The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for providing variable rate application of applicants to discrete field locations. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a control device having software modules to allow for the execution of irrigation and chemical spray patterns according to specific prescriptions for each crop being sprayed. According to further preferred embodiments, the control device may use data from a variety of image sensors to create a selective, variable rate application of applicants. Using the imaging data, the system of the present invention may use a primary applicant system to broadly deliver a first selected application (e.g. water or the like) and use a separate system to deliver targeted applicants for specific plants or areas of a given field.

The apparatus for providing nutrients to plants in a hydroponic plant growing system contains a nutrient release capsule and a capsule holder. The nutrient release capsule is a sustained release nutrient product comprising a hydroponic plant fertilizer center with a biopolymer outer coating to slow the release of the nutrients into the liquid (e.g., water). The capsule holder consists of a modifiable structure that can exist in multiple configurations to deliver different release dosage behaviors into and in response to the liquid for the hydroponic plant fertilizer.

Various embodiments of an apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products described herein are directed to an agricultural observation and treatment system and method of operation. The system uses a pump in combination with a fluid regulator to obtain and disperse fluid from the fluid tanks. The fluid regulator includes a fluid input port, a fluid output port and a fluid control valve. A first tube fluidly coupled from the fluid pump to the fluid input port. The system includes a moveable treatment head having one or more spraying tips, including a first spraying tip. A second tube is fluidly coupled from the fluid output port to the moveable treatment head. A system includes a controller configured to provide to the fluid regulator to open and close the fluid control valve to release an amount of the first fluid.

Various embodiments of an apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products described herein are directed to an agricultural observation and treatment system and method of operation. The system uses a pump in combination with a fluid regulator to obtain and disperse fluid from the fluid tanks. The fluid regulator includes a fluid input port, a fluid output port and a fluid control valve. A first tube fluidly coupled from the fluid pump to the fluid input port. The system includes a moveable treatment head having one or more spraying tips, including a first spraying tip. A second tube is fluidly coupled from the fluid output port to the moveable treatment head. A system includes a controller configured to provide to the fluid regulator to open and close the fluid control valve to release an amount of the first fluid.

The present invention provides a measurement apparatus 1 including: a detection unit 2 configured to detect a pressure according to a shape change of a tubular structure whose shape changes according to a supplied amount of a liquid that flows therein; a time specification unit 3 configured to specify, based on the pressure detected by the detection unit 2, a supply time during which the liquid was supplied; and a supplied amount calculation unit 4 configured to calculate a supplied amount of the liquid based on the supply time.

A system for applying agricultural fluid to a target includes a controller communicatively connected to valve assemblies and configured to control at least one operating parameter of each valve assembly, and a portable electronic device connected in communication with the controller. The portable electronic device includes a user interface. The portable electronic device is configured to retrieve a stored user profile including at least one prestored value that relates to a physical characteristic of the system or an operating parameter of the system, and populate at least one user input field of the user interface with the at least one prestored value. At least one of the controller and the portable electronic device is configured to retrieve the stored user profile and determine the at least one operating parameter of each valve assembly based on the physical characteristic of the system or the operating parameter of the system.

An amphibious vehicle has a floatable vehicle body; ground engaging propulsion structure having a plurality of ground engaging elements powered by a hydraulic motor; a fluid pump for pumping liquid manure; a power source connected to a hydraulic pump and configured to provide power to both the ground engaging propulsion structure and the fluid pump; and, remote control structure for controlling the ground engaging propulsion structure and a flow of fluid from the fluid pump. The speed and/or direction of the vehicle is remotely controllable by an operator remote from the vehicle when the vehicle is ground engaging and when the vehicle is floating.

An amphibious vehicle has a floatable vehicle body; ground engaging propulsion structure having a plurality of ground engaging elements powered by a hydraulic motor; a fluid pump for pumping liquid manure; a power source connected to a hydraulic pump and configured to provide power to both the ground engaging propulsion structure and the fluid pump; and, remote control structure for controlling the ground engaging propulsion structure and a flow of fluid from the fluid pump. The speed and/or direction of the vehicle is remotely controllable by an operator remote from the vehicle when the vehicle is ground engaging and when the vehicle is floating.

Described herein are implements and applicators for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a fluid applicator for applying fluids to plants in rows in a field includes a frame, a coulter connected to the frame and disposed to open a trench between the rows of plants, and at least one application member connected to the frame or to the coulter and disposed to apply fluid to a rhizosphere of the plants.

Described herein are implements and applicators for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a fluid applicator for applying fluids to plants in rows in a field includes a frame, a coulter connected to the frame and disposed to open a trench between the rows of plants, and at least one application member connected to the frame or to the coulter and disposed to apply fluid to a rhizosphere of the plants.