Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for adjusting the depth of a trench opened by a row unit of an agricultural planter. The row unit includes a trench depth adjustment assembly configured to modify the furrow depth. In one embodiment, the depth adjustment assembly may include a gear box having one or more gears which engage with a gear rack. The gear box may be pivotally connected to a depth adjustment body supporting a rocker that adjusts upward travel of gauge wheel arms. In another embodiment, the depth adjustment assembly may include a depth adjustment arm having a screw receiver that cooperates with a driven screw that adjusts the position of the depth adjustment arm acting on the gauge wheels to adjust trench depth.

Abstract: A cultivating disc for a tillage implement includes an attachment portion positioned at a radial center of the cultivating disc. The attachment portion includes one or more attachment features configured to couple the cultivating disc to the tillage implement about an axis of rotation of the cultivating disc. The attachment portion extends along a first plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cultivating disc. The cultivating disc also includes a cutting edge portion positioned at a distal end of the cultivating disc relative to the axis of rotation. The cutting edge portion extends along a second plane parallel to the first plane. The cultivating disc further includes a curved connecting portion positioned between and connecting the attachment portion to the cutting edge portion. The curved connecting portion further defines one or more radii of curvature.

Abstract: A system for monitoring tool float on an agricultural implement may include an implement frame, a rocker arm pivotably mounted to the implement frame, and a tool coupled to the rocker arm. The system may also include a biasing element coupled between the frame and the rocker arm, with the biasing element configured to permit the tool to move relative to the implement frame. Furthermore, the system may include a rotational position sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a rotational position of the rocker arm relative the implement frame, with the rotational position being indicative of an additional amount of available relative movement between the tool and the implement frame.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for determining the depth of a trench opened by an agricultural planter. Sensors are provided for detecting the position of a ground-engaging element of the planter such as a gauge wheel or seed firmer of a row unit of the planter. Apparatus and methods are provided for installing such sensors onto a row unit of the planter. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for controlling downpressure on a row unit based on the trench depth. Methods are provided for mapping trench depth measured by the depth sensors.

Abstract: An implement adjusting system having an implement with a plurality of adjustable components, a plurality of input values, at least one controlled system configured to adjust at least one of the plurality of adjustable components, and a controller that receives the plurality of input values, the controller configured to reposition the plurality of adjustable components based on the plurality of input values. Wherein, the plurality of adjustable components are repositionable by the controller based on the input values.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine. The row unit includes a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame, and a position sensor assembly having a position sensor configured to detect wear of the furrow opener.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine. The row unit includes a frame, a ground following device coupled to the frame, a furrow following device coupled to the frame, and a position sensor assembly having a first position sensor configured to detect movement of the ground following device relative to the frame, and a second position sensor configured to detect movement of the furrow following device relative to the frame.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring soil properties including soil moisture and soil temperature during an agricultural input application. Embodiments include a soil moisture sensor and/or a soil temperature sensor mounted to a seed firmer for measuring moisture and temperature in a planting trench. Additionally, systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting depth based on the monitored soil properties.

Abstract: A pair of paddle closing wheels are adapted to be coupled to a frame structure that is coupled to a planter unit pulled by a motive power source. The paddle closing wheels are rotatably attached to the frame structure and are adapted to engage the soil. Fingers extend from the paddle closing wheel in a radial direction and include paddles that are coupled to the fingers. Once the seed is deposited in the soil the paddle closing wheels move the soil to cover up the seeds.

Abstract: An agricultural device includes a number of row units that each includes a seed furrow opener that creates a furrow in the soil for seed placement. Each row unit is mounted to a toolbar of the device by a four-bar linkage which allows each row unit to move vertically to adjust to the contour of the soil independently of the other row units on the same toolbar. The four-bar linkages include one or more springs which work to transfer weight from the toolbar to the row unit. An actuator varies the tension in the spring thereby adjusting the down or up force applied to the row unit.

Abstract: Wheat or other granular, flowable material is supplied from a metering hopper at a controlled rate through a limiting aperture at a base of a hopper side wall. A moving surface which has served as a floor of the hopper emerges through the aperture, carrying a covering of material out and toward a material disposal area and is then recirculated into the hopper. The moving surface is a repeatedly used upper surface of a disc or cone that is rotated by a motor. Supply of material is immediately varied by varying the speed of the moving surface.

