Abstract: A method of sowing watermelon seeds is provided, specifically a method for sowing triploid seedless watermelon seeds and enhanced watermelon pollenizer seeds in the same seedling tray through the use of a mechanical seeder.

Abstract: A ground working machine having a frame, a ground engaging wheel mounted to the frame and movable between a raised position not engaging the ground and a working position engaging the ground. The ground engaging wheel, when in the working position, rotating about a wheel axis as the machine is moved over the ground. An actuator raises and lowers the ground engaging wheels. A control system includes a sensor to detect rotation of the ground engaging wheel and a controller that receives an input from the sensor. The controller commands the actuator to raise the ground engaging wheel when the sensor detects that the ground engaging wheel is not rotating.

Abstract: A product distributing apparatus is described as well as a system and method of automatically calibrating the meter of the apparatus which does not require the operator to leave the operator station of the towing vehicle. One application of such an apparatus and method is in an agricultural air seeder and it is in this context that the apparatus is described.

Abstract: The invention provides fences for capture and control of windblown particles such as snow. In preferred embodiments the fences comprise a porous upwind panel and a porous downwind panel which are separated by a gap. The fences are adapted to deposit windblown particles in highly concentrated drifts disposed upwind and/or downwind of the fence with relatively few particles deposited in the gap. Methods for snow capture and land reclamation are also provided.

Abstract: Slope surfaces of land can be eroded by rain and wind. It is necessary to vegetate a bared slope surface of land for the purpose of erosion control and environmental conservation. The present invention provides a vegetation base soil composition and a method of growing vegetation on a sloped surface for erosion control and vegetating on cut rock slope surface, such as weathered rock surface and barren soil surface. The vegetation base soil includes peat, bio-solids formed by the treatment of urban sewage, for example water treatment plant sediment, woodchip, bark, animal waste compost and clay or loam. The vegetation base soil with a microbes active material, a root activation fertilizer, an adhesive material and seeds are applied over a mesh that is secured over the sloped surface. Plants are grown in the layer of vegetation base soil.

Abstract: A planter monitor system and method that provides an operator with near real-time data concerning yield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yield robbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt corrective action.

Abstract: An assembly for selectively supplying particulate material to an air seeder, an agricultural implement able to selectively supply and dispense particulate material into the ground and a method of selectively dispensing particulate material into the ground are provided. The assembly has at least one supply receptacle for receiving particulate material from a source and a metering roller for supplying the material to an air seeder. The assembly is operative to selectively supply the material to the air seeder and prevent the material from being supplied to the air seeder. The implement can use the assembly to selectively supply particulate material to ground engaging openers where the particulate material will be dispensed into the ground. Particulate material can be selectively supplied to the implement when it is desired to have the particulate material dispensed into the ground and then prevented from being supplied to the implement when it is not desirable.

Abstract: A seed spacing monitoring system is used In an agricultural seeder for planting seeds. The agricultural seeder has a furrow opener, a seed meter for metering seed to be dispensed in the furrow, and a furrow closer to cover the seed in the furrow. The seed spacing monitoring system includes a detector supported to detect seeds in the furrow prior to the seeds being covered. The detector provides a plurality of seed presence signals, with each seed presence signal being indicative of a respective seed present in the furrow. A speed sensor is associated with the seeder and provides a speed signal indicating a ground speed of the seeder. An electrical processor receives the plurality of seed presence signals and the speed signal. The electrical processor determines a seed spacing, dependent upon the seed presence signals and the speed signal.

Abstract: A Hydroseed substrate for mixing with other ingredients such as water, seeds, fertilizer, wetting agents and dye, to produce Hydroseeding slurry is disclosed. The substrate includes cellulose materials (e.g. cardboard, paper and/or wood) and an absorbent. The absorbent is a super absorbent polymer such as linear polyacrylamide (—CH2CHCONH2—) or copolymers of acrylamide (C3H5NO) polymers. The super absorbent polymer improves moisture retention, improves viscosity, reduces friction, and improves coverage of the hydroseed mixture.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a ground engaging tool configured to engage soil in a working position and to disengage the soil in a non-working position. The agricultural implement also includes an actuating cylinder coupled to the ground engaging tool and configured to transition the ground engaging tool between the working position and the non-working position based on a flow of fluid from a fluid supply system. In addition, the agricultural implement includes at least one sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a fluid pressure within the fluid supply system, and a controller configured to determine whether the ground engaging tool is in the working position or the non-working position based on the signal.

