Abstract: An agricultural system for monitoring operating conditions associated with disks of an agricultural implement may include a support mount supported relative to a frame member, with the support mount having a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion at least partially spaced apart from each other. Further, the system may include a support member supported relative to the frame member by the support mount, with the support member being positioned between the first and second mounting portions. Moreover, the system may include a shaft supported relative to the frame member by the support member and a ground engaging disk supported on the shaft. Additionally, the system may include a load sensor supported by one of the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion, with the load sensor being configured to generate data indicative of a load on the support member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatuses, methods, and systems that provide a tracking assembly adapted to be used with a vegetation control system, the assembly comprising: an articulating frame; a pivoting frame coupled to the articulating frame along a pivot axis; a vegetation control application system coupled to the pivoting frame; a first ground tracking device coupled to the articulating frame configured to contact a surface underneath the articulating frame and position the articulating frame relative to the surface underneath the articulating frame; and a second ground tracking device coupled to the pivoting frame configured to contact a surface underneath the pivoting frame and position the pivoting frame and vegetation control application system relative to the surface underneath the pivoting frame, wherein the second ground tracking device pivots the pivoting frame about the pivot axis when an elevation of the surface underneath the second tracking device is different to an elevation of th

Abstract: A guidance system that automatically switches guidance modes in connection with executing an end turn. As the agricultural machine travels in a first, row sense guidance mode along a first guidance line in a non-coverage area, an approaching boundary between the non-coverage area and a headland area is identified. If the headland area contains crop rows, then, upon reaching the boundary, the guidance system switches to a second, GPS guidance mode. The agricultural machine travels along a first turn guidance line from the first guidance line to a preexisting headland guidance line, wherein the guidance system switches to the first guidance mode. The agricultural machine then travels in a direction parallel to the crop rows of the headland area. When leaving the headland guidance line, the guidance system switches to the second guidance mode, and then back to the first guidance mode upon the agricultural machine returning to the boundary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a communication system for an agricultural machine and an agricultural machine comprising such a communication system. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such an agricultural machine. The communication system for an agricultural machine comprises a main control device, which is configured as a central computing and control unit for controlling machine functions, preferably such as the positionally accurate switching on and off of distribution and/or processing processes; and at least one auxiliary operating component which is configured to perform an operating function assigned to it as a function of control data from the main control device and/or independently. The main control device and the at least one auxiliary operating component each have at least one Ethernet interface for connection to an Ethernet data network, for sending and/or receiving data via the Ethernet data network during the control of machine functions.

Abstract: A yield prediction system including an information gathering unit that retrieves a plurality of images of a field over a time period, an information analysis unit that divides each image into a plurality of tiles. a pixel analysis unit that gathers at least one agronomic rule to each tile and a simulation unit that determines the yield represented by each pixel in each image based on the agronomic rules and the analysis of each tile.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining at least one of the treatment parameters selected from the group consisting of: (a) at least one rate (seeding rate) for planting at least one crop in a field or a sub-field zone, (b) at least one depth (seeding depth) for planting at least one crop in a field or a sub-field zone, and (c) at least one time window (seeding time) for planting at least one crop in a field or a sub-field zone, comprising the following steps: (step 1) receiving by the computing unit—from a database and/or from user input and/or from real-time measurements—crop data relating to the at least one crop to be planted in the field or in the sub-field zone and static field data relating to the field or the sub-field zone, (step 2) receiving by the computing unit—from a database and/or from user input and/or from real-time measurements—at least one type of additional data selected from the group consisting of: (A) yield data relating to the field or the sub-field zone, (B) weather data relatin

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying operational abnormalities based on data received from an agricultural implement performing a task in an agricultural field are described herein. In an embodiment, a system receives time-series data captured from an agricultural implement performing an agronomic activity on an agricultural field, the time-series data including, for each of a plurality of timestamps, a location of the agricultural implement. The system identifies a plurality of passes in the time-series data and using the identified plurality of passes, identifies a plurality of location on the agricultural field in which the activity performed by the agricultural implement included a particular operational abnormality. The system generates a map of operational abnormalities for the agricultural field, the map of operational abnormalities including the plurality of locations on the agricultural field in which the activity performed by the agricultural implement included the particular operational abnormality.

