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: An agricultural seeder implement includes a seed boot connected to an opener. The seed boot includes a channel extending from an inlet to an outlet behind a leading extremity of the opener, a deflecting surface facing downwardly into the channel toward the outlet, and a ramp facing inwardly into the channel between the inlet and the outlet. The opener is for cutting a furrow in the ground by the leading extremity ahead of the outlet, and the channel is for guiding a stream of air-driven seed forwardly therethrough from the inlet and downwardly into the furrow through the outlet, wherein the ramp is in-turned toward the deflecting surface for deflecting the stream of air-driven seed through the channel inwardly to the deflecting surface, and the deflecting surface is for deflecting the stream of air-driven seed received from the ramp downwardly to and through the outlet into the furrow.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides a method for the incorporation of colored photoluminescent materials to be sprayed on to plants and soils. The incorporation of colored photoluminescent materials assists the spray operator through the use of black lights allowing for more precise low right or nighttime spray and seeding operations. More specifically, this invention relates to a colored photoluminescent adjuvant to be applied to targeted crops, plants and seeds to assist in the low light or nighttime application of bioactive agents, such as chemicals and pesticides. The colored photoluminescent adjuvant can be applied as a solution or a foam.

Abstract: The application is generally directed towards an airfoil for a fluid delivery tube. The airfoil includes a securing member operably connecting the airfoil to the tube, a fin extending downward and outward from the securing member and terminating in a tip, a shield extending inward and downward from the tip of the fin, and an air guide extending from a first end of the shield.

Abstract: An agricultural seeder implement includes a seed boot connected directly to an opener. The seed boot includes an inlet and an outlet to a shoot on either side of the seed boot. The seed boot is connected to the opener, and the seed boot and the opener form a channel which extends through the seed boot from the inlet to the outlet. The opener is for being pulled for cutting a furrow in the ground ahead of the outlet, the channel is for guiding a stream of air-driven seed therethrough from the inlet to the outlet, and each said shoot is for receiving the air-driven stream of seed from the outlet and guiding the stream of air-driven seed into the furrow on either side of the seed boot. Each shoot extends outwardly from the seed boot to a deflector for deflecting the stream of air-driven seed downwardly into the furrow.

Abstract: A paired row furrow opener can include a seed boot body, a fertilizer passageway, a seed passageway, at least one soil deflecting edge, and at least one row soil deflecting surface. The seed boot body can extend along a longitudinal axis between a forward end and a rearward end. The fertilizer passageway can extend through the seed boot body between an outlet and an inlet elevated from the outlet. The seed passageway can extend through the seed boot body between an outlet and an inlet. The at least one soil deflecting edge can be integral with the seed boot body. The at least one row soil deflecting surface can extend aft from the at least one soil deflecting edge along the longitudinal axis and can face upward.

Abstract: A seeding system includes a storage tank operable to store a plurality of seeds and a dispersion unit configured to disperse some of the plurality of seeds amongst a plurality of conduits. The dispersion unit includes a sensor. A meter is operable to transfer the some of the plurality of seeds from the storage tank to the dispersion unit. The sensor is operable to produce a signal to control the transfer from the storage tank to the dispersion unit.

Abstract: A paired row furrow opener can include a seed boot body, a fertilizer passageway, a seed passageway, at least one soil deflecting edge, and at least one row soil deflecting surface. The seed boot body can extend along a longitudinal axis between a forward end and a rearward end. The fertilizer passageway can extend through the seed boot body between an outlet and an inlet elevated from the outlet. The seed passageway can extend through the seed boot body between an outlet and an inlet. The at least one soil deflecting edge can be integral with the seed boot body. The at least one row soil deflecting surface can extend aft from the at least one soil deflecting edge along the longitudinal axis and can face upward.

Abstract: A paired row opener has a furrowing tip arranged to be selectively supported on a body of the opener. The furrowing tip includes a knife portion and a pair of wing portions extending rearwardly and outwardly therefrom where are separable together from the opener body. A pair of deflector wings are integrally formed on the opener body above inner edges of the respective wing portions which are abutted with the opener body so as to deflect disturbed soil away from a seam between the inner edge of the wing portions and the opener body. An insulated mounting block is fastened onto a rear bracket of the opener body which receives an anhydrous ammonia delivery tube therethrough so permit optional delivery of anhydrous ammonia at a location which is insulated and spaced rearwardly from the opener body.

