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: 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: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to improve seed distribution to a plurality of seed or row units of an agricultural planter. Each row unit is fitted with a seed box having an air/seed inlet and an air outlet through which air is allowed to escape. The present invention effectively closes off or substantially reduces the flow of air out of one or more of the seed boxes to reduce the amount of seed that is fed to the seed boxes. Through the use of restrictor plates, which may be vented to allow some air flow or solid to prevent air flow, the delivery of seed to the seed boxes can be equalized to provide more uniform seed distribution to the row units.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).

Abstract: A particulate metering system includes a set of blocking members that can be independently controlled to block or allow the flow of particulate material to a roller assembly that collects the particulate material and releases the material to a series of distribution channels.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus, method and system for a seed planter. The seed planter has a planting, dispensing and metering assembly operatively attached to a mobile supporting structure. The metering assembly has separated seed pre-staging and/or staging positions for staging pre-specified counts of seed separated from other counts in the batch and maintaining separation of the pre-specified counts of seed from other counts in the batch for planting. Alternatively, the metering assembly has separated seed staging positions for staging a batch of seed in singulated form for planting.

Abstract: A device for use in cutting plugs of submerged substrate and particularly seagrass plugs for the purpose of transplanting using a corresponding transport receptacle and method. The device utilizes a hollow cutting member with a serrated bottom edge capable of being placed over a targeted area and forced into the submerged substrate, created vacuum pressure in the hollow cutting member, and compressed air injected between the exterior of the hollow cutting member and the submerged substrate to accomplish cutting of a submerged substrate unit. Vacuum pressure in the hollow cutting member is released to transfer the collected unit to the corresponding transport receptacle with a removable bottom. A corresponding method for transplanting a collected seagrass plug is further accomplished by creating a hole at recipient site using the device and removing the transport receptacle's removable bottom to release the plug into the created hole.

Abstract: Transplanter which can avoid skips when planting, which skips may occur when seeds in a tray row fail to grow into seedlings. This is accomplished by picking up an entire row of seedlings from a tray, transferring the seedlings to a mechanism which eliminates gaps between seedlings, and then discharging the seedlings one at time to the ground with a desired spacing between the seedlings. A novel tray indexing mechanism is provided which can index trays of varying sizes. The planting mechanism has an air knife mounted adjacent transfer disks for straightening out the foliage as stems of seedlings before they are received by the planting disks, and the planting and transfer disks may be moved towards and away from each other for seedlings of differing heights.

Abstract: An automated seed detection and planting synchronization apparatus, method and system is disclosed. The invention includes a seed detection protocol configured to monitor a derived metric equated to timing of movement of a seed carried by a seed metering unit from a seed pick-up to seed drop point. For controlling synchronization of planting of seed, a seed metering unit empty notification signal is provided if the derived metric is satisfied and sensor readings confirm the absence of seed in the seed metering unit.

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 watering apparatus comprising a storage container having a tubular section which is closed with an open-cell foam based on an aminoplast, and a method for watering or applying fertilizer.

Abstract: A transplanting apparatus which can plant virtually 100% of the seedlings from a nursery tray, while avoid skips when planting which may happen when seeds in a tray row fail to grow into seedlings. This is accomplished by picking up an entire row of seedlings from a tray, transferring the seedlings to a mechanism which eliminates gaps between seedlings, and then discharging the seedlings one at a time to the ground with a desired spacing between the seedlings while having full physical control of the seedlings. A root ball compressor is provided to provide better control of the seedlings as the compressed root balls are less likely to tip over, and the compressed root balls are easier to be grabbed by the pinch disks.

Abstract: Biodegradable solid soil amendment material such as poultry litter may be disposed of in soil using an apparatus which includes a soil cutter for cutting a trench and a dispenser for transporting the material and simultaneously grinding or shearing the material and distributing it to the trenches in the soil. The receptacle includes a plurality of troughs across its bottom surface, each having an outlet at one end thereof, and corresponding screw augers therein for distributing and transporting the material to the outlets. As the material is transported toward each of the outlets by the augers it is crushed or ground to a small size. This apparatus allows the material to be dispensed through the multiple outlets at a substantially steady, uniform rate.