Abstract: Some embodiments may include a multi-product management system including a modular container for re-supplying partially or fully automated agricultural operations. The modular container may include a liquid-holding portion, a granular solid-holding portion, and, optionally, an add-on portion. In some embodiments, the liquid-holding portion may be formed of a plurality of liquid-holding portions. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.

Abstract: A system for determining row cleaner aggressiveness of a seed-planting implement includes a row cleaner assembly having a row cleaner arm and a row cleaner wheel rotatably coupled to the row cleaner arm. Furthermore, the system includes an optical flow sensor configured to generate data indicative the movement of soil particles within a field across which the seed-planting implement is traveling relative to the seed-planting implement. Additionally, a computing system of the disclosed system includes is configured to determine a flow parameter associated with the movement of the soil particles relative to the seed-planting implement based on the data generated by the optical flow sensor. Furthermore, the computing system is configured to determine an aggressiveness parameter indicative of the amount of engagement between the row cleaner wheel and the surface of the field based on the determined flow parameter.

Abstract: A method for determining amounts of material to add to a mixture of agricultural materials to be applied to a field based on an area of a field yet to be applied or how much material can be added to a storage tank.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a parking mechanism of a riding lawn mower, relates to the technical field of lawn mowers, and solves the problem in the prior art that the parking mechanism is complicated and difficult to operate.

Abstract: A brush attachment system with a first module that has a mounting bracket, an arm support, an arm, and an elongated member. The mounting bracket is configured to mount onto a first side of the turfgrass mower. The arm support is coupled to the mounting bracket and the arm has a first end that is pivotally coupled to the arm support. The second end of the arm is configured to couple with a turfgrass brush. The arm is configured to rotate between an active position in which the arm extends towards the front of the turfgrass mower and an inactive position in which the arm is lifted away from the front of the turfgrass mower. The elongated member is configured to extend through the turfgrass mower to a second side of the turfgrass mower and exert a force on the brush attachment system toward the turfgrass mower.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a frame and a harvesting implement adjustably coupled to the frame. Furthermore, the agricultural harvester includes an arm coupled to the harvesting implement at a first pivot joint and coupled to the frame at a second pivot joint. Additionally, the agricultural harvester includes an actuator coupled between the frame and the harvesting implement, with the actuator configured to adjust a flotation force acting on the harvesting implement. Moreover, the agricultural harvester includes a sensor configured to generate data indicative of a pushing force acting on the harvesting implement and a computing system communicatively coupled to the sensor. In this respect, the computing system is configured to determine the pushing force acting on the harvesting implement based on the data generated by the sensor. In addition, the computing system is configured to control the operation of the actuator based on the determined pushing force.

Abstract: A robotic work tool system (200) comprising a server (230), a user device (240) and one or more robotic work tools (100, 100-1, 100-2), the server comprising a controller (231), the controller (231) being configured to: define (510) an extent of a work area (205); define (520) features of the work area; receive at least one user requirement from the user device (240); define (540) requirements based on the extent of the work area, the features of the work area and the user requirement; select (550) one or more of the one or more robotic work tools (100) based on capabilities of the robotic work tools (100) by matching the requirements to the capabilities of the robotic work tools; generate (560) operating instructions for the selected robotic work tools (100); and to transmit (570) the operating instructions to the selected robotic work tools (100).

Abstract: An autonomous lawn mower (100) comprises a mower body (102) having at least one motor (210) arranged to drive a cutting blade (212b) and to propel the mower body (102) on an operating surface via a wheel arrangement. The mower body (102) includes a navigation system (204) arranged to assist a controller (202) to control the operation of the mower body (102) within the predefined operating area (208). The navigation system includes an odometry module (106, 220), a rotatable optical surveying module (222), a sonic obstacle detection module (224), a heat absorbing unit set on the outer surface of the mower body (102) for directing the heat generated within the mower body towards the atmosphere, and a detachable docking module (816) arranged to receive the mower body (102).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for towing behind a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a body portion, a wheel, and a mounting member connecting the wheel to the body portion, wherein the mounting member comprises a hinge portion, and wherein the wheel is movable from a first position substantially behind the body portion to a second position substantially adjacent to the body portion via actuation of the hinge portion. Use of the apparatus is also described.