Abstract: An agricultural disc opener is operable to be advanced in a forward direction along the ground to plant seed. The disc opener includes a suspension, a disc blade, a seed firming wheel, and a closing wheel. The suspension includes an elongated closer/firmer walking beam pivotally mounted relative to the suspension for pivoting about a lateral beam pivot axis. The wheels are rotatably mounted on the walking beam on opposite forward and aft sides of the beam pivot axis, with the walking beam configured to pivot as the wheels travel over the ground.

Abstract: A depth control system for an agricultural implement includes a single pivot lever. Additionally, the depth control system is mounted to the single pivot lever. Further, the depth control system includes a gauge wheel pivotally coupled to a frame of the agricultural implement. The control system controls a height of the gauge wheel relative to the frame via movement of the single pivot lever while the gauge wheel is coupled to a front pivot gauge wheel assembly. Furthermore, the depth control system is configured to control the height of the gauge wheel relative to the frame via movement of the single pivot lever while the gauge wheel is coupled to a rear pivot gauge wheel assembly.

Abstract: A seed planter comprises a frame including a main frame section and a furrowing disk frame section. A plurality of planter assemblies may be connected to the main frame section, and a plurality of furrowing disks may be connected to the furrowing disk frame section. At least one linkage may connect the main frame section and the furrowing disk frame section, and at least one motor may be configured to move the furrowing disk frame section with respect to the main frame section, wherein the at least one linkage permits the furrowing disk frame section to move to a low position for no-till planting and move to a high position for prepared seed beds or conventional planting.

Abstract: One row unit for an agricultural implement includes a ground engaging tool configured to penetrate soil and to form a furrow in the soil. The row unit also includes gauge wheels disposed adjacent to the ground engaging tool and configured to enable the ground engaging tool to penetrate the soil at a selectable penetration depth. Each of the gauge wheels extends substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the row unit.

Abstract: A precision seeder for sowing seeds to obtain a predetermined number of plants per unit of length includes a seed discharging tube adapted to feed the seed by an excess air pressure from a seed distributing device to a seed outlet, a seed furrow opener including two sowing discs arranged at an angle relative to each other, and a resilient press surface for pressing the seed into the soil. The press surface is configured such that a direction of flow of the seeds at the seed outlet intersects or is substantially tangent to at least a portion of the press surface. The seed outlet is located between the sowing discs and, as seen in the transverse direction, inside or immediately adjacent to the periphery of at least one of the sowing discs.

Abstract: A seed planting apparatus has a first disc is rotatably disposed about a first axis which is substantially perpendicular to a line of travel. A following trenching device has a second disc rotatably attached along a second axis transverse to the line of travel but not parallel to the first axis. A third disc is rotatably attached along a third axis which is transverse to the line of travel but not parallel to either the first axis or the second axis. At least one of the first, second and third discs has a first side has an outer periphery and a second side has an outer periphery. The second side is spaced from the first side and has a larger diameter than the first side. A transition surface between the outer periphery of the first side and the outer periphery of the second side being annular and concave.

Abstract: A seed tube guard for agricultural planters is cast from a high-chrome cast-iron alloy or manufactured from other wear-resistant material. The seed tube guard has right and left wear surfaces for engaging inner surfaces of a pair of opener discs. A fluid delivery channel is integrated within the body of the seed tube guard with an exit in the bottom surface for delivering fluid into a seed furrow ahead of a seed tube.

Abstract: Agricultural planter row units feature soil finishing assemblies for closing a seed groove after seed is placed in the soil. An adjustable furrow closing assembly enhances upper seed groove coverage and closure with soil resulting in sustained relative humidity levels and optimum seed-to-soil contact for faster seed germination. The furrow closing assembly includes a closing wheel assembly having at least one closing wheel and a press wheel assembly having a press wheel following behind the closing wheels. The closing wheels and press wheel are attached to the planter row unit in a manner allowing the press wheel to move vertically relative to the closing wheels. Adjustable down-force systems are provided to vary the down force applied to the closing wheels and the press wheel to maintain optimum soil contact in irregular terrain and in varying soil densities and conditions to provide optimum soil coverage and compaction of the seed bed.

