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: An on-the-go monitor and control means and method for an agriculture machines includes on-the-go soil sensors that can be used to control tillage and seeding depth. On seeder implements, the sensors provide information that affects uniform plant emergence.

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: The present invention involves a seed firmer with a pusher attachment that extends the life of the seed firmer.

Abstract: The present invention involves a seed firmer with a pusher or embedding attachment that extends the life of the seed firmer. The seed firmer has a flexible portion adapted to be coupled to a seed chute of a planter. Also, a firming arm flexibly is connected to the flexible portion, with the firming arm having an engagement portion bounded at one end by a stop. Additionally, an extender attachment is mechanically coupled to the engagement portion and abuts the stop.

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: 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 opener assembly for an agricultural seeder has an opener disc attached to an opener subframe for rotation about an axis. The opener disc is angled to the direction of travel to create a furrow for depositing seeds. A boot is mounted to the opener subframe beside the opener disc for preventing loose soil from falling into the furrow ahead of seed deposited therein. The boot contacts and scrapes the opener disc and creates an enclosure between the boot and the opener disc. A flexible seed bounce flap provides the rear wall of the enclosure. The boot has a lower edge that fits entirely within the furrow created by the opener disc. A seed tube having a lower end extending into the enclosure is mounted to the opener subframe by a bracket independently of the boot. A structure is also provided for limiting downward movement of a firming wheel arm.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the placement of seeds deposited by a seed placement device in a furrow. The apparatus comprise a guide member connected to the seed placement device adjacent an exit of the seeds from the placement device adapted to urge seeds discharged from the exit toward a sidewall of the furrow. The guide member of the present invention acts to stop seeds from bouncing off the sidewalls of the furrow and into the centre of the furrow. The guide member organizes the seeds to create one or more seed rows where the seeds are optimally positioned and prevents seeds from ending up in the middle of the furrow. If a fertilizer row is present below the seed furrow, this prevents damage to the seeds by preventing them from being too close to the fertilizer. The guide member also stops the seeds from being swept back into the central region of the furrow with the loose soil that flows back into this area after the knife implement has passed.

Abstract: A seeder (10) includes multiple cutting head units (30) pivotally mounted to a jack shaft (24) of a frame (12) and spring biased downwardly by hold downs (80). Each multiple cutting head unit (30) includes multiple roller blades (36) received on an axle (34) rotatably mounted in a carrier (32) and in gearing relation to the jack shaft (24). The roller blades (36) include a series of oppositely formed, circumferentially spaced radially extending indentations (36a) extending from a continuous, smooth periphery at a constant extent from the axle (34). Fingers (46) extending between the roller blades (36) are pivotally mounted to the carrier (32) to adjust the depth of the slits formed by the roller blades (36). Each hose (98) extending from a seed box (96) diverts seed into adjacent slits immediately after the roller blades (36).

Abstract: A seed firming assembly and method for agricultural seeders includes a large diameter seed-firming wheel for firming seeds into soil at the bottom of a furrow. The seed-firming wheel is located immediately behind a furrow opener and a seed guide. The seed-firming wheel is rotatably supported by an attaching arm, which is pivotally attached to a planter subframe at a location behind the seed-firming wheel so as to push the seed-firming wheel in a forward direction during operation. The attaching arm has a forward portion on which the seed-firming wheel is rotatably supported, a rearward portion on which an extension spring is attached for imparting a downward force on the seed-firming wheel during operation, and a horizontal transverse axis of rotation located between the forward and rearward portions. An adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting the downward force imparted on the seed-firming wheel by the spring.

Abstract: A planting assembly including a frame, a furrow opening mechanism, a seed tube for directing a seed into a furrow, a liquid source, a liquid delivery conduit having a delivery end, and a furrow closing mechanism. An adapter is configured for mounting to the seed tube, and a spray arm including a proximal end is configured for mounting to the adapter. The spray arm includes a central portion and a distal end, the central portion extends rearward such that the distal end is disposed above the furrow. The liquid delivery conduit is in fluid communication with the liquid source and the delivery end is adjacent to the distal end.

Abstract: An improved bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly comprises a housing having opposing first and second sides. The housing includes mounting structure for rigidly securing the housing operably with respect to the planter frame. The sides of the housing further include interior walls for maintaining the sides of the housing in spaced apart relation. The housing may support various appurtenances alone or in combination, including a resilient tool, a liquid conduit, and a support arm for supporting any number of desired conduits all in substantial alignment with the seed tube.