Abstract: A method to precisely meter and dispense two or more crop inputs with a common metering disc is presented to achieve proper placement in the soil relative to one another. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials.

Abstract: A row unit of a planter or other agricultural machine having ground engaging wheels is equipped with a rotation sensor to determine if and when a wheel stops rotating. An alert is issued by a monitor to the operator so that corrective action can be taken. Further, further the monitor also determines when the machine is in use depositing an input versus turning at the end of the rows so that the rotation sensors to not generate an alert when the machine is not in use delivering an input to the field.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control apparatus for a planter implement having a drill shaft and at least one row unit including a seed meter. A clutch unit is mounted inside the row unit so that it is protected against contact and damage by crop debris and other material passing by the planting implement. An input of the clutch driven off of the drill shaft of the planting implement and an output of the clutch is operably connected to the seed meter so that operation of the clutch unit interrupts dispensing of seed by the seed meter. The clutch unit is controlled by an electrical control system to limit or prevent overlap of seed being planted by the planting implement.

Abstract: A seed metering apparatus includes a seed container with a feed opening in a bottom thereof. A feed shaft is rotatably mounted across the feed opening. A feed disc is mounted to the shaft and disc recesses are spaced along a periphery thereof An upright shield plate extends across the feed opening adjacent to the shaft and defines a disc slot having a width corresponding to a thickness of the disc. An output portion of the feed disc extends through the disc slot forward of a front face of the shield plate. The feed shaft, feed disc, and shield plate are configured such that the shield plate seals the feed opening, and such that an intake portion of the feed disc is in the feed opening exposed to seeds. Rotation of the feed shaft carries seeds out of the seed container in the disc recesses and into a seed receiver.

Abstract: Installation to be applied to self-propelled or tow-type agricultural seeders that comprises a general command central unit (5) fed from an electric power source and controls a corresponding individual control unit (10) that regulates the operation of the electro-pneumatic unit (6) associated to the seed dosing devices within the seeder to perform the pneumatic action. Electro-pneumatic unit may be a motor suction or a motor compressor unit. The invention envisages the association of these units to all the dosing devices in a seeding body of the seeder, to pairs of dosing units in the seeder, or else, on an individual basis, to each seed dosing device of the seeder.

Abstract: A seed planting device. The seed planting device includes an elongated member defining a plurality of shallow depressions regularly spaced along one or more of the member's faces. Each depression defines a volume capable of receiving a seed. A practitioner uses one face or edge of the device to create an indentation in the soil. The practitioner then lifts the device and tilts it so that the seeds fall out of the shallow depressions into the indentation. The practitioner then covers the seeds with soil by filling in the indentation with loose earth or potting soil.

Abstract: An actuating system for a planting device. The actuating system has an electric motor that provides an actuating force for a seed shaft. A pneumatic acting member is connected to a source of compressed air through a valve and positioned to engage the electric motor to actuate the electric motor. The source of compressed air and electric motor can thus be connected to a controller that operates the source of compressed air and the electric motor in order to provide selective actuation to control planting of the planting device.

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: 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: An agricultural metering device with a variable geometry meter roller is provided. The agricultural metering device includes a meter roller having a plurality of flutes. An aggregate cross sectional area of the flutes increases along a longitudinal axis of the meter roller.

Abstract: An agricultural metering device with a variable geometry meter roller is provided. The agricultural metering device includes a meter roller having a plurality of flutes. An aggregate cross sectional area of the flutes increases along a longitudinal axis of the meter roller.

Abstract: An agricultural metering device with a variable geometry meter roller is provided. The agricultural metering device includes a meter roller having a plurality of flutes. An aggregate cross sectional area of the flutes increases along a longitudinal axis of the meter roller.

Abstract: A method for delivering a beneficial agent is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a water collection chamber. A water-transporting membrane is provided to communicate with the water collection chamber. An extraction chamber receives water through the water-transporting membrane, expanding the extraction chamber. A dispensing chamber, containing a beneficial agent, is configured to contract upon expanding the extraction chamber. This causes the dispensing chamber to expel the beneficial agent through a subterranean delivery channel, such as a rigid hollow spike. In certain embodiments, a rate adjustment mechanism may control the rate that water is received through the water-transporting membrane, thereby controlling the rate the beneficial agent is expelled. The water-transporting membrane has features that repel osmagent from passing through to the water collection chamber. The method features steady rate performance without refreshing the water chamber and low temperature sensitivity.