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 agricultural implement for distributing a product by dense phase flow is disclosed. The agricultural implement comprises a frame and a product distribution system configured to distribute the product to different positions on the frame by dense phase flow. The product distribution system includes a primary container configured to accommodate the product and includes a primary container inlet and a product exit. The product distribution system also includes a pressure supply assembly configured to provide a pressurized fluid and is in fluid communication with the primary container through the primary container inlet. The product distribution system also includes a distribution conduit that includes a conduit first end connected to the product exit and a conduit discharge end opposite the conduit first end.

Abstract: A method and device for filling a container with a fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, chemical, or the like material by gravity, includes a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a valve for opening or restricting a flow between the inlet and outlet and having open and closed positions, and an actuator disposed downstream of the inlet for actuating the valve between the open and closed positions, wherein the actuator is operated by a container to be filled with a material.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agricultural implement and a method of making an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement has a primary containment unit and a plurality of sections. At least one dense phase delivery line connects the primary containment unit to each of the sections. A transport control system allows for individual control of the dense phase transport of the granular product from the primary containment unit to each of the plurality of sections via the at least one dense phase delivery line.

Abstract: An ammonia knife assembly is mounted onto a toolbar and is moved across a field to apply ammonia into the bottom of a trench. The ammonia knife assembly includes a knife for piercing the ground and creating the trench, an ammonia supply tube, and a horizontal shield attached to the knife. The shield has a rounded portion extending forwardly from the leading edge and two side portions extending outwardly from the sides of the knife for deflecting any dirt particles that may be thrown upwardly and outwardly from the leading edge of the knife as it pierces the ground.

Abstract: A seeding machine having a plurality of row units and a processing circuit. Each of the row units have a seed metering device, a seed placement device and a sensor suitable to detect a parameter related to seed placement. The seed metering device includes a metering member providing a metering action to a plurality of seeds. The seed placement device receives the seeds from the seed metering device. A seed meter drive controller receives an index signal from the sensor on the row unit as well as a reference pulse signal. The processing signal of the drive controllers compares the index signal to the reference signal. Each drive controller is selectively programmable to control an associated motor of the meter drive to produce a desired relationship between the row unit index signal and the reference signal thereby synchronizing the seed placement among two or more rows. block diagram illustrating an alternative arrangement of the meter drive and control system components.

Abstract: A method of managing timberland that utilizes multiple genetic crops. The method comprises planting within a plot of land a first genetic crop in a substantially linear pattern. This first genetic crop is selected for yielding trees with high lumber values. The first genetic crop is planted at a first crop spacing and at a first row spacing that is beneficial to yielding trees with high lumber value. Interplanted along the substantially linear pattern is a second genetic crop. The second genetic crop is selected for yielding trees for other than lumber value. The second genetic crop is planted at a second crop spacing that is shorter than the first crop spacing. Pruning the first genetic crop occurs at a time such that the final value of the first genetic crop will be maximized. Harvesting of the second genetic crop occurs at a time when either the final value of the first genetic crop will be maximized or the final value of the second genetic crop is high.

Abstract: The applicator system is designed to distribute agriculturally beneficial matter across a field. The system includes a supply reservoir and an agitator assembly that grates and abrades matter in the supply reservoir until the abraded matter precipitates out of the supply reservoir and onto a supply conveyor. The supply conveyor conveys the matter to a distribution device. The distribution device meters the matter onto at least two lateral distribution conveyors. At the end of each of the distribution conveyors the matter is funneled downwardly into an open trench created by a trenching device associated with each distribution conveyor. After the matter is deposited into the trench, a trench closing assembly directs soil back into the trench and compresses the soil surface.

Abstract: A material dispensing device delivers material directly into the ground. According to one embodiment of the material dispensing device, the device comprises an elongated hollow shaft, a receptacle, a helical flange and on or more openings formed in the shaft or helical flanges. The receptacle is disposed adjacent one end of the shaft for holding material. The receptacle is communicatively open to the shaft such that the material or a liquid-material mixture dissolved from at least a portion of the material can flow from the receptacle into the shaft. The helical flange is secured to the shaft. The shaft and helical flange are configured such that rotation of the shaft and flange causes the material dispensing device to be driven into the ground. The one or more openings formed in the shaft or helical flange disperse the material or the liquid-material mixture into the ground.

