A drive circuit for operating a solenoid includes a main switch and a charge pump circuit. The main switch is coupled in series with a coil of the solenoid. The main switch is configured to selectively enable current flow from a voltage source according to a main switching signal to translate a poppet of the solenoid between an opened position and a closed position. The charge pump circuit is coupled to the voltage source. The charge pump circuit is configured to discharge through the coil to translate the poppet from the closed position to the opened position, and to charge when the poppet is held in the opened position.

Systems and methods automate the design and execution of randomized experiments. Portions of a field are planted using an agricultural vehicle configured to randomly vary planting parameters when planting a portion of the field. A resulting crop outcome across each portion or sub-portion of the field is observed. A training set of data is generated that includes the varied planting parameters and the associated crop outcomes for each portion of the field. A machine-learned model is trained using the training set of data and is configured to predict a crop outcome for a portion of the field based on historical and forecast conditions and a set of planting parameters applied to a portion of the field. For subsequent iterations, for a target portion of the field, the machine-learned model can be applied to identify a set of planting parameters for planting the target portion of the field to optimize a desired crop outcome.

Systems and methods automate the design and execution of randomized experiments. Portions of a field are planted using an agricultural vehicle configured to randomly vary planting parameters when planting a portion of the field. A resulting crop outcome across each portion or sub-portion of the field is observed. A training set of data is generated that includes the varied planting parameters and the associated crop outcomes for each portion of the field. A machine-learned model is trained using the training set of data and is configured to predict a crop outcome for a portion of the field based on historical and forecast conditions and a set of planting parameters applied to a portion of the field. For subsequent iterations, for a target portion of the field, the machine-learned model can be applied to identify a set of planting parameters for planting the target portion of the field to optimize a desired crop outcome.

An agricultural application machine for the combined application of seed and granulate on an agricultural area includes a separating device a portioning device, and a control device. The separating device has a rotationally drivable separating element for separating seed grains and the portioning device has a rotationally drivable portioning element for producing granulating portions. The control device matches the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element to each other to implement a predetermined depositing relationship of the seed grains and the granulating portions on the agricultural area.

An agricultural application machine for the combined application of seed and granulate on an agricultural area includes a separating device a portioning device, and a control device. The separating device has a rotationally drivable separating element for separating seed grains and the portioning device has a rotationally drivable portioning element for producing granulating portions. The control device matches the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element to each other to implement a predetermined depositing relationship of the seed grains and the granulating portions on the agricultural area.

Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring soil properties and applying fertilizer during a planting operation. Various sensors are disposed in ground engaging components for monitoring soil properties. The ground engaging components may have structure for opening a side trench in the sidewalls of the seed trench and may include liquid application conduits for injecting liquid into the sidewalls of the resulting side trenches.

Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring soil properties and applying fertilizer during a planting operation. Various sensors are disposed in ground engaging components for monitoring soil properties. The ground engaging components may have structure for opening a side trench in the sidewalls of the seed trench and may include liquid application conduits for injecting liquid into the sidewalls of the resulting side trenches.

A protective cover in combination with a liquid fertilizer system prevents leftover plant matter from damaging a tube carrying liquid fertilizer, particularly when the field is no-till. The protective cover is installed, without modification to the planter or liquid fertilizer system, using a mounting flange that is attached to a leading wall through a standoff wall. A bottom angled wall is located opposite the standoff wall. Side walls extend from the leading wall and cooperate with the bottom angled wall to form a protective area for the liquid fertilizer tube. When in use, the leftover plant matter contacts the protective cover instead of the liquid fertilizer tube. The protective cover may include access gaps between the side walls and the standoff wall and/or bottom angled wall, depending on the configuration of the liquid fertilizer system.

A protective cover in combination with a liquid fertilizer system prevents leftover plant matter from damaging a tube carrying liquid fertilizer, particularly when the field is no-till. The protective cover is installed, without modification to the planter or liquid fertilizer system, using a mounting flange that is attached to a leading wall through a standoff wall. A bottom angled wall is located opposite the standoff wall. Side walls extend from the leading wall and cooperate with the bottom angled wall to form a protective area for the liquid fertilizer tube. When in use, the leftover plant matter contacts the protective cover instead of the liquid fertilizer tube. The protective cover may include access gaps between the side walls and the standoff wall and/or bottom angled wall, depending on the configuration of the liquid fertilizer system.

A grass seeding assembly for reseeding a lawn with grass seed includes an insertion tool that has a handle and a cup disposed on the handle. A cone is engaged with the cup on the insertion tool for driving the cone into ground. The cone is foraminous to facilitate water to pass through the cone. A planting mixture is placed within the cone and the planting mixture comprises a chemical fertilizer, grass seed and soil. A mesh screen is wrapped around the cone such that the mesh screen inhibits the planting mixture from passing through the cone.