Abstract: Mower blades are provided having a hexagonal central aperture configured such that a variety of retaining plates can pass through the aperture. This allows the mower blade to function with replaceable-blade mower systems having any of a variety of retaining-plate shapes, including both symmetric and asymmetric retaining-plate shapes, including S-shaped retaining plates.

Abstract: A grounds maintenance apparatus adapted for movement from a horizontal operating orientation to a vertical storage orientation. An operator handle of the apparatus may be moved from an operating position during operation, to a folded position for storage. A passive retainer may hold the handle in the folded position. Embodiments of such grounds maintenance apparatus further provide an auxiliary lift handle adapted for gripping by an operator when moving the apparatus between the horizontal operating orientation and the vertical storage orientation.

Abstract: A lateral offset mower implement may include a mower support frame, a pivot head, a curtain support apparatus, and a curtain. The mower support frame has a first end attached to a work vehicle and a second end spaced from the first end along a central longitudinal axis of the mower support frame. The pivot head is coupled to the mower support frame proximate the second end thereof. The pivot head defines a first curtain axis, and the first curtain axis is vertical during operation. The curtain support apparatus has a primary curtain support member attached to the pivot head and extending away from the pivot head to a distal end. The curtain is supported by the curtain support apparatus. The primary curtain support member is pivotably attached to the pivot head for relative rotation between the primary curtain support member and the pivot head about the first curtain axis.

Abstract: One or more maps are obtained by an agricultural system. The one or more maps map characteristic values at different geographic locations in a worksite. The agricultural system identifies one or more operational constraints. The agricultural system generates a control output to control operation of a mobile machine operating in an agricultural harvesting operation based on the one or more operational constraints.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting system obtains a yield map that maps yield values to different geographic locations in a worksite and a speed map that maps agricultural harvester speed values to different geographic locations in the worksite. The agricultural harvesting system identifies a geographic location in the worksite at which the agricultural harvester will be full, at least to a threshold level, based on the yield map; identifies a geographic location in the worksite at which a material transfer operation is to start based on the geographic location at which the agricultural harvester will be full, at least to the threshold level; and identifies a time at which the agricultural harvester will arrive at the material transfer location, based on the speed map. The agricultural harvesting system can control one or more of the agricultural harvester and a receiving machine.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting system includes a control system that is configured to obtain a map that maps values of a speed characteristic of an agricultural harvester to different geographic locations in a worksite. The control system is further configured to generate a control signal to control a receiving machine based on the map.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting system includes a harvesting logistics module that is configured to receive a map that maps values of a crop characteristic to different geographic locations in a field. The harvesting logistics module further configured to identify a crop characteristic threshold and to identify a mixture of crop material based on the map and based on the crop characteristic threshold. The harvesting logistics module configured to generate a route for a mobile machine, such as a receiving machine or a harvester, based on the identified mixture.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes receiving a map that maps values of a crop characteristic to different locations across a field; receiving harvester route data indicative of a planned route of a harvester at the field; identifying a crop characteristic threshold; identifying a material transfer end location indicative of a location, along the planned route of the harvester, at which a material transfer operation between the harvester and a receiving machine is to end, based on the map, the planned route of the harvester, and the crop characteristic threshold; identifying a material transfer start location range indicative of a geographic area, along the planned route of the harvester, at which the material transfer operation is to start based on the material transfer end location; and generating a route for the receiving machine to travel based on the material transfer end location and the material transfer start location range.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes: a harvester frame; an agricultural header coupled with the harvester frame, the agricultural header including a plurality of deck plates; and a control system operatively coupled with the harvester frame and the agricultural header, the control system including: at least one sensor coupled with the agricultural header and configured for: detecting a crop material condition associated with a harvesting operation, the crop material condition being a crop material diameter; outputting a crop material condition signal corresponding to the crop material condition; a controller operatively coupled with the at least one sensor and configured for: receiving the crop material condition signal; determining an operative parameter of the plurality of deck plates based at least in part on the crop material condition signal and at least one offset condition signal.