Abstract: A method of planting test plots of different seeds in a field includes loading a multi-row planter with a first seed, and traversing the field and planting a test plot of the test plot of the first seed in a portion of the test field; automatically removing the first seed from the multi-row planter and loading a second seed into the multi-row planter, and traversing the field and planting a test plot of the test plot of the second seed in the field.

Abstract: A composition including an aqueous solution of calcium polysulfide and an amount of a precipitation preventing compound effective to reduce or eliminate precipitation of the calcium polysulfide at low concentrations. The precipitation preventing compound is selected from the group consisting of sodium hydrosulfide, potassium hydrosulfide, sodium sulfide, and potassium sulfide. A method of reducing or preventing precipitation of calcium polysulfide added to the water in an irrigation system by first injecting the precipitation preventing compound into the water in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate precipitation of the calcium polysulfide at low concentrations. Sodium methyldithiocarbamate can be added to the calcium polysulfide/precipitation preventing compound solution without any substantial precipitation.

Abstract: A drill for seeds and/or solid fertilizer having a support frame and a plurality of planter row units extending transversally of the direction of travel which are separated in first, second and third groups. A central member supports the first group and is attached to the support frame in a transverse manner so that the units of the first group are in contact with the ground in an operational position. First and second outer members respectively support the second and third groups and are attached respectively to a first and second end of the central member so that the outer members can rest in a first operational position collinear with the central member with the units of the second and third groups in contact with the ground, in a second position parallel to and over the central member, and in a third position perpendicular to and over the central member.

Abstract: A transporter 16 is provided for moving a live tree which has a root ball B which is boxed or otherwise contained. A powered slide mechanism 22 is movable from an inclined position to engage the boxed tree to a horizontal transport position on the trailer or truck bed. A powered loading mechanism 26 attached to the slide mechanism engages the boxed tree to move up the inclined slide mechanism. A powered tilting mechanism 40 tilts the boxed tree to an inclined transport position.

Abstract: A branch for distributing granular material includes an inlet portion, a transition portion downstream of the inlet portion, and an outlet portion downstream of the transition portion. Each portion has a critical air flow rate that is required to cause the granular material to flow through the respective portion. The branching that occurs at the transition portion results in the critical air flow rate of the transition portion being greater than the critical air flow rate of the inlet portion, typically requiring an amount of air at least equal to the critical air flow rate of the transition portion to flow granular material through the branch. In the disclosed branch, the inlet portion is oriented relative to the outlet portion such that applying air to substantially equal the critical air flow rate of the inlet portion results in granular material being urged by gravity to move through the transition portion and into the outlet portion.

Abstract: A sand dispenser for a scarifier wherein the sand dispenser is mounted on the scarifier and comprises: a sand hopper having an outlet at a lower end of the hopper; a gate located below the outlet and moveable between an open position and a closed position for controlling the flow of sand through the hopper and into a distributor, the distributor including a row of distributing lines through which sand is directed to flow and enter grooves in the ground created by blades of the scarifier, wherein each distributing line is aligned with a groove.

Abstract: A towed implement, such as a planter is provided with a folding platform allowing improved access to row units and seed tanks of the planter implement. The platform is movable or foldable to improve access to row units below the platform while providing access to seed tanks. The platform may be provided in addition to a transverse platform, such as for access to seed tanks in planters. The folding platform may be used, along with handrails and a ladder, for accessing the platform for servicing the implement. The folding platform may be collapsed or folded to allow access to the row units that are beneath the platform.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a swing link, a ground engaging tool, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by compensating for changes in draft force caused by changes in terrain elevation. The swing link allows the cylinder to compensate for the forces applied to the ground engaging tool, thereby providing a substantially constant packing force to the soil beneath the packing wheel.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, especially during changes in terrain elevation.