Abstract: Control apparatus for a pneumatic seed meter having a seed disc that uses a pneumatic pressure differential to hold and release seed on a rotating disc. The control apparatus is controlled to disrupt the pressure differential in an area of the rotating disc to selectively disrupt planting of seed by the seed meter to, for example, reduce overlap planting.

Abstract: A plant handling, tagging and shipping system includes a flood trailer towed by a cart for delivering potted plants from a grow site to a prepping station while also soaking the pots, an on-demand tag-printing system for printing plant tags based on customized client data, and a conveyor system that enables workers to trim, weed, clean, and tag the plants as they travel along the conveyor. This novel system and process for handling, tagging and shipping plants provides enormous efficiencies as compared with traditional processes.

Abstract: A method of applying an input to a field is provided when using an implement having row or section control and when using an automated location and guidance system, enabled by GPS or other position technology, to avoid double application of inputs in areas covered more than once by the implement or machine. The present invention provides an application pattern and control in which double application is avoided by turning off row units or sections of row units during the first pass over the area, leaving the actual application of inputs to the second pass over that area. The minimizes or eliminates areas where a previously applied input is disturbed during a second time over that area and minimizes or eliminates areas where the soil is compacted around previously planted seed by driving over the area a second time after seeding.

Abstract: An actuating system for a planting device. The actuating system has an electric motor that provides an actuating force for a seed shaft. A pneumatic acting member is connected to a source of compressed air through a valve and positioned to engage the electric motor to actuate the electric motor. The source of compressed air and electric motor can thus be connected to a controller that operates the source of compressed air and the electric motor in order to provide selective actuation to control planting of the planting device.

Abstract: An application for a substrate for mixing with other ingredients such as water, seeds, fertilizer, wetting agents and dye, to produce Hydroseeding slurry. The substrate includes cellulose materials (e.g. cardboard, paper and/or wood) and an absorbent. In one embodiment, the absorbent is material known as diaper fluff that is created during the production of products such as disposable diapers. The absorbent or diaper fluff improves moisture retention, improves viscosity and reduces friction, improves coverage of the hydroseed mixture.

Abstract: An application for a substrate for mixing with other ingredients such as water, seeds, fertilizer, wetting agents and dye, to produce Hydroseeding slurry. The substrate includes cardboard (e.g. double-line, Kraft fibers), paper (e.g. recycled newsprint) and a material known as diaper fluff that is created during the production of products such as disposable diapers. The diaper fluff improves moisture retention, improves viscosity and reduces friction, improves coverage.

Abstract: An actuating system for a planting device. The actuating system has an electric motor that provides an actuating force for a seed shaft. A pneumatic acting member is connected to a source of compressed air through a valve and positioned to engage the electric motor to actuate the electric motor. The source of compressed air and electric motor can thus be connected to a controller that operates the source of compressed air and the electric motor in order to provide selective actuation to control planting of the planting device.

Abstract: An assembly for selectively supplying particulate material to an air seeder, an agricultural implement able to selectively supply and dispense particulate material into the ground and a method of selectively dispensing particulate material into the ground are provided. The assembly has at least one supply receptacle for receiving particulate material from a source and a metering roller for supplying the material to an air seeder. The assembly is operative to selectively supply the material to the air seeder and prevent the material from being supplied to the air seeder. The implement can use the assembly to selectively supply particulate material to ground engaging openers where the particulate material will be dispensed into the ground. Particulate material can be selectively supplied to the implement when it is desired to have the particulate material dispensed into the ground and then prevented from being supplied to the implement when it is not desirable.

Abstract: Seed meters, agricultural planters, and methods of planting seed are provided. Such meters, planters, and methods may include a housing defining a chamber, a seed disc rotatably coupled to the housing and at least partially positioned within the chamber with the seed disc adapted to engage a seed, and a sensor for detecting a characteristic of the seed after the seed disengages the seed disc and before the seed exits the seed meter. The sensor may be coupled to a seed chute of the seed meter and may detect a wide variety of seed characteristics such as seed position within the seed chute, seed size, and seed shape. The seed characteristic may be used to adjust operation of the seed meters, agricultural planters, and methods. In some instances, the adjustment may be manual. In other instances, the adjustment may be automatic.

