Abstract:
An automated computer-controlled sampling system and related methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing agricultural samples for various chemical properties such as plant available nutrients. The sampling system allows multiple samples to be processed and analyzed for different analytes or chemical properties in a simultaneous concurrent or semi-concurrent manner. Advantageously, the system can process soil samples in the “as collected” condition without drying or grinding. The system generally includes a sample preparation sub-system which receives soil samples collected by a probe collection sub-system and produces a slurry (e.g., mixture of soil, vegetation, and/or manure and water), and a chemical analysis sub-system which processes the prepared slurry samples for quantifying multiple analytes and/or chemical properties of the sample. The preparation sub-system may comprise a slurry recirculation flow loop configured with devices to stir, measure, and adjust a water to solids ratio of the slurry.
Abstract:
An automated computer-controlled sampling system and related methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing agricultural samples for various chemical properties such as plant available nutrients. The sampling system allows multiple samples to be processed and analyzed for different analytes or chemical properties in a simultaneous concurrent or semi-concurrent manner. Advantageously, the system can process soil samples in the “as collected” condition without drying or grinding. The system generally includes a sample preparation sub-system which receives soil samples collected by a probe collection sub-system and produces a slurry (e.g., mixture of soil, vegetation, and/or manure and water), and a chemical analysis sub-system which processes the prepared slurry samples for quantifying multiple analytes and/or chemical properties of the sample. The preparation sub-system may comprise a slurry recirculation flow loop configured with devices to stir, measure, and adjust a water to solids ratio of the slurry.
Abstract:
A seed unit for placing seeds into soil is described herein. A seed unit includes a seed meter for singulating seeds, a shaft to deliver the seeds into soil during operation, and an actuator coupled to the shaft. The actuator moves the shaft during operation and the shaft delivers seeds into the soil without a continuous seed trench.
Abstract:
A coulter assembly for collecting soil samples from an agricultural field in one embodiment comprises an annular collection blade configured for penetrating soil to capture a sample, an annular cam ring configured for stationary mounting to a frame of an agricultural vehicle and comprising a cam track, a blade hub coupled to the blade for rotatably supporting the annular collection blade from the annular cam ring, and a movable sample collector mounted to the annular collection blade. The moveable sample collector is configured and operable for extracting a soil sample as the annular collection blade is rotated through the soil. The moveable sample collector in one embodiment comprises a piston mechanism including a cylinder and rod movably disposed therein which actuated by the annular cam ring to alternatingly open and close a collection end of the cylinder as the annular collection blade rotates through the soil.
Abstract:
A row unit for an agricultural planter having features for releasably operably coupling a seed meter of the row unit to a seed deposition apparatus of the row unit such as a seed conveyor, seed tube or the like. Apparatus may be used for tipping a seed meter of the hopper for disengagement from the seed deposition apparatus or for biasing the seed deposition apparatus into operative engagement with the seed meter. The row unit includes features such as latches for releasably operably coupling the row unit to crop input and vacuum supply lines. Apparatus may also be used for tipping a seed meter of the hopper for disengagement from the crop input and vacuum supply lines. Systems are used for supplying vacuum and crop inputs to the seed meter via the releasably engageable apparatus.
Abstract:
A downforce controller for an agricultural implement having a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder is configured to be coupled to an agricultural row unit and an agricultural toolbar for transmitting a net downforce between the agricultural toolbar and the agricultural row unit. A first pressure in a first chamber of the cylinder and a second pressure in a second chamber of the cylinder have counteracting effects on the net downforce. A manifold coupled to the cylinder is in fluid communication with the first chamber. A pressure control valve coupled to the manifold is in fluid communication with the manifold and the first chamber.
Abstract:
A row unit for an agricultural planter having features for releasably operably coupling a seed meter of the row unit to a seed deposition apparatus of the row unit such as a seed conveyor, seed tube or the like. Apparatus are provided for tipping a seed meter of the hopper for disengagement from the seed deposition apparatus. Apparatus are provided for biasing the seed deposition apparatus into operative engagement with the seed meter. The row unit includes features such as latches for releasably operably coupling the row unit to crop input and vacuum supply lines. Apparatus are provided for tipping a seed meter of the hopper for disengagement from the crop input and vacuum supply lines. Systems are provided for supplying vacuum and crop inputs to the seed meter via the releasably engageable apparatus.
Abstract:
A liquid applicator having a main body adapted to removably, rigidly mount to a lower end of a shank of a row unit between the furrow opening discs and forward of the seed delivery apparatus relative to a direction of travel of the row unit. The main body supports a liquid conduit in fluid communication with a liquid source, the conduit disposed to deposit liquid into the seed furrow forward of the seed delivery apparatus.
Abstract:
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for determining the depth of a trench opened by an agricultural to planter. Sensors are provided for detecting the position of a ground-engaging element of the planter such as a gauge wheel or seed firmer of a row unit of the planter. Apparatus and methods are provided for installing such sensors onto a row unit of the planter. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for controlling downpressure on a row unit based on the trench depth. Methods are provided for mapping trench depth measured by the depth sensors.
Abstract:
An automated computer-controlled sampling system and related methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing agricultural samples for various chemical properties such as plant available nutrients. The sampling system allows multiple samples to be processed and analyzed for different analytes or chemical properties in a simultaneous concurrent or semi-concurrent manner. Advantageously, the system can process soil samples in the “as collected” condition without drying or grinding. The system generally includes a sample preparation sub-system which receives soil samples collected by a probe collection sub-system and produces a slurry (i.e. mixture of soil, vegetation, and/or manure and water), and a chemical analysis sub-system which processes the prepared slurry samples for quantifying multiple analytes and/or chemical properties of the sample. The sample preparation and chemical analysis sub-systems can be used to analyze soil, vegetation, and/or manure samples.