A georeferenced probability distribution is generated indicating a probability that a harvester will reach its full capacity at different locations in a field. A control signal is generated to control the harvester based upon the georeferenced probability distribution. The control signal is used to control one of a plurality of different controllable subsystems, such as the propulsion system (to control harvester speed), a steering subsystem (to control the harvester's path), or other controllable subsystems.

A georeferenced probability distribution is generated indicating a probability that a harvester will reach its full capacity at different locations in a field. A control signal is generated to control the harvester based upon the georeferenced probability distribution. The control signal is used to control one of a plurality of different controllable subsystems, such as the propulsion system (to control harvester speed), a steering subsystem (to control the harvester's path), or other controllable subsystems.

The locations of flowers on a plant, rather than the locations of agricultural products produced from such flowers, are used to facilitate the performance of harvesting and other agricultural operations in robotic agricultural applications. In some implementations, the identified location of a fruit-producing flower may be used by a robotic device to apply an indicator tag to a flowering plant proximate the flower for later identification when performing various types of directed and automated agricultural operations. In other implementations, the identified location of a fruit-producing flower may be used by a robotic device to anchor a stem of a flowering plant to a predetermined location such that the location of the flower, and of any fruit(s) later produced by such flower, are controlled and/or known when performing subsequent agricultural operations.

The locations of flowers on a plant, rather than the locations of agricultural products produced from such flowers, are used to facilitate the performance of harvesting and other agricultural operations in robotic agricultural applications. In some implementations, the identified location of a fruit-producing flower may be used by a robotic device to apply an indicator tag to a flowering plant proximate the flower for later identification when performing various types of directed and automated agricultural operations. In other implementations, the identified location of a fruit-producing flower may be used by a robotic device to anchor a stem of a flowering plant to a predetermined location such that the location of the flower, and of any fruit(s) later produced by such flower, are controlled and/or known when performing subsequent agricultural operations.

A combine comprising a chassis, a crop residue handling system including a residue chopper, residue spreader, a spreader chute and a swath selection door, a receiver configured to determine a location of the combine, and a controller that controls the residue handling system. The controller configured to determine the location of the combine on a map, execute a crop residue spreading mode in response to the controller determining that the location of the combine is located in a designated crop residue spreading zone indicated on the map, and execute a crop residue windrow mode in response to the controller determining that the location of the combine is located in a designated crop residue windrow zone indicated on the map.

A combine comprising a chassis, a crop residue handling system including a residue chopper, residue spreader, a spreader chute and a swath selection door, a receiver configured to determine a location of the combine, and a controller that controls the residue handling system. The controller configured to determine the location of the combine on a map, execute a crop residue spreading mode in response to the controller determining that the location of the combine is located in a designated crop residue spreading zone indicated on the map, and execute a crop residue windrow mode in response to the controller determining that the location of the combine is located in a designated crop residue windrow zone indicated on the map.

A computer system and computer-implemented techniques for determining crop harvest times during a growing season based upon hybrid seed properties, weather conditions, and geo-location of planted fields is provided. In an embodiment, determining crop harvest times for corn fields may be accomplished using a server computer system that receives over a digital communication network, electronic digital data representing hybrid seed properties, including seed type and relative maturity, and weather data for the specific geo-location of the agricultural field.

A computer system and computer-implemented techniques for determining crop harvest times during a growing season based upon hybrid seed properties, weather conditions, and geo-location of planted fields is provided. In an embodiment, determining crop harvest times for corn fields may be accomplished using a server computer system that receives over a digital communication network, electronic digital data representing hybrid seed properties, including seed type and relative maturity, and weather data for the specific geo-location of the agricultural field.

An agricultural machine includes a vibration stimulation source configured to generate a vibration stimulation signal directed toward plant matter and a sensor system configured to sense electromagnetic radiation reflected from the plant matter, generate a first signal based on the sensed electromagnetic radiation, and generate a second signal indicative of a resonant vibration response of the plant matter, that is in response to the vibration stimulation signal. The agricultural machine includes a plant evaluation system configured to, based on the first and second signals, generate plant characterization data indicative of one or more physical characteristics of the plant matter, and a control system configured to generate an action signal based on the plant characterization data.

A method for cultivating Monarda fistulosa for production of thymoquinone includes planting seeds at rates between about 2.5 and about 5 pounds per acre, preferably about 4 pounds per acre. The heavy rate of planting produces plants bearing oil without weed contamination and reduces herbicide use due to production of natural herbicides by the monarda plants. Seeding and mowing the first season, and harvesting in seasons thereafter reduce costs. The method results in increased production of essential oils including thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone at levels up to about 40% or more of recovered oils, and which may be distilled from the plant.