Abstract: A method for applying agricultural products on a field with an implement guided by an external guidance system, wherein the implement comprises a plurality of sections that can be turned on to apply the products or turned off to stop applying the products, includes mapping the field to determine an implement travel path; determining overlap areas in the field where a section of the implement on a later pass will travel over a portion of an earlier pass of the implement; moving the implement along the implement travel path with sections turned on as required to apply the products on the field outside the overlap areas; and for at least one overlap area, during the earlier pass turning sections of the implement that are completely in the overlap area off, and during the later pass turning sections of the implement that are in the overlap area on.

Abstract: A pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system wherein seed from the auxiliary hopper enters the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter. And a retrofit kit for existing on-demand seed delivery systems, and method of retrofitting such existing pneumatic on-demand seed delivery systems, so as to provide an auxiliary hopper that communicates seed to the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for introducing a discrete, predetermined amount of material into soil at a plurality of predetermined points in the soil which includes a container for holding the material to be introduced into the soil, and tubing in fluid communication with the container at a first end thereof. At least one electrically controlled injector is provided in fluid communication with a second end of the tubing. Also, at least one shank is provided, which includes a base, and an injector mounting member attached to a surface of the base that is adapted for detachably mounting the electrically controlled injector onto the base. In addition, a controller is provided for activating the electrically controlled injector to introduce the material into the soil. Accordingly, enhanced control of the injection of the material into soil is achieved, and maintenance can be performed easily.

Abstract: A seed retrieval apparatus for use with a seed planting device having row planters is provided. The seed retrieval apparatus may be used in instances of mechanical failures of the seed planting device and/or planting errors. The seed retrieval apparatus may include a discard hopper located on the seed planting device which is configured to receive discard seed from the row planters. Further, seed discard tubes of the seed retrieval apparatus each define a first end in fluid communication with a respective row planter and a second end in fluid communication with the seed discard hopper. Additionally, seed containers respectively couple to the second ends of the seed discard tubes, wherein each seed container is configured to receive and isolate discard seed from a respective row planter. Accordingly, the discard seed may be repackaged and planted. A method of retrieving discard seed from a seed planting device is also provided.

Abstract: Markers associated with Sclerotinia stem rot resistance are provided. Methods of identifying resistant and susceptible plants, using the markers are provided. Methods for identifying and isolating QTL are a feature of the invention, as are QTL associated with Sclerotinia stem rot resistance.

Abstract: A planter monitor system and method that provides an operator with near real-time data concerning yield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yield robbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt corrective action.

Abstract: A seed delivery apparatus has a moving member that captures and entraps the seed from the seed meter and physically moves the seed from the meter to the lower outlet opening. In so doing, the seed engages and travels along an interior surface of the seed delivery apparatus. A seed sensor is mounted on the housing wall such that the seed passes directly in front of the sensor. The sensor has both the light emitting devices and the photo-sensitive elements on the same wall of the delivery apparatus, or on two opposed walls. The moving member prevents ambient light, dust and dirt from entering the housing and impacting the sensor output signal.

Abstract: A method of managing timberland generally includes planting within a plot a first genetic tree crop of a first tree species that is selected for at least a first tree trait in a substantially linear pattern defining a first plurality of adjacent substantially linear beds at a first crop spacing and at a first row spacing between adjacent substantially linear beds. The method further includes interplanting a second genetic tree crop of the first tree species that is selected for at least a second tree trait in the first plurality of adjacent substantially linear beds at a second crop spacing that is shorter than the first crop spacing, such that adjacent substantially linear beds include trees of the first and second genetic tree crops.

Abstract: An emissions recycling system is used on a vehicle towing an agricultural implement to enrich the fertility of the soil. The system includes an exhaust collector for collecting exhaust emissions from the internal combustion engine of the towing vehicle and an exhaust distribution system for injecting at least a portion of the exhaust emissions collected by the exhaust collector into the ground worked by the ground working tools of the agricultural implement. Fertility of the soil is enriched by bioactivity within the soil's micro flora which consumes the greenhouse gas and emissions.

