with a plurality of product reservoirs. A method of applying a liquid pesticide to a selected area is also provided.

Abstract: A singulation-style seeding system is provided that may include planter row units arranged on a drill that may have a front rank and a back rank. The planter units may singulate and deliver seeds from a first segment of the drill, which may correspond to one of the front and back ranks. A high-volume fertilizer may be delivered from a second segment of the drill, which may correspond to the other one of the front and back ranks and may be delivered at a relatively high delivery rate. A starter fertilizer may be delivered at a relatively lower delivery rate at or near seed furrows.

Abstract: An inductor mountable to a frame member of an implement. The inductor is movable between a working position and a stowed position. In the working position, the soil engaging tool is in engagement with the soil. In the stowed position, the soil engaging tool is out of engagement with the soil.

Abstract: A product reservoir is provided that includes a flexible bag and a carton to receive and retain the flexible bag. The bag may contain liquid chemical substances that are dispensed from the bag through a bag spout. The product reservoir may serve as a component to a fluid delivery system, such as a direct injection system employed by agricultural seed planting machines. When the bag is connected to the direct injection system, the liquid substance is placed in fluid communication with a delivery device whereby the substance can be dispensed to a selected area for treatment. The liquid substance may be mixed in-line with water received from a water reservoir prior to being dispensed by the delivery device. The planting machine may be equipped with a plurality of product reservoirs. A method of applying a liquid pesticide to a selected area is also provided.

Abstract: A composite working tool, for example a ground engaging tool of an agricultural implement, features a body composed of a first material and an insert composed of a distinct second material of greater hardness than the first material to define wear resistant surfaces of the tool. The tool body has an opening recessed thereinto from an exposed exterior surface fully surrounding the opening on all sides thereof, and the insert is attached to the body in a position at least partially received within the opening, for example by brazing. The increases the wear life of the body and provides greater mounting strength over surface-mounted wear inserts of the prior art.

Abstract: A storage tank sump arrangement for an agricultural implement. One agricultural implement includes row units configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The agricultural implement also includes a storage tank configured to hold the flowable agricultural product. The storage tank includes a first sump and a second sump. Further, the first sump is positioned adjacent to a front portion of the storage tank relative to a direction of travel and the second sump is positioned adjacent to a rear portion of the storage tank relative to the direction of travel. The agricultural implement includes a pump in fluid communication with the first sump and the second sump. The pump is configured to pump the flowable agricultural product from the storage tank to the row units.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a first tool bar and a second tool bar each supporting respective ground engaging tools and fluid dispersal components. The second tool bar is pivotally coupled to the first tool bar. The agricultural implement further includes fluid conduits coupled to respective tool bars for conveying fluid to the respective fluid dispersal components. Additionally, each of the conduits has a flexible end adjacent to the other tool bar. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a fluid joint coupled between the first and second flexible ends and configured to provide a sealed connection between the first and second flexible ends during relative pivotal movement of the first and second tool bars in operation but to allow for uncoupling of the first and second flexible ends for servicing of the implement.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a storage tank, a pump positioned below a bottom portion of the storage tank, and a control system disposed above the bottom portion of the storage tank. The storage tank is configured to hold a flowable agricultural product. The pump is configured to direct the flowable agricultural product out of the storage tank. The one or more controls are configured to control application of the flowable agricultural product.

Abstract: A soil opener comprises a tip attached to or integral with a body. The tip includes furrowing prow for cutting a furrow in the soil surface, a trenching means for cutting a trench within the furrow, and a seed distributor for depositing seeds within the furrow in laterally displaced seed rows. The body includes a seed passage for directing a seed stream to the seed distributor, a primary fertilizer passage for depositing a primary fertilizer stream, and a secondary fertilizer passage for depositing a secondary fertilizer. As the soil opener is moved across the soil surface, the body opener deposits primary fertilizer in the vicinity of the seed rows, and secondary fertilizer between the seed rows in a trench slightly below the surface of the seeds.