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 protrusion on the underside of the tip 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: A furrow opener comprises an opener body for mounting on a cultivator shank for movement therewith in a forward working direction and which supports a knife on a front end to deposit a fertilizer row and a wing attachment at a rear end to deposit paired seed rows in the ground. The bottom side of the opener body is stepped in profile between the knife and the wing attachment to comprise an enclosed front portion extending generally horizontally rearward from the knife, a step portion which extends upward from the front portion and primarily locates a fertilizer outlet therein and a rear portion extending generally rearward from the step portion to the rear of the opener body. The fertilizer outlet in the step portion primarily faces rearwardly and is more vertical in orientation than the enclosed front portion of the bottom side of the opener body ahead of it to shield the fertilizer outlet from the wake of earth displaced by the knife.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to be mounted upon a planter row unit for delivering liquid fertilizer to the bottom of a trench without contacting the seed to be planted may be integrated with a cleaner for the furrow opening device. The system as claimed and described is adapted for mounting to substantially all modern row units employing floating row units. The method and apparatus as described does not interfere with existing down pressure or seed placement systems as found on modern row crop planters. As described and implemented, the method and apparatus is more compact and lighter in weight than the prior art. The attached assembly for a seed planting unit works in combination with a seed trench opener to form a trench for the deposit of liquid fertilizer offset from and parallel to the later formed seed trench.

Abstract: An applicator unit for applying slurry fertilizer beneath the soil with reduced soil displacement includes a spring-cushioned main mounting shank and a forward spring-biased coulter. A narrow applicator shank, mounted to the main mounting shank just above the surface of the soil, is oriented generally upright and includes a leading nose portion having a small low angle forward protruding tip and a tapered leading edge for forming a furrow without tilling the soil. The furrow is formed in four stages: by the small low angle forward protruding tip, the upright tapered leading edge of the sweep shank, by a bulge on each side of the casting near the soil surface, a slurry tube widens the slot further, facilitating the delivery of the slurry in the vertical slot. Swept back wings gently lift the soil to allow horizontal distribution of the slurry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to be mounted upon a planter row unit for delivering liquid fertilizer to the bottom of a trench without contacting the seed to be planted may be integrated with a cleaner for the furrow opening device. The system as claimed and described is adapted for mounting to substantially all modern row units employing floating row units. The method and apparatus as described does not interfere with existing down pressure or seed placement systems as found on modern row crop planters. As described and implemented, the method and apparatus is more compact and lighter in weight than the prior art. The attached assembly for a seed planting unit works in combination with a seed trench opener to form a trench for the deposit of liquid fertilizer offset from and parallel to the later formed seed trench.

Abstract: A seed boot having a modular or replaceable opener removably fastened to the seed boot. The opener is configured in any of several embodiments for discharging a fluent material such as seed in different ways, including narrow single row, wide single row, and double row. A second fluent material such as fertilizer may be dispensed in an additional discharge stream in different embodiments. In some embodiments, two fluent materials may be mixed within the seed boot and dispensed together.

Abstract: A ground engaging furrowing tool for paired row seeding comprising a body having a forward leading point, a bottom and laterally outwardly extending wing members. Each wing member including a leading edge that flares rearward to a trailing edge to form a generally V-shaped profile bottom surface, the trailing edge of each wing member including a seed outlet only open in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A seed boot having a modular or replaceable opener removably fastened to the seed boot. The opener is configured in any of several embodiments for discharging a fluent material such as seed in different ways, including narrow single row, wide single row, and double row. A second fluent material such as fertilizer may be dispensed in an additional discharge stream in different embodiments. In some embodiments, two fluent materials may be mixed within the seed boot and dispensed together.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for planting seed and injecting dry fertilizer (dry granular material) with an air seeder, chisel plow or cultivator with air seeder components while at the same time tiling the soil. The apparatus consists of a vertically oriented conveyance tube that directs the granular material into a groove formed by the apparatus by means of a knife mounted to the underside of a triangular configured bracket which also serves as the mounting structure. The seed and fertilizer are injected into the groove, below the compacted sweep layer (formed by the sweep shovel) and next to firm soil that does not dry out as would the loose soil above the sweep layer.