Abstract: An agricultural machine system includes: a mower-conditioner machine including a mower-conditioner machine frame, a plurality of conditioner rolls coupled with the mower-conditioner machine frame, and a pivotable swath gate coupled with the mower-conditioner machine frame; a control system operatively coupled with the mower-conditioner machine frame, the control system including: a controller system configured for: determining a swath gate position adjustment based at least in part on a conditioner speed of the plurality of conditioner rolls.

Abstract: Described is a processing machine for processing relatively short fibre plants such as flax and relatively long fibre plants such as hemp. The processing machine comprises a self-propelling vehicle comprising a vehicle chassis provided with a first conveyor for transporting at least parts of the fibre plants from a first end to an opposite second end, and a second conveyor for transporting at least parts of the fibre plants from the first end to the second end, first and second delivering units provided at or close to the second end for the purpose of delivering and placing on the ground surface the fibre plants coming from respectively the first and second conveyor, and wherein the vehicle chassis comprises first mounting means for mounting of, as desired, either a first exchangeable picking unit or a second exchangeable picking unit.

Abstract: An extractor for a sugarcane harvester, including a housing having a volume and an inlet and an outlet, a fan assembly disposed within the volume, and a guide vane disposed between the fan assembly and the outlet, the guide vane arranged to divide the volume.

Abstract: A sugarcane harvester includes an intake and cutting assembly for cutting the sugarcane stalks from the sugarcane plants as the sugarcane harvester moves through the sugarcane plants, a chopping section for receiving the sugarcane stalks from the intake and cutting assembly and chopping the sugarcane stalks into billets, a reservoir for holding a quantity of the billets, the reservoir having a volume of at least one cubic meter, and a discharge assembly for moving the billets from the reservoir and discharging them from the sugarcane harvester.

Abstract: A brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower with a crossbeam, a brush mount, and left and right mounting brackets. The brush mount is suspended from the crossbeam and is configured to support a brush. The left and right mounting brackets are attached to the left and right ends of the crossbeam, respectively. Each of the mounting brackets may have a bracket plate and a clamp. The bracket plate has a clamping surface, and the clamp is configured to butt against the clamping surface of the bracket plate. Slots extend into the bracket plate and slots extend into the clamp. The slots align when the clamp butts against the clamping surface to form holes through the mounting brackets. The brush attachment system is configured to attach to the turfgrass mower by passing two crossbars of the turfgrass mower through the holes of the mounting brackets.

Abstract: A reel of a harvester including a cutter bar includes a plurality of reel bats which are pivotal so as to vary the angle of the fingers about the bat axis as the reel rotates. The reel is used with a cutter bar which can change in height at one or more positions along its length to accommodate changes in ground height and contour. In order to maintain the fingers of the reel as close as possible to the cutter bar for best crop control, there is provided a sensor at each of one or more positions along the cutter bar responsive to the cutter bar height and an actuator which changes the diameter of the reel bats at the respective position.

Abstract: A concave assembly for an agricultural combine harvester comprises a concave, a cover, and a cover actuator. The concave comprises a grate. The cover has an opened position uncovering at least a portion of the grate to allow crop flow through the at least the portion of the grate and a closed position covering the at least the portion of the grate to block crop flow through the at least the portion of the grate. The cover actuator comprises a four-bar linkage and moves the cover between the opened position and the closed position.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for harvesting plants include an ultrasonic blade for severing top portion(s) of one or more plants. The system includes a first conveyor surface which moves the one or more plants in a linear direction. The ultrasonic blade is disposed above the first conveyor surface at an end of a second conveyor surface of a retrieval system. A first top portion of the one or more plants is severed by contacting a first plant at a first height with the ultrasonic blade. Also, the height of the ultrasonic blade can be adjusted such that a second top portion of the one or more plants is severed by contacting a second plant at a second height with the ultrasonic blade. Furthermore, the ultrasonic blade can have an edge which vibrates at a frequency of 20 kHz or greater to severe the top portion(s).

