Liquid nutrients are continuously applied to a first group of rows of standing crops by pulling a drag hose from a reel located at one end of a field and between two crop rows with a boom having one end pivotally connected to an applicator and a tractor. The boom provides a liquid supply line from the drag hose to the center or one end of the applicator. At the opposite end of the field, the tractor and applicator turn 180° while the boom pivots to project from one end of the applicator to the drag hose. The tractor returns down adjacent rows back to the first end of the field with the boom projecting to the drag hose while the reel simultaneously retracts the hose between the two crop rows. The reel is moved axially to a third group of rows, and the steps are repeated.

The present invention relates to the use of a Raman spectral signature of nitrate, as a biomarker for an early, real-time diagnosis of nitrogen status in growing plants in a non-invasive or non-destructive way in order to detect nitrogen deficiency before the onset of any visible symptoms. The early, real-time diagnosis of nitrogen deficiency in plants makes it possible to correct nitrogen deficiency for the avoidance of negative effects on the yield and biomass of growing plants or leafy vegetables.

The present invention discloses an agricultural implement for applying fertilizer beneath the surface of the soil. The implement has a main frame for connecting the agricultural implement to agricultural equipment. A swing arm is pivotally connected to the main frame. An adjustable actuator interconnects the swing arm to the main frame to control the movement of the swing arm with respect to the main frame. A pair of discs are mounted to the free end of the swing arm for rotation with respect to the swing arm. The discs are offset mounted with respect to one another and are angled outwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the implement. The discs form grooves for receipt of fertilizer. Fertilizer tubes are mounted to the swing arms adjacent the discs. The fertilizer tubes deposit fertilizer in the grooves formed by the discs.

An agricultural implement arrangement includes a container of seed having an ID tag associated therewith; an implement for applying a product to a geographic area; an electrical reader configured for reading the ID tag and providing an output signal; and an electrical processing circuit coupled with the reader and the implement. The ID tag has data representing at least one attribute associated with the seed. The electrical processing circuit receives the output signal and controls the implement, dependent upon the output signal.

An agricultural implement arrangement includes a container of seed having an ID tag associated therewith; an implement for applying a product to a geographic area; an electrical reader configured for reading the ID tag and providing an output signal; and an electrical processing circuit coupled with the reader and the implement. The ID tag has data representing at least one attribute associated with the seed. The electrical processing circuit receives the output signal and controls the implement, dependent upon the output signal.

A fertilizer stick comprising a saccharide and a fertilizer dispersed therein, wherein the saccharide constitutes about 25% to about 95% (w/w) of the stick.

A fertilizer stick comprising a saccharide and a fertilizer dispersed therein, wherein the saccharide constitutes about 25% to about 95% (w/w) of the stick.

Described herein are implements and application units for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, an application unit includes a frame to be positioned in operation between two rows of plants and a plurality of flexible members coupled to the frame in operation such that the plurality of flexible members guide a lateral position of the frame to be approximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based upon whether at least one flexible member of the plurality of flexible members contacts one or more plants of the two rows of plants. The plurality of flexible members include a plurality of fluid outlets for spraying crop input in close proximity to the rows of plants.

Described herein are implements and application units for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, an application unit includes a frame to be positioned in operation between two rows of plants and a plurality of flexible members coupled to the frame in operation such that the plurality of flexible members guide a lateral position of the frame to be approximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based upon whether at least one flexible member of the plurality of flexible members contacts one or more plants of the two rows of plants. The plurality of flexible members include a plurality of fluid outlets for spraying crop input in close proximity to the rows of plants.

A mobile system for growing microorganisms and circulating nutrients for administering to plants. The system has minimal interior obstructions that can be easily removed for effective cleaning. The system comprises a mobile structure; a vessel supported by the structure for receiving water and nutrients; a pump supported by the structure; a generator supported by the structure for powering the pump; a vessel outlet from a bottom portion of the vessel to the pump; a first discharge line from the pump extending from the pump into the bottom portion of the vessel, wherein the contents of the vessel can be circulated by the pump from the vessel outlet back into the vessel through the first discharge line; a second discharge line from the pump for discharging contents of the vessel; and an aerator for injecting air into the first discharge line for aerating the contents of the vessel.