Abstract: Agricultural seed planting systems are provided. In some aspects, the system includes a processing unit, a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame for opening a furrow in soil, and a sensor in communication with the processing unit and adapted to sense a characteristic associated with seed planting. The sensor may generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic and the processing unit may receive the signal. In some aspects, the sensed characteristic may be either a soil characteristic or a seed characteristic. Information associated with the sensed characteristic can be saved in memory for future use and to assist with more effective planting in the future.

Abstract: Agricultural devices, row unit adjustment systems, and methods of adjusting a depth of a furrow are provided. In some aspects, an agricultural device is adapted to plant seeds and includes a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame and adapted to cut a furrow including a depth, a sensor adapted to sense a characteristic associated with planting seeds and generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic, and a processing unit receiving the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. The depth of the furrow is adjustable based on the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. Such characteristic may be a characteristic of the soil, a force applied to the agricultural device, or a position of a portion of the agricultural device.

Abstract: A seeder for attaching to a tractor or another towing vehicle includes a carriage mounted on a plurality of wheels that allow the device to easily traverse roads and other terrain. Atop the carriage are a pair of bins, each for storing a discrete type of seed for dispersing into furrows. Beneath the bins are a plurality of juxtaposed seeding units for simultaneously sowing multiple, closely-spaced rows of seeds. Each seeding unit includes a furrowing assembly formed of a shaft having a plurality of cogged cutting wheels mounted thereon. Immediately trailing each cutting wheel is a spring-biased compaction wheel that compresses and covers each furrow as it is sown. Each shaft also includes a designated height-adjustment mechanism that compensates for undulating or varying terrain.

Abstract: One row unit for an agricultural implement includes a ground engaging tool configured to penetrate soil and to form a furrow in the soil. The row unit also includes gauge wheels disposed adjacent to the ground engaging tool and configured to enable the ground engaging tool to penetrate the soil at a selectable penetration depth. Each of the gauge wheels extends substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the row unit.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to a towing frame, and a linkage assembly pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the linkage assembly relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the linkage assembly for urging the linkage assembly downwardly toward the soil, and an accumulator is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder for supplying pressurized gas to the hydraulic cylinder urging the linkage assembly upwardly away from the soil. A manifold is removably mounted to the hydraulic cylinder via a mounting interface, the manifold being selected from a group of different types of modular manifolds in which each manifold is removably mountable to the hydraulic cylinder, one at a time, via the same mounting interface, the manifold having two hydraulic-fluid ports including an inlet port and an outlet port.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit apparatus, systems, methods for effectively creating a trench having an improved configuration and for improved product placement in or near the trench wherein the trench has a vertical sidewall and an angled sidewall. In some embodiments, a cavity is created adjacent the bottom of the trench. In some embodiments, the depth of the trench is maintained by a gauge wheel compacting soil adjacent to the angled sidewall. In some embodiments, fertilizer or other liquid or crop input is placed in the soil on the side of the trench opposite the gauge wheel. In some embodiments, two trenches each having a vertical sidewall and an angled sidewall are created by a single row unit.

Abstract: A method of seed planting in a “serpentine” pattern called the wave planter is demonstrated. It consists of a manner of placing the seeds that essentially results in equally spaced rows of seeds placed in a serpentine-like layout or wave instead of a straight row. The preferred method creates a wave pattern equidistant from the next, yet creates a substantial increase over the density of straight row planting devices and drills (e.g. parallel, essentially straight rows). The use of the wave pattern provide concrete and substantial benefits to the business and economics of farming through labor, energy, and maintenance savings over current planting methods which results in a new farming business method. The method may be accomplished by several devices. Some of the devices include an oscillating draw bar planter; oscillating tongue planter; elliptical row opener; steerable undercarriage for the planter and castor row openers under undercarriage.

Abstract: A down pressure adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement includes a rockshaft to which one or more disc opener units are mounted and an actuator that rotates the rockshaft. Rotation of the rockshaft causes the disc opener units to be raised or lowered. When the disc opener units are lowered into a field engagement position, further rotation of the rockshaft will cause compression of down pressure springs for each of the disc opener units.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame. A support member is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the support member relative to the attachment frame, and at least one furrow-closing device is mounted on the support member. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the support member for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. The hydraulic cylinder includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for urging the ram in a first direction that pivots the support member in a first vertical direction. An accumulator has a fluid chamber containing a pressurized gas for urging the ram in a second direction that pivots the support member in a second vertical direction.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, and a row unit frame having a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the row unit frame relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil.