Abstract: A subsoil applicator has an upright shank provided with a leading soil-slicing edge and a pair of opposite sides. At the bottom of the shank, a pair of soil lifting wings are provided, presenting a pair of outermost wing edges that diverge rearwardly from the lowermost and forwardmost point of the shank to the rear extremity of the applicator. The wings are generally relatively thin and flat except for a thickened portion across their rear extremity making an upright, rearwardly facing rear wall. A pair of laterally spaced discharge outlets are located in the rear wall and communicate with an internal tubular passage within the shank for delivering substance down into the soil behind the wall as the applicator advances through the soil. The discharge outlets are located in undercut portions of the rear wall, while top, upwardly facing surfaces of the thickened portion are convexly curved to improve soil flow and provide extra protection against premature wear for the internal substance passageways.

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 for the subsurface application of fertilizers, biologicals, fumigants, non-fumigant pesticides or other chemicals to soil with reduced application rates. Discrete amounts of the materials are injected into the soil at numerous sites along a path during a pass through the soil. At the injection sites, the materials form diffusion patterns which may touch or overlapping with diffusion patterns of adjacent soil injections. The application of materials to soil in this manner maintains optimum efficacy with the use of the least amount of materials necessary per acre of soil.

Abstract: A furrowing tool for an agricultural planter is formed in a modular configuration to provide for paired row seeding operation. The furrowing tool includes a seedbed furrowing member having an edge lying in a flat cutting plane to form a substantially flat seedbed as the furrowing tool is drawn through ground and a fertilizer furrowing member extending below the cutting plane to form an indentation in the seedbed. The seedbed furrowing member is formed with an upper surface extending rearwardly from the edge and with a void between the upper surface and the cutting plane. The furrowing tool further includes a forwardly and downwardly directed fertilizer dispensing passage to direct a stream of fertilizer at a forward direction into the indentation formed in the seed bed. The stream of seeds is also directed forwardly onto the seedbed through the void formed between the upper surface and the cutting plane.

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 combination strip-tiller and applicator is disclosed for conservation farming. The machine is designed to save soil, fertilizer, labor and fuel while producing a higher yield. Unique features of the device include a knife that injects anhydrous ammonia or other chemicals in a broad band under the seedbed. This broad band allows seeds to be planted in the same pass or within a few days without risk of fertilizer burn to the seedlings. The knife also loosens the soil and raises the seedbed. Row cleaners and cultivator gangs can run in the same pass to remove excess crop residual and to further raise the seedbed.

Abstract: A sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering device includes an opening blade having first and second sides extending between a leading edge and an aft edge. The opening blade has an upper surface and a lower surface extending between upper and lower edges respectively of the first and second sides of the blade. First and second wings are mounted to the first and second sides respectively in generally oppositely disposed relation so as to be cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The first and second wings extend between first and second forward wing edges and first and second aft-opening wing apertures. Seed, fertilizer or water are dispensed through the wing apertures. Oppositely disposed, rigid canards for subsurface soil agitation are mounted to the first and second sides, so as to extend cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The canards may be mounted between the leading edge of the blade and the first and second forward wing edges.

Abstract: A sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering device includes an opening blade having first and second sides extending between a leading edge and an aft edge. The opening blade has an upper surface and a lower surface extending between upper and lower edges respectively of the first and second sides of the blade. First and second wings are mounted to the first and second sides respectively in generally oppositely disposed relation so as to be cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The first and second wings extend between first and second forward wing edges and first and second aft-opening wing apertures. Seed, fertilizer or water are dispensed through the wing apertures. Oppositely disposed, rigid canards for subsurface soil agitation are mounted to the first and second sides, so as to extend cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The canards may be mounted between the leading edge of the blade and the first and second forward wing edges.