Abstract: A method and device for dispensing a predetermined or measured amount of a fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, chemical, or the like material includes a housing with a plurality of chambers in communication with each other. A plurality of valves are provided for opening or restricting the flow between the chambers. One of the chambers includes a measuring chamber, and a second of the chambers includes a storage chamber disposed downstream of the measuring chamber. A dispensing chamber is disposed downstream of the storage chamber. A material discharge valve is operably associated with the dispensing chamber for discharging the material from the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.

Abstract: A pneumatic agricultural product delivery system configured to reduce the velocity of agricultural product entering a furrow is disclosed. The system includes at least one product supply chamber, a furrow opening device configured to engage the ground to create a furrow, a plurality of tubes providing an interior passage extending from the product supply chamber to a cyclone rigidly mounted to the tool bar. A pneumatic pressure source is pneumatically coupled to the interior passage to supply pressurized air to the interior passage to move product within the interior passage and a product placement tube extends from an outlet of the cyclone to a location adjacent the furrow opening device.

Abstract: A seeding apparatus comprising: (a seed distribution metering means including a rotating d drum with apertures on its periphery and a vacuum generator for generating a suction pressure inside the drum so that seeds are attracted to the apertures; (b) feeding system including a hopper, gravitational acceleration chamber, velocity controlling elements such as a flap and continuous belts for feeding seeds at a required amount and speed to the drum; (c) release mechanisms including an air-jet for releasing metered seeds from the drum along a selected trajectory while unselected seeds follow another trajectory, delivery device including an adjustable flow venturi and electronic sensor for controlling delivery of metered seeds.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying liquid-solid dispersions to soil. Valves are provided which permit cleaning. An elongate conduit, with an aperture at one end, and a first valve proximate such aperture may be opened to permit passage of a pig member. An upwardly extending conduit is “T'ed” off the elongate conduit, and connects with a manifold and a plurality of supply tubes to direct the liquid-solid dispersions to the soil at various points along the frame of the applicator. A second valve may be provided on the upwardly extending conduit, which may be closed to prevent initial supply of the liquid-solid dispersion to the apparatus and instead flow to the aperture to prevent plugging during initial operation. The second valve, when closed, further serves as an anti-siphoning valve to prohibit further supply of liquid solid dispersion to the manifold. A method for cleaning such apparatus is further disclosed.

Abstract: A detector is supported adjacent the seed cells within a seed meter housing and provides an indication of the presence or absence of seeds in the cells. A processor receives the seed presence indications and provides an operator readout to facilitate adjustments to the seed meter system to maintain a single seed per seed cell at the given seed population. In one embodiment, the detector is a video camera and the readout includes a slow motion rendering of the seed cells downstream of a seed singulator. In another embodiment, a light source is located on one side of the seed cells, and a light detector is located on the opposite side of the seed cell to determine presence or absence of material in the cell.

Abstract: A process and apparatus improves the fertility of soil, helps detoxify hazardous chemicals in the soil, and reduces erosion of the soil. The system provides implantation apparatus for injecting or implanting water and earthworm cocoons in the soil. The depth at which cocoons are implanted is selected. The temperature of the ambient air and soil at the implantation depth is selected. A determination is made with respect to whether the soil is too wet for planting. Physical soil conditions are selected. The soil in which cocoons are being implanted is evaluated to determine the selected physical soil conditions, including the presence of chemicals known to be toxic to earthworms. Worm species are selected to improve selected ones of the soil conditions. Cocoons of the selected worm species are encapsulated. The encapsulated cocoons are placed in the implantation apparatus with water. Openings are made in the soil. The implantation apparatus implants water and cocoons in the openings.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and method for planting plants are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a vehicle, such as a tractor, and a planting apparatus that is movable across the ground by the vehicle. The vehicle desirably has a guiding system for automatically guiding the vehicle to follow a predetermined planting path as the vehicle moves across the ground. The guiding system can comprise, for example, a global positioning system for determining the instantaneous positions of the vehicle and an automatic steering system for steering the vehicle based on positioning information from global positioning. As the vehicle moves the planting apparatus along the planting path, the planting apparatus plants a row of plants, such as trees or other agricultural products, at spaced apart locations along the planting path.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various methods and devices for planting. One method embodiment includes providing a planting device having a frame, the planting device including a generally vertically oriented barrel and a ram slidable within the barrel for propelling a slip having a length placed therein. The method includes accelerating the ram, contacting the slip with the ram, and propelling the slip to a velocity such that the momentum of the slip is sufficient to fire the slip through an unprepared ground surface such that the slip penetrates the ground surface to a depth of at least 80% of the length of the slip.