Abstract: An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing device such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.

Abstract: A down pressure adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement includes a rockshaft to which one or more disc opener units are mounted and an actuator that rotates the rockshaft. Rotation of the rockshaft causes the disc opener units to be raised or lowered. When the disc opener units are lowered into a field engagement position, further rotation of the rockshaft will cause compression of down pressure springs for each of the disc opener units.

Abstract: A precision seeder for sowing seeds to obtain a predetermined number of plants per unit of length includes a seed discharging tube adapted to feed the seed by an excess air pressure from a seed distributing device to a seed outlet, a seed furrow opener including two sowing discs arranged at an angle relative to each other, and a resilient press surface for pressing the seed into the soil. The press surface is configured such that a direction of flow of the seeds at the seed outlet intersects or is substantially tangent to at least a portion of the press surface. The seed outlet is located between the sowing discs and, as seen in the transverse direction, inside or immediately adjacent to the periphery of at least one of the sowing discs.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an agriculture planter. The planter may include a planter frame, a seed hopper and a trailing arm assembly. The planter frame may include a hitch tongue extending forwardly from the planter frame. The planter frame supports the seed hopper. The a trailing arm assembly is vertically pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the planter frame, extends rearward from the planter frame and includes a trailing arm frame and a lever arm vertically pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame by a pivot point. The lever arm includes a leading end, a trailing end, a middle portion, a furrow opener disc and a first furrow closer wheel. The disc is rotatably mounted to the lever arm near the leading end. The first wheel is rotatably mounted to the lever arm near the trailing end. The middle portion is pivotably coupled to the pivot point.

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: A down pressure adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement includes a rockshaft to which one or more disc opener units are mounted and an actuator that rotates the rockshaft. Rotation of the rockshaft causes the disc opener units to be raised or lowered. When the disc opener units are lowered into a field engagement position, further rotation of the rockshaft will cause compression of down pressure springs for each of the disc opener units.

Abstract: A method of seed planting in a “serpentine” pattern called the wave planter is demonstrated. It consists of a manner of placing the seeds that essentially results in equally spaced rows of seeds placed in a serpentine-like layout or wave instead of a straight row. The preferred method creates a wave pattern equidistant from the next, yet creates a substantial increase over the density of straight row planting devices and drills (eg parallel, essentially straight rows). The use of the wave pattern provide concrete and substantial benefits to the business and economics of farming through labor, energy, and maintenance savings over current planting methods which results in a new farming business method. The method may be accomplished by several devices. Some of the devices include an oscillating draw Bar planter; oscillating tongue planter; elliptical row opener; steerable undercarriage for the planter and castor row openers under undercarriage.

Abstract: A trench opener/closer is provided for an agricultural seeding machine movable in a planting direction. The trench opener/closer includes a disc opener assembly, a gauge wheel assembly, a closing assembly, a boot member, and a seed delivery member. The disc opener assembly has a first axis of rotation. The gauge wheel assembly has a second axis of rotation disposed rearward of the first axis of rotation in the planting direction. The closing assembly has a third axis of rotation disposed rearward of the second axis of rotation in the planting direction. The boot member extends between the disc opener assembly and the closing assembly. The seed delivery member is disposed rearward of the disc opener assembly in the planting direction. The seed delivery member is disposed adjacent to both a trailing edge of the boot member and the closing assembly.

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 disc planter (10) for applying fertilizers and seeds to soil, and incorporating previously applied chemicals therein, the disc planter (10) having a frame (12) with a longitudinal forward direction of travel, and a plurality of rotatable tools mounted in series to the frame, the plurality of rotatable tools including a fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), a seed furrow opening disc (18), a soil throw controlling wheel (20), a soil closing wheel (22) and a soil disturbing star wheel (24), wherein the fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are alternately oppositely inclined to one another in the forward direction of travel, the fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), soil throw controlling wheel (20), soil closing wheel (22) and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are longitudinally spaced and alternately laterally offset from one another in the forward direction of travel, the soil throw controlling wheel (20) is closel

Abstract: A seed meter for a planting machine is provided with an adjustable drive coupling between the seed meter and the planting machine main drive. The drive coupling includes a drive member connected to the planter drive and a driven member coupled to the seed meter shaft. The drive member and driven member are drivingly engagable with one another and held into the engaged position by a biasing member. The drive member and driven member are selectively movable relative to one another to a disengaged position, enabling adjustment of the seed meter relative to the drive by rotation of the meter shaft. Once released, the coupling self-engages.