Abstract: A sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering device includes an opening blade. The opening blade has first and second sides extending between a leading edge and an aft edge on the blade. The first and second sides are generally symmetrical to each other. The opening blade is mountable to a material feeder so as to be generally vertically disposed when mounted thereon for partial submerging into soil to a first submerged depth during forward translation advancing the leading edge through the soil. First and second wings are mounted to the first and second sides respectively in generally oppositely disposed relation so as to be cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The first and second wings have first and second aft-opening wing apertures. First and second conduits cooperate with the first and second aft opening wing apertures for seed, fertilizer or fluid flow, as fed therethrough from the material feeder during the forward translation.

Abstract: A fertilizer applicator assembly for use with a chisel plow includes a diverter shoe located in the root zone of the crop, above the tillage point of the plow. The diverter shoe closes the furrow formed by the plow shank and forms a lateral pocket in the soil for distributing a band of particulate fertilizer behind and to the side of the shank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fumigating soil in a manner to prevent or minimize escape of fumigating gases and in a manner to facilitate the planting of a cover crop at the time of fumigation. An apparatus for simultaneously treating soil with soil fumigant material applied at a full application rate includes a fumigant material applicator applying fumigant below the surface of the soil at a rate of at least 10 gallons per acre. The apparatus further includes a soil leveling apparatus, and a soil packer positioned between the applicator and packer. The apparatus further includes with a cover crop seed planter, with the soil leveling apparatus and packer being positioned between the applicator and planter.

Abstract: A seeder and liquid applicator is adapted for mounting on a sweep-type spreader for use in agricultural seeding and fertilizing operations. The spreader includes a shank for mounting it on an implement. A T-head support is bolted to the spreader shank. The T-head support mounts a T-head which is connected to a seed hose. The seed hose is also connected to a seed source on the implement. A liquid tube is connected to a discharge novel mounted on the liquid tube. The feed hose and the liquid tube are secured to the T-head support and to each other. Seeds are discharged horizontally and laterally from the T-head and liquid fertilizer is discharged rearwardly in line with the direction of travel of the spreader.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and method for the subsurface application of chemicals such as fertilizer, pesticides and fumigants in soil. A frame is shown, capable of being pulled across a field, the frame having a plurality of shanks with a shovel and an downward facing nozzle mounted at the end of each shank. The shovels all lie in a single plane, substantially horizontal to the soil's surface. Means are provided for delivering the chemical from a reservoir of such to the nozzles. The chemical is thereby applied in a single pass at a depth of up to 12 inches, and allowed to migrate upward in the soil, thereby achieving application of the chemical in a discreet layer of the soil, without unduly disturbing the soil's surface.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for the subsurface application of chemicals such as metham sodium in soil. A frame is shown, capable of being pulled across a field, the frame having a plurality of shanks with a plate and a rearwardly discharging wide angle flat spray nozzle mounted at the end of each shank. The plates all lie in a single plane, substantially horizontal to the soil's surface. Structure is provided for delivering the chemical from a reservoir to the nozzles. The chemical is thereby applied in a single pass at a depth of up to 12 inches, and allowed to migrate upward in the soil, thereby achieving application of the chemical in a discrete layer of the soil, without unduly disturbing the soil's surface.

Abstract: A tool bar for placement of a band of fertilizer in soil has a vertical knife with a horizontal blade thereon to create an inverted T-shaped slot in the soil. A band of fertilizer is placed in the bottom of the slot through a tube on the knife. A first coulter fills the slot with soil and compacts the soil above the band. A second coulter forms a mound of soil over the compacted soil and creates an elongated furrow in the soil above and laterally removed from the band. The method of placement of a band of fertilizer in soil sequentially moves the soil and creates the band as accomplished by the foregoing structure.

Abstract: A spring-cushioned coulter running ahead of the applicator for cutting an initial slot in any residue and for providing a break line for the soil to be parted by the trailing shank. The trailing shank, in turn, spreads the initial slot, and deepens it, for the entry of a slurry delivery tube welded behind the shank. At the bottom of the shank is a shoe having a pair of side wings. A downward and outward slope of the wings creates a flat, peaked soil profile ("sole") beneath the wings having sides which slope downwardly and outwardly, conforming to the shape of the wings. The lift surfaces of the wings slightly raise the soil laterally of the shank from the center toward the ends of the wings to provide slots or fissures above the sloped edges of the sole, permitting, and promoting the lateral distribution of the slurry.