Abstract: Provided is a method for reducing damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation. Damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation can be reduced by carrying out the steps of: A) making furrow in a cultivated land; B) seeding with corn a furrow formed in the foregoing step; C) applying to the furrow one or more selected from the below-mentioned compound group (II), or C?) applying to the furrow one or more selected from the below-mentioned compound group (I) and one or more selected from the below-mentioned compound group (II); and D) closing the furrow.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for sterilizing seed beds in soil. The apparatus is comprised of at least one hot water injecting chamber defined by a pair of spaced-apart side walls secured to one another and defining therebetween a passage. A plurality of jet holes are provided in an inner surface of each of the side walls and facing the direction of the passage. The jet holes communicate with a manifold associated with each side wall which is connected to a supply of pressurized hot water. Each of the side walls is configured to penetrate into the soil in at least a lower region thereof whereby to inject into the soil in the passage between the pair of plates the pressurized hot water as the hot water injecting chamber is displaced in the soil.

Abstract: A hybrid surge protection device (SPD) having a clamping voltage that is controlled by precisely limiting the overshoot voltage of a gas discharge tube (GDT) in a hybrid suppression network. The suppression network is conventionally connected between a protected line carrying current from a power source to a load and a return connection. The network includes a main surge suppression varistor (VR1) connected in series with the GDT. A clamping control circuit in parallel with the network includes a voltage limiting device (VR2) in parallel with the GDT for preventing voltage overshoot by the GDT above a limiting voltage responsive to an occurrence on the protected line of a surge combination wave. The clamping control circuit also includes a capacitor (C1) connected in parallel with the VR1 providing a bypass path for electrical current and voltage potential to the GDT.

Abstract: A system for fertilizing a large area. The system may include a fluid bar configured to be towed by a tractor. The fluid bar may include a fluid passageway with at least one aperture and a sensor or meter in communication with the aperture. The aperture may be configured to receive a hose or other attachment distributing fluid to the ground. The system may include a tank, a pump, pump controller and a filter. The pump flow rate and the outlet flow rate may be displayed on monitoring equipment located within a cab of the tractor. The pump controller may be used by the farmer to variably adjust the fluid pressure in each aperture and consequently adjust the flow pressure of fertilizer added to the ground.

Abstract: A device for attaching to a shank of a planting unit. The device may include liquid delivery tubing for delivery fertilizer to a planting furrow and a forming bar configured for securing to the shank. The forming bar may include a passageway extending therethrough for receiving and passing through fertilizer or other liquid that is delivered to the liquid delivery tubing. The forming bar may include a shank connecting portion, a rib portion, and a foot portion. The rib and foot portions may define the passageway. Further, the foot portion may protect the tubing. A method for using the device to deliver fertilizer to a seed furrow is also described.

Abstract: A furrow tool configured to attach to a planting device may include a compressor including a neck portion and a body extending from the neck portion. A deflector may be connected to the compressor. The deflector may include a top portion connected to the neck portion and an extension portion. The extension portion may be located beneath a bottom side of the body and may be configured to deflect seeds. The furrow tool may also include an attachment mechanism connected to the neck portion and configured to attach to the planting device.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method at a seed drill (1) or a planter for placing seeds (27) in the soil. According to the invention the steps executed are that each seed fed out is detected, its placement site in the soil is determined through said detection and at least one compound (26, 28) is placed intermittently at at least one predetermined placement site in relation to the specific placement site of each seed. The invention also refers to a device (4) for execution of the method.

Abstract: A fertilizer applicator of increased operating width, e.g., sixty (60) or sixty-five (65) feet, has a carrier frame and a pair of wing sections pivotally mounted to opposite ends of the carrier frame. The wing sections include an inner wing member and an outer wing member. Each wing section includes an actuator for folding/unfolding a respective outer wing member relative to a respective inner wing member. The inner wing member includes a frame member defining an elongated cavity, and the actuator is positioned within the elongated cavity. This allows the actuator to effectively fold/unfold the outer wing member relative to the inner wing member without the physical structure of the actuator impeding movement of the outer wing member thereby allowing the outer wing member to pivot upland to a position against the inner wing member.