Abstract: A tree pruner configured to reduce the width of the device to facilitate reduction of shipping costs and store space. The tree pruner comprises a leaf spring having a lower end mounted onto a lower portion of a lever, and an upper end connected to a first end of a self-locking pin, wherein the self-locking pin penetrates the lever. When the lever is at a first position at shipping or store front, the leaf spring is in tension to exert force on the self-locking pin to engage with an outer surface of a back hook to hold the lever at the position. When the lever is pulled to a second position for use, the leaf spring is at rest. The self-locking pin penetrates all the way through the lever and engages with an edge of the back hook to serve as an end stop for the lever movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fruit pruning and collecting device. The device features a telescoping pole having a basket at the top end and an ergonomic grip at the bottom end. The pole has a plurality of telescoping sections for adjusting a length of the pole and enabling a user to reach elevated fruits without climbing on a ladder. The basket has pruning blades that are actuated by a manual trigger or an electric power button for pruning a stem positioned between the blades to remove one or more fruits. The basket does not allow the fruits to drop onto ground. In use, the device is positioned with the basket under the fruits on the tree with the stem in between the blades such that the blades when actuated prune the stem and enable the fruit to fall into the basket.

Abstract: A light module includes a first light emitter, a second light emitter, a third light emitter, and a controller. The first light emitter is configured to emit a first light having a first peak wavelength in a visible range, the second light emitter is configured to emit a second light having a waveform having a second peak wavelength higher than the first peak wavelength, and the third light emitter is configured to emit a third light having a third peak wavelength that is shorter than the first peak wavelength. The controller is configured to control the first light emitter, the second light emitter, and the third light emitter to generate a first light pattern and a second light pattern. The first light pattern comprises a first light spectrum and the second light pattern comprises a second light spectrum including at least one more peak wavelength than the first light spectrum.

Abstract: An elongated bag for use as a ready-to-use grow bag. The bag is manufactured as an elongated plastic body with a sealed bottom and a sealable top. The bag includes one or more gussets defined by folds in the bag and a score line for a tear strip in an area sufficiently below the top and above the fill material to allow the bag to lie flat for transportation and deploy into a cylinder for planting. The bag includes drain holes near the bottom of the bag and microperforations along the bag for respiration.

Abstract: An embodiment of a plant cultivation system comprises at least one plant cultivation guide in which a plurality of containers planted with plants are arranged and supported, wherein the plant cultivation guide having a starting part positioned at a central part so that the container is loaded to begin growing plants, and a harvesting part positioned along a circumference of the central part so that plants are harvested, the containers are sequentially transported from the starting part to the harvesting part and continuously cultivated according to the growth stage of the planted plants.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a controlled environment production facility, including a climate controlled growing chamber, and an absorption chiller. The climate controlled growing chamber includes artificial lighting and at least one cooling and dehumidification unit. The cooling and dehumidification unit is supplied with chilled water from the absorption chiller.

Abstract: A solid-state emitter grow light assembly comprises a main housing, configured for providing secure attachment and positioning of one or more individual modular array strips. A plurality of emitter arrays are each configured for mounting to an individual modular array strip. Each of the plurality of emitter arrays including a plurality of solid-state emitters mounted on a printed circuit board. The solid-state emitters are user selectable to emit light of a desired color spectrum. A plurality of pushed pin fasteners secure each emitter array to a modular array strip and each modular array strip to said Main housing. A plurality of driver modules are coupled to and configured for energizing one or more of the solid State emitters.

Abstract: A plant cultivation apparatus is provided. The plant cultivation apparatus may include a cabinet, a bed, and a light emitting portion. A cultivation portion, which is provided inside of the cabinet and in which at least a portion of a plant is embedded, rests on the bed. The light emitting portion is provided inside of the cabinet d emits light toward the cultivation portion. The light emitting portion includes a light emitting body that emits light toward cultivation portion, and a lens located between the light emitting body and the cultivation portion. Light provided from the light emitting body is provided to the cultivation portion by being transmitted through the lens. The lens includes a first lens through which the light from the light emitting body is transmitted so as to have a first radiation angle, and a second lens through which the light from the light emitting body is transmitted so as to have a second radiation angle, which is less than the first radiation angle.