Abstract: A method for delivering plant seed material to a target placement surface is described. The method comprises utilizing a core material and combining plant seed material with the core material to create a vector. A plurality of vectors are delivered to a target placement surface but a barrier layer of vectors is not created.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for use with a front fold planter is configured to move the tool bar of the planter between a first height corresponding to a planting position, a second height corresponding to a field transport position and a third height corresponding to a road transport position. A first set of hydraulic cylinders is mounted to the tool bar for moving the frame between the first height, the second and the third height. A second set of hydraulic cylinders is mounted to the tool bar for moving the frame between the first height and the second height. The first and second set of cylinders are arranged in a master/slave relationship relative to each other and operable independent of each other.

Abstract: A method for seeding flax seeds and canola seeds includes: with a plurality of side banding furrow openers, depositing seeds into a corresponding plurality of seed furrows; with each side banding furrow opener, depositing phosphate fertilizer in a corresponding side band in proximity to the seeds in the seed furrows; with a plurality of mid-row banding furrow openers, depositing nitrogen fertilizer, and optionally sulfur fertilizer, in fertilizer furrows where each fertilizer furrow is located substantially midway between adjacent seed furrows. An apparatus for practicing the method is provided as well.

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: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.

Abstract: A planter for the mechanized planting of sea oats in beach or other difficult planting areas. The planter includes a calibrator that automates the release of sea oat plants through various release tubes as the planter moves over a chosen planting area. The calibrator controls the release of each plant at re-selected distances. Growth agent is introduced through ancillary mechanisms either through the release tubes or just behind each tube. A plow in front of each release tube creates a furrow into which each plant is deposited, and a series of grates are strategically positioned to control the reflow of planting soil back into each furrow after release and to then smooth any remaining soil adjacent the filled in furrow. The planter is towed behind a tractor through nominal hitches, and a chair and planting support rack is provided for an operator positioned in the center of the planter.

Abstract: A drill (10) adapted to distribute at least one of seeds and solid fertilizer, the drill (10) comprising a support frame (12) supported by at least two rear wheels (16) aft thereof, a main reservoir (20) installed on a rear portion (12b) of the support frame (12), the main reservoir (20) forming a receptacle with an at least partially open top to receive the at least one of the seeds and the solid fertilizer, the main reservoir having an outlet in a lower portion thereof a secondary reservoir (32) installed on a front portion of the support frame (12) and having an at least partially open top, a distribution system in communication with the secondary reservoir (32) for distributing the at least one of the seeds and fertilizer; and a conveyor (30) in communication with the outlet in the main reservoir (20) and extending to the secondary reservoir (32) such as to carry the at least one of the seeds and the solid fertilizer from the main reservoir (20) to the secondary reservoir (32), whereby the at least one of

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for increasing containment and traceability of transgenic seeds, both prior to harvest and post harvest. Disclosed are methods to produce and select a desirable plant cultivar for molecular farming characterized by being easily amenable for transformation and regeneration and with visual characteristic feature such as in particular characteristic pigmentation of the seed coat or other parts of the seed that can be traced and are easily distinguished in the field or during and/or after harvesting from non-transgenic seeds of the same species that have not the visual characteristic feature.

Abstract: A planting unit is provided having a seed trench opener that forms a seed trench in a ground surface as the planting unit travels along the ground. A depth regulating member is provided that has a predetermined vertical position relative to the opener. The depth regulating member is operable to ride along the ground and thus predetermined the seed trench depth. A suspension assembly is provided to reduce the shock forces on the planting unit when obstacles are encountered. Furthermore, a suspension system is provided to the seed trench opener, in addition to the depth regulating member.