A soil apparatus (e.g., seed firmer) having a base portion for engaging in soil of an agricultural field, and the base portion is adapted for connection to an agricultural implement; a window in the base portion; a wear resistant insert disposed in or on the base portion in one or more locations selected from the group consisting of i) ahead of the window in a direction of travel of the soil apparatus through soil and disposed on the base portion, ii) ahead of the window in a direction of travel of the soil apparatus through soil and disposed in the base portion, wherein the base portion has a ground engaging portion, the ground engaging portion has a greater wear resistance than the base portion, iii) above the window, and iv) below the window.

A soil apparatus (e.g., seed firmer) having a base portion for engaging in soil of an agricultural field, and the base portion is adapted for connection to an agricultural implement; a window in the base portion; a wear resistant insert disposed in or on the base portion in one or more locations selected from the group consisting of i) ahead of the window in a direction of travel of the soil apparatus through soil and disposed on the base portion, ii) ahead of the window in a direction of travel of the soil apparatus through soil and disposed in the base portion, wherein the base portion has a ground engaging portion, the ground engaging portion has a greater wear resistance than the base portion, iii) above the window, and iv) below the window.

A work machine with a sensing assembly that identifies characteristics of an underlying surface and a distribution assembly that distributes material to the underlying surface. Wherein, the sensing assembly identifies the characteristics of the underlying surface and the distribution assembly distributes varying amounts of material based on the characteristics as the work machine moves along the underlying surface.

Methods and systems are presented for making good use of recently obtained biometric data, for configuring propagule capsules (e.g. containing seeds or spores with growth media and other helpful materials) for deployment via drones so that each has an improved chance of survival, and for configuring drones or piloted craft for safe fleet deployment in remote locations.

Methods and systems are presented for making good use of recently obtained biometric data, for configuring propagule capsules (e.g. containing seeds or spores with growth media and other helpful materials) for deployment via drones so that each has an improved chance of survival, and for configuring drones or piloted craft for safe fleet deployment in remote locations.

Method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for estimating crop type and/or sowing date. In some embodiments, a historical crop growth time series and a plurality of simulated crop growth time series are determined, and the historical time series is matched against each simulated time series to determine an estimated crop type and/or sowing date. For example, one simulated time series may be determined for each crop type/sowing date combination within a set of one or more crop types and one or more sowing dates based on historical crop data. Each time series represents crop growth in an area of interest and comprises element(s) including crop-specific parameter(s), such as leaf area index (LAI). The historical time series may be determined based on remote sensor data. Each simulated time series may be determined using a crop growth simulation model and based on historical crop data, geospatial data, and weather data.

Method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for estimating crop type and/or sowing date. In some embodiments, a historical crop growth time series and a plurality of simulated crop growth time series are determined, and the historical time series is matched against each simulated time series to determine an estimated crop type and/or sowing date. For example, one simulated time series may be determined for each crop type/sowing date combination within a set of one or more crop types and one or more sowing dates based on historical crop data. Each time series represents crop growth in an area of interest and comprises element(s) including crop-specific parameter(s), such as leaf area index (LAI). The historical time series may be determined based on remote sensor data. Each simulated time series may be determined using a crop growth simulation model and based on historical crop data, geospatial data, and weather data.

A method and apparatus for cultivating vegetation at an arid location includes rooting immature vegetation in a mat combined with a super absorbent polymer (“SAP”) and, in embodiments, fertilizer, sand, and/or soil; placing the mat at the arid location; and covering the mat with a perforated, transparent or semi-transparent cover. Most or all of the apparatus can be biodegradable or removable, and the sand or soil can be similar to indigenous sand or soil. A water barrier can be placed below the mat. The cover can be placed on or suspended above the mat. SAP, seeds, and/or additional water barriers can be placed between mats in a stack. The opacity of the cover can be increased to emulate shade from natural vegetation. A water distribution system can be included for continued support of the vegetation, and can include a water reservoir and/or at least one solar still.

A method and apparatus for cultivating vegetation at an arid location includes rooting immature vegetation in a mat combined with a super absorbent polymer (“SAP”) and, in embodiments, fertilizer, sand, and/or soil; placing the mat at the arid location; and covering the mat with a perforated, transparent or semi-transparent cover. Most or all of the apparatus can be biodegradable or removable, and the sand or soil can be similar to indigenous sand or soil. A water barrier can be placed below the mat. The cover can be placed on or suspended above the mat. SAP, seeds, and/or additional water barriers can be placed between mats in a stack. The opacity of the cover can be increased to emulate shade from natural vegetation. A water distribution system can be included for continued support of the vegetation, and can include a water reservoir and/or at least one solar still.

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of wheat planting, and in particular to a uniform monoseeding and cultivation method of winter wheat in Huang-huai-hai region. The cultivation method includes seedbed finishing and precision seeding; after seedbed finishing during winter wheat seeding creates excellent seedbed conditions, precision monoseeding of winter wheat is implemented by a seeder according to precise agronomic index requirements including plant spacing, row spacing, seeding depth, and seeding rate, concurrently achieving the objectives of consistent covering depth and deep placement of bottom fertilizer. The cultivation method can make the most of light, heat, water, and fertilizer resources, and precisely optimize the plant spacing, row spacing, and seeding depth during seeding to integrate mechanized seeding management of winter wheat in Huang-huai-hai region, achieving objectives of building excellent crop community and increasing yield and efficiency.