Abstract: An optimization method for a cultivation plant comprises a cultivation room comprising an air circuit, a water circuit, a heat circuit, a light circuit, a nutrition circuit and a spacing circuit, and a control unit configured to control the circuits. The cultivation room includes a plant bed and a plant yield control unit configured to give input on growth and/or quality of the plants to the control unit. The control unit being configured to store driving parameters for the circuits and correlated input from the yield control unit. The cultivation plant comprises an adjacent facility frequented by carbon dioxide generating entities. The adjacent facility being arranged adjacent the cultivation room. The air circuit comprises an intake conduit configured to lead air from the adjacent facility to the air circuit.

Abstract: A sod harvester for harvesting a slab of sod present on a piece of land, includes an arrangement for releasing the slab of sod from the piece of land and a conveyor for conveying the slab of sod in a transport direction towards a roll-up mechanism for automatically rolling up the slab of sod, wherein the roll-up mechanism includes a moving surface that moves in a direction opposite to the transport direction, wherein the conveyor conveys the slab of sod to provide that the leading end of the slab of sod abuts the moving surface, and wherein the conveyor and moving surface are spatially arranged to provide that the slab of sod and the moving surface abut while forming an acute angle.

Abstract: A tooth assembly for use in a grinding wheel, the tooth assembly comprising a holder for holding at least one tooth within a slot of the grinding wheel, wherein the at least one tooth comprises a tooth body, wherein the at least one tooth is removably attached to the holder by attachment means comprising a recess within the tooth body and a fixing receivable in the recess.

Abstract: A synthetic soil substrate system has a plurality of synthetic soil substrate layers that are individually designed to promote plant growth as the roots grow into the layer and as a function of the growth stage. The synthetic soil substrate layers may be planar or may be concentrically arranged with a first synthetic soil substrate ring layer being configured inside of a second synthetic soil substrate ring layer. A synthetic soil substrate has pores that are configured for plant growth and retention and/or deliver of water and growth additives. The average pore size of a first synthetic soil substrate layer may be substantially different from the average pore size of an adjacent synthetic soil substrate layer. Also, the pore structure or shape of the pores may be different between synthetic soil substrate layers, The synthetic soil substrate may have an integral growth additive retained in the pores.

Abstract: A drip irrigation lateral connector to a feeder pipe, a feeder pipe adapted for mounting those connectors and an irrigation system comprises a feeder pipe with those connectors and drip irrigation laterals that are mounted to those connectors by standard drip irrigation lateral connectors, wherein each of those connectors comprising a bushing and a sleeve element and wherein the sleeve is formed with a multi-armed circumferential array that are adapted for snap mounting of said sleeve into said bushing or disassembly from it by linearly pushing the sleeve towards the bushing or linearly retrieving the sleeve from the bushing while disconnecting the sleeve's multi-armed circumferential array from the bushing.

Abstract: A gearbox case which includes a gear cavity breather device contained within the gearbox case to allow pressure equalization between the interior gearbox cavity and the external environment, while ensuring lubricant is kept in the gearbox. According to a preferred embodiment, the breather device contained within gearbox case may be formed as a spring-loaded ball valve to ensure external contaminants are kept out of the gearbox while allowing air to pass.

Abstract: A plant cultivating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main body, a shelf, a cultivation bed, and a cultivation container. The shelf is disposed in the cultivation space formed in the main body, the cultivation bed is disposed on the shelf, and the cultivation container is seated in the cultivation bed. The cultivation bed includes a water supply part for receiving a predetermined amount of water. In addition, the shelf includes a water level sensor. The water level sensor is positioned vertically below the water supply part to measure an amount of water stored in the water supply part.

Abstract: A plant water pot that automatically provides regular water to a plant and indicates a reduced water level. The plant water pot includes an inner wall that terminates at a lower end of a platform defining a receptacle in communication with an upper opening of the container. An interior volume is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, while the interior volume retains a fluid. Nozzles are disposed about the inner wall and the nozzles are in fluid communication with the interior volume. A pump is disposed within an interior volume and is operably connected to each of the nozzles. An inlet is disposed through the upper wall and the inlet provides access to the interior volume.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a watering device. An apparatus includes a liquid reservoir. An apparatus includes a liquid permeable cone in fluid communication with a liquid reservoir. An apparatus includes one or more threads circumscribing a liquid permeable cone such that rotation of the one or more threads into soil places the liquid permeable cone into contact with the soil.