A multi-row planting unit includes a first planting assembly coupled to a mounting plate and a second planting assembly coupled to the mounting plate. Each of the first planting assembly and the second planting assembly are configured to dispense a solid from a metering unit. The metering unit of the first planting assembly is positioned to dispense the solid at a predetermined spacing with respect to the solid dispensed from the metering unit of the second planting assembly.

Systems, methods and apparatus for controlling the downforce applied to a row unit of an agricultural implement having multiple row units. A downpressure control device in fluid communication with a down chamber of the least one actuator maintains as a selected downpressure, any one of a continuous range of pressures in the downpressure chamber. A lift pressure control device in fluid communication with a lift chamber of the at least one actuator for controlling pressure in the lift chamber maintains as a selected lift pressure, any one of a continuous range of pressures in the lift chamber.

Systems, methods and apparatus for controlling the downforce applied to a row unit of an agricultural implement having multiple row units. A downpressure control device in fluid communication with a down chamber of the least one actuator maintains as a selected downpressure, any one of a continuous range of pressures in the downpressure chamber. A lift pressure control device in fluid communication with a lift chamber of the at least one actuator for controlling pressure in the lift chamber maintains as a selected lift pressure, any one of a continuous range of pressures in the lift chamber.

An adjustment mechanism is provided for a multi-row seed planter to provide infinite adjustability of the seed discs to allow precision planting with staggered seed rows. The adjustment mechanism comprises an idler roller on the end of a pivotal arm about which the drive chain is trained. The position of the roller can be adjusted to modify the chain path, and thereby rotate the seed metering sprocket and associated seed disc to a desired angular position before planting begins.

A row unit has a seed meter and a seed delivery system. A target seed population is obtained and a motor that drives at least one of the seed meter and the seed delivery system is intermittently pulsed to plant seeds in groupings based on machine speed and target seed population.

A row unit has a seed meter and a seed delivery system. A target seed population is obtained and a motor that drives at least one of the seed meter and the seed delivery system is intermittently pulsed to plant seeds in groupings based on machine speed and target seed population.

A variable is sensed that is indicative of a performance of a machine. A rate of change of the sensed variable is determined, and a control signal is generated for controlling an agricultural vehicle, based upon the rate of change in the value of the sensed variable.

A monitoring system and method for modify a motor speed driving a seed conveyor on an implement so that the seed release speed is matched to the travel speed of the implement. A speed sensor measures the travel speed of the implement. A seed conveyor having a plurality of flights receives seeds from a seed meter. A monitor is in communication with the speed sensor, the motor driving the seed conveyor, a first sensor disposed to detect the passing of seeds and the flights as they travel toward the soil and a second sensor disposed to detect the passing of flights after the seed is released, wherein the monitor modifies the motor speed of the conveyor based on the speed sensor and signals generated by the first sensor and second sensor.

A seed pod deployer includes a body having a hopper adapted to contain a plurality of seed pods; a feeder adapted to transfer the seed pods from the hopper to a nozzle; a launcher adapted to receive the seed pods from the nozzle, the launcher comprising a pair of flywheels and at least one motor adapted for driving the pair of flywheels; and a control system adapted for controlling the operation of the seed pod deployer.

A seed pod deployer includes a body having a hopper adapted to contain a plurality of seed pods; a feeder adapted to transfer the seed pods from the hopper to a nozzle; a launcher adapted to receive the seed pods from the nozzle, the launcher comprising a pair of flywheels and at least one motor adapted for driving the pair of flywheels; and a control system adapted for controlling the operation of the seed pod deployer.