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.

An improved particulate metering system is provided. The system includes an air flow origin and a plurality of particulate accelerators. A single particulate source is in communication with the particulate accelerators. Each of a plurality of operated conveyances can be in operable communication with the single particulate source and one of the particulate accelerators. The system includes a confluence of the air flow and the particulate within the mixing area of each of the particulate accelerators. Each of a plurality of discharges can be associated with the particulate accelerators. The operated conveyances can operate at different rates. The system can include one or more gearboxes adapted to be inverted and controlled by a second drive system. The improved system and controls provide variable application rates of particulate across rows in a field.

An improved particulate metering system is provided. The system includes an air flow origin and a plurality of particulate accelerators. A single particulate source is in communication with the particulate accelerators. Each of a plurality of operated conveyances can be in operable communication with the single particulate source and one of the particulate accelerators. The system includes a confluence of the air flow and the particulate within the mixing area of each of the particulate accelerators. Each of a plurality of discharges can be associated with the particulate accelerators. The operated conveyances can operate at different rates. The system can include one or more gearboxes adapted to be inverted and controlled by a second drive system. The improved system and controls provide variable application rates of particulate across rows in a field.

A particulate metering system includes an air flow origin and a plurality of particulate accelerators. A single particulate source is in communication with the particulate accelerators. Each of a plurality of operated conveyances can be in operable communication with the single particulate source and one of the particulate accelerators. The system includes a confluence of the air flow and the particulate within the mixing area of each of the particulate accelerators. Each of a plurality of discharges can be associated with the particulate accelerators. The operated conveyances can operate at different rates. The system can include one or more gearboxes adapted to be inverted and controlled by a second drive system. The system and controls provide variable application rates of particulate across rows in a field.

A particulate metering system includes an air flow origin and a plurality of particulate accelerators. A single particulate source is in communication with the particulate accelerators. Each of a plurality of operated conveyances can be in operable communication with the single particulate source and one of the particulate accelerators. The system includes a confluence of the air flow and the particulate within the mixing area of each of the particulate accelerators. Each of a plurality of discharges can be associated with the particulate accelerators. The operated conveyances can operate at different rates. The system can include one or more gearboxes adapted to be inverted and controlled by a second drive system. The system and controls provide variable application rates of particulate across rows in a field.

Provided are a material broadcasting device, an unmanned aerial vehicle, and a material broadcasting method. The material broadcasting device includes a material picker, a material receiver, a material feeder, and a controller. The material picker includes a housing having an upper opening and a lower opening; and a material picking wheel located at the lower opening and driven by a driving member to rotate. The upper opening is in communication with a material box. Material picking cavities for accommodating materials are provided on the material picking wheel. The controller is electrically connected to the driving member. The material receiver is located below the material picking wheel and is in communication with the material feeder.

An agricultural spreader is disclosed. The spreader comprises a holding box for containing a spreadable load to be spread; and a beater section in communication with the holding device for outputting the spreadable load. The beater section comprises an upright beater having flighting depending therefrom including a spinner deck defining substantially a bottom flight thereof, the spinner deck comprising a plurality of paddles oriented for throwing the spreadable load during operation of the beater, a beater tray situated at the bottom of the upright beater with the upright beater mounted thereon and having a front side facing the holding box. The beater tray comprises a floor and a front wall rising therefrom for at least partially blocking the spreadable load from being thrown toward the holding box. The front wall comprises a soft/flexible section shaped to substantially correspond with a front portion of the footprint of the spinner deck.

An agricultural spreader is disclosed. The spreader comprises a holding box for containing a spreadable load to be spread; and a beater section in communication with the holding device for outputting the spreadable load. The beater section comprises an upright beater having flighting depending therefrom including a spinner deck defining substantially a bottom flight thereof, the spinner deck comprising a plurality of paddles oriented for throwing the spreadable load during operation of the beater, a beater tray situated at the bottom of the upright beater with the upright beater mounted thereon and having a front side facing the holding box. The beater tray comprises a floor and a front wall rising therefrom for at least partially blocking the spreadable load from being thrown toward the holding box. The front wall comprises a soft/flexible section shaped to substantially correspond with a front portion of the footprint of the spinner deck.

An apparatus to be coupled to sowing devices provides for precision in volumetric metering and distribution of solid agricultural inputs, said apparatus comprising a supporting, hollow housing with a through-hole through which an actuating through axle radially locked to a metering distribution centrifugal turbine extends, and drives the metering distribution centrifugal turbine; and an opening in the floor of the housing leading the agricultural input to an output nozzle. The metering distribution centrifugal turbine comprises cutouts of various shapes forming metering chambers for distributing the agricultural solid input uniformly. A labyrinth is formed by the supporting, hollow housing, the inner grater travel stop and the metering distribution centrifugal turbine. The metering distribution centrifugal turbine allows metering of the solid agricultural input only upon rotation of the metering distribution centrifugal turbine; when the metering distribution centrifugal turbine does not rotate the agricultural solid input is retained in and on the turbine.

An apparatus to be coupled to sowing devices provides for precision in volumetric metering and distribution of solid agricultural inputs, said apparatus comprising a supporting, hollow housing with a through-hole through which an actuating through axle radially locked to a metering distribution centrifugal turbine extends, and drives the metering distribution centrifugal turbine; and an opening in the floor of the housing leading the agricultural input to an output nozzle. The metering distribution centrifugal turbine comprises cutouts of various shapes forming metering chambers for distributing the agricultural solid input uniformly. A labyrinth is formed by the supporting, hollow housing, the inner grater travel stop and the metering distribution centrifugal turbine. The metering distribution centrifugal turbine allows metering of the solid agricultural input only upon rotation of the metering distribution centrifugal turbine; when the metering distribution centrifugal turbine does not rotate the agricultural solid input is retained in and on the turbine.