Abstract: A tool bar for placement of a band of fertilizer in soil has a vertical knife with a horizontal blade thereon to create an inverted T-shaped slot in the soil. A band of fertilizer is placed in the bottom of the slot through a tube on the knife. A first coulter fills the slot with soil and compacts the soil above the band. A second coulter forms a mound of soil over the compacted soil and creates an elongated furrow in the soil above and laterally removed from the band. The method of placement of a band of fertilizer in soil sequentially moves the soil and creates the band as accomplished by the foregoing structure.

Abstract: A seed furrow cutting knife adapted for cutting a seed furrow, fluffing the furrow sidewalls to avoid soil compaction, and for offset placement of fertilizer in the furrow is provided. The furrow cutting knife has associated side wings for fluffing sidewalls of the seed furrow and for simultaneous discharge of liquid fertilizer through a fertilizer tube into the seed furrow, but offset from the bottom of the seed furrow to avoid burning of the seed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable attachment for mounting a tool to a tow bar. A shank having first and second spaced parts has a bracket for attaching the first shank part to a tow bar in an operative position thereon so that the shank may follow the movement of a drawing vehicle. A structure is provided for attaching a tool to the second shank part. The second shank part, with a tool attached thereto, is spaced below the first shank part with the tool in its operative position. A pivotal joint joins the first and second shank parts. At least one threaded bolt having a threaded shaft with two ends and a head at one end and a free end at the other end threadably engages a threaded receptacle. The threaded receptacle is positioned such that the free end of the shaft prevents the pivoting of the second shank part in at least one of a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

Abstract: An attachment to an existing sweep of a seeding device is provided for additional dispensing of fertilizer. A protection tooth on the leading face of the attachment can be placed at a desired depth of its lower, free end to selectively adjust the level at which the fertilizer is deposited.

Abstract: An air seeder boot includes a rigid pipe connected to the seed tube of the seeder and mounted to the back side of the cultivator shank by a bracket fixed to the front of the pipe. The pipe has an obtuse bend bringing the seed outlet to a position at approximately the same level as the top edges of the seep and between the sweep wings. The pipe usually has a crease along the back, up to the outlet, to divert seed into two rows in the most soil under the sweep wings. The open pipe of the boot provides reliable seed delivery without blockages.

Abstract: A furrow opener and press wheel for an agricultural implement to place fertilizer and seed at different depths in soil has replaceable abrasive resistant plastic side plates and a press plate to avoid soil build up and plugging of fertilizer discharge openings. The lateral distance between the side plates is adjustable so that seeding width can be changed. A seed divider attached to the furrow opener separates the seed into lateral rows on opposite sides of a band of fertilizer placed in the soil below the press plate.

Abstract: Sweep tillage tools (10, 10') according to the preferred teachings of the present invention are disclosed including generally flat, horizontal sweep blades (18) generally located behind the implement shank (12) and above the point (28) of the spike (16, 16'). Specifically, the front corners of the sweep blades (18) between their front cutting edges (36) and inside edges (40) are integrally connected to the side edges (34) of a central portion (32, 32'). Gussets (20) are provided having a first side (48) integrally connected generally perpendicular to the inside edges (40) of the sweep blades (18) and having a second side (50) integrally connected to the side edges (34) of the central portion (32, 32') to provide catilever mounting of the sweep blades (18) and to provide support for soil passing over the spike (16, 16') and the sweep blades (18) at their intersection.

Abstract: A blade shank assembly useful in an applicator for delivering liquid or gaseous fertilizer to a subsoil location, the blade shank assembly including an elongated curved shank plate, a generally V-shaped insert secured to the blade shank at the leading edge thereof and adjacent the forward lower point of the blade shank. The insert is constructed of hard metal and is configured to afford maximum protection to the blade shank plate, and extended service life to the assembly.