Abstract: A seed firming and furrow closing system for no-till agricultural seeders has a smooth in-furrow firming device that gauges the depth and limits penetration of the closing wheel(s). The firming device is mounted behind a seed furrow opener, and one or more spoked closing wheels are rotatably mounted behind the firming device. Each closing wheel is mounted to a support member for the firming device. An adjustable stop is provided to control the operating depth of the closing wheel relative to the firming device. During operation, the firming device moves along the bottom of the furrow to firm the seeds, and the adjustable stop maintains a selected depth of the closing wheel relative to the firming device and the bottom of the furrow. A swivel assembly allows the firming device and closing wheels to swivel from side-to-side to better track the furrow when planting around a curve.

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 defining one or more depressions for locating one or more liquid distribution apparatuses arranged to distribute liquid in a furrow well above the seeds, on the seeds, or both.

Abstract: A seed firming and furrow closing system for no-till agricultural seeders has a smooth in-furrow firming device that gauges the depth and limits penetration of the closing wheel(s). The firming device is mounted behind a seed furrow opener, and one or more spoked closing wheels are rotatably mounted behind the firming device. Each closing wheel is mounted to a support member for the firming device. An adjustable stop is provided to control the operating depth of the closing wheel relative to the firming device. During operation, the firming device moves along the bottom of the furrow to firm the seeds, and the adjustable stop maintains a selected depth of the closing wheel relative to the firming device and the bottom of the furrow. A swivel assembly allows the firming device and closing wheels to swivel from side-to-side to better track the furrow when planting around a curve.

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: The present invention is a planter which embeds planted seeds into the ground and then dispenses liquid in the vicinity of the embedded seeds. The planter includes a flexible arm which drags upon the ground and presses the deposited seeds into the ground and liquid dispensing passage disposed on the flexible arm. The liquid dispensing passage may be integrally with the arm or may be separate from the arm. A flexible hose may be disposed within the passage and connected to a liquid supply tank for communicating the liquid from the supply tank to the embedded seeds. The resulting planted seeds are thereby embedded and substantially free of surrounding air pockets, and provided with liquid after being embedded to provide proper germination and growth.

Abstract: A two piece seed boot for a seeding machine has a upper cast portion and a lower cast portion. Both the upper and lower portions are provided with aligned seed passages which received metered seed from the seed tube and discharge the metered seed to the planting furrow. The upper cast portion is mounted to the planting unit frame and the seed tube by an integral mounting clevis. The lower cast portion is provided with first and second upward extending mounting lugs. The first mounting lug is received in a recess formed in the upper portion. The second mounting lug engages the planting furrow side of the upper portion. The rear of the upper and lower portions are provided with aligned mounting holes through which a mounting bolt passes securing the lower portion to the upper portion.

Abstract: The planer row unit has a unit frame with a front member that is adapted to be secured to a tool bar. A sub frame is secured to the front member by parallel links. A furrow opener disk, a seed shoe and a gauge wheel are secured to the subframe.A cam plate supported by a spring to the rear of the seed shoe presses seeds into moist soil in the bottom of a seed furrow. A seed covering disc is supported by a covering disc shank to the rear and to one side of the furrow opener. The covering disc has a circular plate portion that faces downwardly and forwardly, moves loose soil from the furrow opener into the seed furrow and rotates about a central axis that extends downwardly from a horizontal plane. A flange, with notches extends radially outward and rearwardly from the outer periphery of the circular plate portion, rolls and slides along the surface and limits soil penetration by the covering disk.

Abstract: The present invention is a planter which embeds planted seeds into the ground and then dispenses liquid in the vicinity of the embedded seeds. The planter includes a flexible arm which drags upon the ground and presses the deposited seeds into the ground and liquid dispensing passage disposed on the flexible arm. The liquid dispensing passage may be integrally with the arm or may be separate from the arm. A flexible hose may be disposed within the passage and connected to a liquid supply tank for communicating the liquid from the supply tank to the embedded seeds. A diverter disposed at the outlet of the liquid supply diverts the liquid flow from flowing directly over the embedded seed. The resulting planted seeds are thereby embedded and substantially free of surrounding air pockets, and provided with adjacent liquid after being embedded to provide proper germination and growth.