Abstract: A plough assembly (10) to be fixed to a plough frame including a transverse beam (11). The assembly (10) includes a plough shank (13) with a leading surface (14) that is generally upwardly oriented. The lower end of the shank (13) is provided with a digging adapter (24) to which there is attached a digging blade (28). Located behind the adapter (24) is a fertilizer delivery tube (33), while behind the tube (33) is a seed delivery tube (42). A seed bed is formed by a tool (43) that is in front of the tube (42), while behind the tube (42) is a press wheel (39).

Abstract: An agricultural implement for delivering fluid fertilizer into a furrow in the soil of an agricultural field includes a main frame, an opener device attached to the main frame for forming a furrow in the soil, a closing device having an axis of rotation and trailing the opener device for closing the furrow, and a dispensing device for delivering a fluid into the furrow. The injection device has a bottom end extending downwardly into the furrow between the opener device and the axis of rotation of the closing device, an inlet port for receiving the fluid, at least two outlet ports for discharging the fluid into different regions of the furrow, and a bifurcated passageway for conducting the fluid from the inlet port to the outlet ports. The outlet ports may be located to discharge the fluid onto or adjacent to both of the side walls of the furrow.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel. In another embodiment particles carrying desired agricultural inputs with modified release characteristics are delivered.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is directed to delivering a fluid to the soil of an agricultural field and includes a main frame attached to an opener device, a closing device, a pivoting assembly, and an injection tine. The opener device forms a furrow in the soil, the closing device trails the opener device for closing the furrow, and the injection tine delivers the fluid towards the furrow. The injection tine has a pivoting end attached to the pivoting assembly and a bottom end extending downwardly into the furrow between the opener device and the closing device. The pivoting end is pivotably connected at the pivoting end such that the injection tine is freely pivotable in at least two independent pivotable directions relative to furrow. A diffuser is attached to the bottom end of the injection tine for expelling the fluid into the furrow.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying an active substance to the root zone of a plurality of plants, the applicator assembly comprising: a subsoil applicator having a cutting element for generating an incision in the ground, an injector associated with the cutting element to allow the active substance to be injected into the incision; and a positioning device adapted to allow the position of the cutting element to change position such that an incision is generated in some material in the root zone while the cutting element moves over other material in the root zone.

Abstract: A method for irrigating and fertilizing rice using a sprinkler irrigation system. The method includes the steps of providing a sprinkler irrigation system, determining an amount of water to be applied to the rice, determining an amount of fertilizer to be applied to the rice, and applying the water and fertilizer to the rice through the sprinkler irrigation system. Depending upon rainfall, the irrigation water may be applied to the rice an average of about one to two times per week between its planting and emergence, about two to three times per week between its emergence and its panicle initiation stage, about three to five times per week between its panicle initiation stage and its initial ripening stage, and about three to four times per week between the rice's initial ripening stage and its harvest.

Abstract: An extension for use with a planter, drill, or other farming implement having a seed tube that deposits seed in a furrow. The extension defines protrusions for attaching one or more liquid distribution apparatuses arranged to distribute liquid in a furrow well above the seeds, on the seeds, or both.

Abstract: This invention provides devices and methods for adapting a motorcycle for use with an agricultural system. In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural system includes a motorcycle drive unit adapted for removable attachment to a tool assembly. In a further embodiment of the invention, power transmission from the drive unit to a tool assembly drive axle is at reduced speed and increased torque relative to the motorcycle drive unit output.

Abstract: A method of stimulating root growth of seeds is disclosed in which seeds are treated with an effective amount of an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of metal alkanoates. Alkanoates having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred, with acetates most preferred. Metals selected from the group consisting of boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, sodium and zinc are preferred, with zinc particularly preferred. In one embodiment, an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate is applied to seeds in-furrow. In another embodiment, seeds are treated with an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate prior to planting. In yet another embodiment, an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate is mixed with an insecticide and resulting solution applied to seeds in-furrow.