Abstract: Pygmy sesame plants having the py/py recessive gene and a character selected from non-dehiscence or improved non-dehiscence and a method for breeding the same are disclosed. Methods for improved sesame agriculture comprising growing a pygmy sesame line having py/py gene and a character selected from non-dehiscence or improved non-dehiscence are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for clearing crop residue from a field is adapted for attachment to a tool bar of an agricultural implement or to a planter unit such that the apparatus is pulled through a field by the implement. The apparatus includes a support structure extending forward of the tool bar and at least one and preferably a pair of floating arms pivotally attached to a forward portion of the support structure and extending rearwardly, with a toothed wheel rotationally attached to an aft end of the arm(s). A coulter attached to the support structure is disposed between and extends forward of the soil-engaging toothed wheel(s) and in combination with the wheel(s) severs and removes residue in the seeding pathway. An adjustable biasing arrangement urges the toothed wheels, either in unison or independently, downwardly into engagement with the soil. Upper and lower stop limits are provided to limit vertical positioning of the toothed wheel(s).

Abstract: Slope surfaces of land can be eroded by rain and wind. It is necessary to vegetate a bared slope surface of land for the purpose of erosion control and environmental conservation. The present invention provides a vegetation base soil composition and a method of growing vegetation on a sloped surface for erosion control and vegetating on cut rock slope surface, such as weathered rock surface and barren soil surface. The vegetation base soil includes peat, bio-solids formed by the treatment of urban sewage, for example water treatment plant sediment, woodchip, bark, animal waste compost and clay or loam. The vegetation base soil with a microbes active material, a root activation fertilizer, an adhesive material and seeds are applied over a mesh that is secured over the sloped surface. Plants are grown in the layer of vegetation base soil.

Abstract: The seed meter includes the combination of a vacuum housing and a seed disc coupled together in a sealed manner to form a vacuum chamber. Disposed within the vacuum chamber is a generally flat finger wheel having plural radially extending resilient fingers. Also disposed in the vacuum chamber is a fixed arm. A seed hopper is disposed adjacent the seed disc for providing seeds to an outer surface of the seed disc, with the seeds adhering to the plural spaced apertures on the seed disc's periphery with vacuum applied to the disc's inner surface. A rotary drive spindle rotates the vacuum housing, seed disc and finger wheel combination, with each resilient finger sequentially deflected by the fixed arm to sequentially engage each disc aperture, interrupting vacuum communication with each aperture, for sequentially releasing the seeds.

Abstract: A splitter divides an air/product mixture flow, delivered thereto in an air-powered distribution line, between a primary and a secondary distribution channel, which may be flow-coupled to a product hopper or a hose flow-coupled to another product hopper or another splitter. The air/product mixture enters the inlet of the splitter along an angled downward flow path and exits a primary outlet, flow-coupled to the primary distribution channel, along a vertical downward flow path. Air/product flow is exhausted by a secondary outlet, which is flow-coupled to the secondary distribution channel, at an angled upward flow path. The velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is exhausted from the secondary outlet is at an acute angle relative to the velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is received by the inlet of the splitter.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: To produce, monitor, and control a flow of air for a seed conveying system and a seed metering system, an air-assisted planting system includes an air handling system having a single air source and an air controller for maintaining a generally constant air pressure to the metering system. The air controller includes a plurality of sensors associated with and operable to monitor an air pressure through the metering system. Based on a sensed air pressure, a microprocessor of the air controller instructs the air handling system to selectively divert the flow of air to the metering system on an as-needed basis to maintain the generally constant air pressure.

Abstract: A farm implement includes a chassis, a wheeled section, a tool section, and a fifth wheel coupling device for receiving and coupling with a complimentary coupling pin on a semi-trailer. A fifth wheel coupling system includes a fifth wheel coupling plate having a slot designed to receive a coupling pin of a semi-trailer, a latching mechanism designed to latch onto the coupling pin of the semi-trailer, and a coupling device interface designed to connect the fifth wheel coupling plate and latching device to a farm implement. A method of connecting a semi-trailer to a farm implement having a fifth wheel coupling device includes aligning and connecting a coupling pin of the semi-trailer with a coupling device of a farm implement. A farm implement includes a coupling device designed to connect with a complimentary coupling device of a trailer having a storage tank with a capacity greater than 1,000 gallons.

Abstract: A seed meter is provided having an endless belt as a seed transport member together with a pressure differential to hold the seed onto the belt. The use of an endless belt as the seed transport member enables the spatial orientation of the seed transport member to vary from location to location along the path of the belt where different seed meter functions are performed. The belt allows greater freedom in determining the location of the seed pick-up region and the seed release or removal region beyond the constraints of a fixed diameter seed disk. The belt further allows for a narrow envelope seed meter which can cross-feed seed into a substantially vertically oriented delivery device.