Abstract: The present invention is a planter which embeds planted seeds into the ground and then dispenses liquid in the vicinity of the embedded seeds. The planter includes a flexible arm which drags upon the ground and presses the deposited seeds into the ground and liquid dispensing passage disposed on the flexible arm. The liquid dispensing passage may be integrally with the arm or may be separate from the arm. A flexible hose may be disposed within the passage and connected to a liquid supply tank for communicating the liquid from the supply tank to the embedded seeds. The resulting planted seeds are thereby embedded and substantially free of surrounding air pockets, and provided with liquid after being embedded to provide proper germination and growth.

Abstract: The present invention is a planter which embeds planted seeds into the ground and then dispenses liquid in the vicinity of the embedded seeds. The planter includes a flexible arm which drags upon the ground and presses the deposited seeds into the ground and a rigid tube which is attached to the flexible arm. A flexible hose extends from a liquid supply tank and is telescopingly received within the rigid conduit for communicating the liquid from the supply tank to the embedded seed. The resulting planted seeds are thereby embedded and substantially free of surrounding air pockets, and provided with liquid after being embedded to provide proper germination and growth.

Abstract: A resilient seed firming attachment for a planting machine designed to effectively place seed at a consistent depth and at consistent spacing. The attachment may be of any geometrical configuration having a length adequate to firm the seed in the opened furrow and is mounted in a position trailing the discharge end of a seed boot. The resilience of the seed firming attachment being of sufficient force to pressure the seed into the soil at the desired planting depth, but flexible enough so as to not disturb the depth obtained by the furrow opening device.

Abstract: A stationary, formed metal cap covers the bearing assembly of the rotatable firming wheel to protect the bearings against the ingress of mud, residue and moisture. A smooth, convex, exposed outer surface on the cap discourages the accumulation of residue and mud between the rotating wheel and its stationary support arm so as to keep the wheel freely rotating during its rolling movement in the seed trench. A flat, band-like, circular edge around the periphery of the convex surface is received within a circular groove on the face of the wheel to obstruct the ingress of moisture and materials at that location and disposes the marginal periphery of the convex surface in a substantially flush condition with the surface of the wheel to prevent wrapping and accumulation of trash.

Abstract: A planting unit utilizing a single disk opener supported for rotation about a horizontal axis offset at a small angle from the transverse direction for opening a furrow. A seed tube assembly is located adjacent the rearward facing side of the disk and includes a runner extending forwardly of the lower portion of the seed tube for holding loose soil out of the furrow in advance of seed or other material deposited therein, the runner being located in the shadow of the disk so as not to significantly contact or disturb the side of the furrow. The opener is mounted on an arm which is pivotable about a relatively low point so as to be oriented at a relatively flat angle with respect to the ground and to maintain the general orientation of the opener as it moves through the soil throughout the range of pivotal movement of the arm. The planting unit can include one or more pivotable press wheels which can be mounted for pivotal movement about the same axis as a pivotable gauge wheel adjusting arm.

Abstract: A resilient seed firming attachment for a planting machine designed to effectively place seed at a consistent depth and at consistent spacing. The attachment may be of any geometrical configuration having a length adequate to firm the seed in the opened furrow and is mounted in a position trailing the discharge end of a seed boot. The resilience of the seed firming attachment being variable and having a control mechanism to ensure that sufficient force is applied to the seed to firm it into the soil at the desired planting depth. By controlling the amount of flex, the proper seed planting depth and firming will be accomplished in a variety of soil and moisture conditions. The seed firming device is also variable so that the amount of down pressure will not modify the depth desired and obtained by the furrow opening device.

Abstract: A seed firming wheel assembly is supported in close-coupled relationship with the rear portion of the paired discs of an opener to gently press deposited seeds down into the bottom of a V-shaped trench formed by the discs. The mounting arm of the assembly is configured in a manner to minimize the accumulation of mud and trash residue, while the wheel itself may take the form of a solid, circular block of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene with slick sides to reduce soil adherence or a spoked, molded plastic wheel having open spaces between the spokes to permit soil pass-through.

Abstract: A wheel (4) for setting sown seeds, for use in a sowing machine, is rigidly connected in rotation with at least one gauging wheel (5) having a rolling radius smaller than the radius of the periphery of the setting wheel (4). The gauging wheel (5) is a wheel with a deformable peripheral coating, such as a low pressure pneumatic tire (13).