Abstract: A method of stimulating root growth of seeds is disclosed in which seeds are treated with an effective amount of an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of metal alkanoates. Alkanoates having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred, with acetates most preferred. Metals selected from the group consisting of boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, sodium and zinc are preferred, with zinc particularly preferred. In one embodiment, an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate is applied to seeds in-furrow. In another embodiment, seeds are treated with an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate prior to planting. In yet another embodiment, an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate is mixed with an insecticide and resulting solution applied to seeds in-furrow.

Abstract: A liquid distribution apparatus for use with a planter, drill or other farming implement having a seed tube that deposits seeds in a furrow. The liquid distribution apparatus includes a supply channel in fluid connection with a hose supplying a liquid to the furrow. The liquid distribution apparatus also includes a distribution channel that is oriented to distribute the liquid onto one or both sidewalls of the furrow. The apparatus may be used alone or along with an extension for reducing seed bounce.

Abstract: A folding multi-row crop planter having coupled thereto individual planter row units. The planter having an assisted hinge that allows the planter wings to be moved from an open field position to a closed travel position. Further, the multi-row crop planter having a large central fluid storage tank for fertilizers/insecticides mounted forward of the foldable wings. The distribution of fluids occuring through a fluid network system along the planter wings.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sterilizing soil includes an implement including a plurality of subsurface tools having hot water nozzles mounted thereon and connected to a source of hot water. Hot water is injected into the top layer of soil as the implement is moved over a field. Stirrer tools are mounted on the implement rearwardly of the subsurface tools and extend into the ground for mixing the soil and hot water to thereby provide a uniform temperature to the soil. A foam applying system applies an insulating foam to the surface of the soil immediately after the injection of hot water into the soil.

Abstract: A coulter fertilizer applicator for use with a frame adapted to be moved over soil to be tilled and fertilized includes a linkage arm connected to the frame, and a coulter wheel secured to the linkage arm to form a seedbed in the soil. Included is a fertilizer tine formed of a single spring element having a forward end secured to the linkage arm. The single spring element further includes a free end opposite the forward end which is in the plane of rotation of the coulter wheel and adjacent the top surface of the soil. A fertilizer dispenser is attached to the single spring element adjacent the free end for applying fertilizer within the seedbed.

Abstract: In order to place dry granular materials into the subsurface of the soil without mechanical tillage, minute charges of the material are carried by high pressure jets of liquid, such as water, down into the ground from a series of side-by-side nozzles that simultaneously fire the jets toward the ground at regular intervals as the nozzles advance along a path of travel. Instead of passing through the water pump and the sensitive jet-producing nozzles, the granular materials remain separated from the water until the jets have issued from their nozzles and are passing through a ceramic mixing chamber in which a venturi is located. During the short pauses between successive blasts from the nozzles, material is continuously fed into a collecting chamber for each nozzle to form a small charge. As the water blast takes place, the charge is automatically drawn into the venturi and carried out of the machine by the high pressure jet.

Abstract: An ozone containing gas is injected into soil, preferably relatively dry and approximately uniform in consistency, to kill biological life forms. A soil injector injects ozone containing gas from an ozone supplier. In one embodiment, the ozone supplier is moved over the field by a structure such as a trailer or a vehicle. In another embodiment, a lattice arrangement of conduits is used to inject the ozone containing gas into the soil. The soil is optionally covered with a gas semipermeable or impermeable membrane subsequent to or prior to injection of the ozone containing gas. In yet another embodiment, the soil is transferred to a chamber and subjected to in-vitro ozone treatment. In accordance with this invention, the soil is exposed to a sufficient concentration of ozone for a sufficient period of time such that the ozone oxidizes the impurities thereby reducing detrimental organisms, and thus sanitizing the soil.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously planting seed in subjacent soil over which the apparatus traverses. The apparatus has a frame to be drawn by a towing vehicle, structure on the frame for resituating residue away from a row into which seed is to be deposited, structure on the frame for continuously parting soil as the apparatus is advanced in a direction of travel to define a seed slot, structure on the frame for continuously depositing seed in the seed slot, structure on the frame for continuously replacing soil in the seed slot to cover seed in the seed slot, and structure on the frame for continuously applying an additive to the soil between the residue resituating structure and the seed depositing structure. The invention is also directed to a method of planting and applying an additive.