Abstract: A trench opener/closer is provided for an agricultural seeding machine movable in a planting direction. The trench opener/closer includes a disc opener assembly, a gauge wheel assembly, a closing assembly, a boot member, and a seed delivery member. The disc opener assembly has a first axis of rotation. The gauge wheel assembly has a second axis of rotation disposed rearward of the first axis of rotation in the planting direction. The closing assembly has a third axis of rotation disposed rearward of the second axis of rotation in the planting direction. The boot member extends between the disc opener assembly and the closing assembly. The seed delivery member is disposed rearward of the disc opener assembly in the planting direction. The seed delivery member is disposed adjacent to both a trailing edge of the boot member and the closing assembly.

Abstract: A row planter assembly comprising: a frame; an opening disk rotatably mounted to the frame; and a gauge wheel rotatably mounted to the frame and disposed alongside, but spaced from, the opening disk so as to create a narrow gap therebetween; wherein the gauge wheel comprises at least one opening in the side wall thereof so as to permit soil to pass from the gap located between the opening disk and the gauge wheel to the region outside of the gauge wheel.

Abstract: A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a seed drill row unit with an arm and an opener disc assembly rotatably mounted on the row unit arm. A soil strip assembly includes a mounting bracket with a mounting bracket base and first and second bracket arms. Each of the bracket arms has a front end attached to the bracket base and a trailing back end. The base is attached to the row unit arm in front of the opener disc assembly. Each of the mounting bracket arms extends rearwardly from the base along a respective side of the disc assembly. First and second flexible soil strips are attached to the first and second mounting bracket arms respectively and extend downwardly and rearwardly therefrom along either side of the disc assembly.

Abstract: Described herein is a planting unit that includes a frame whereon are mounted: means of opening a furrow in the ground, in the form of two adjacent discs; a pointed member removably mounted on said frame and protruding between said two discs and in the direction of the ground, said member being intended to form said furrow in a V shape, means of retaining said member mounted mobile on said frame between a retaining position of said member and a releasing position; and means of actuating connected to said means of retaining

Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.

Abstract: A pressure sensing system for a seeding machine such as a planter to measure the down force on a planter row unit uses a wireless pressure sensor embedded in a load carrying wheel of the row unit. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor is a passive piezoelectric pressure sensor that is a transmitter only, transmitting both pressure and RFID the information that identifies the particular sensor. Multiple sensors may be employed in each wheel and sensors may be employed in more than one wheel of the row unit, such as the gauge wheels on opposite sides of the trench opening disks. The sensors may be made of a PVDF, a known piezoelectric material. A wireless receiver is located on the planter frame or could be located elsewhere to receive the signals from the pressure sensor. A controller determines from the signal, any change in down force and commands the change to a down force generator on the row unit.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a seed drill row unit with an arm and an opener disc assembly rotatably mounted on the row unit arm. A soil strip assembly includes a mounting bracket with a mounting bracket base and first and second bracket arms. Each of the bracket arms has a front end attached to the bracket base and a trailing back end. The base is attached to the row unit arm in front of the opener disc assembly. Each of the mounting bracket arms extends rearwardly from the base along a respective side of the disc assembly. First and second flexible soil strips are attached to the first and second mounting bracket arms respectively and extend downwardly and rearwardly therefrom along either side of the disc assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus that cleanly severs and clears crop debris from a planting row or closes a furrow while causing minimal disturbance to the soil. The residue coulter apparatus comprises a pair of flat discs each having a plurality of back swept teeth extending about their periphery. The teeth include a beveled cutting edge on the outer edge of the teeth adapted to sever residue from the field or close a furrow. The discs are oriented substantially vertical to the ground. Two discs are used in combination to clear a pathway for planting seed or for closing a furrow.