Systems and methods for managing spreading of particulate material over a surface by a spreader. One step of the method includes receiving a selection of a type of the spreader. An additional step includes receiving a selection of a type of the particulate material to be spread by the spreader. An additional step includes obtaining data indicative of a travel speed of the spreader, with the data being received from a sensor associated with the spreader. An additional step includes determining an operational attribute of the spreader. The determination is based on (i) the type of the spreader, (ii) the type of the particulate material, and (ii) the travel speed of the spreader. A further step includes presenting the operational attribute.

A dual-impeller spreader capable of independently a flowrate of particulate material about two halves of the spreader's coverage area. The spreader includes a frame, a hopper, and wheels rotatably connected to the frame via an axle. A first impeller is fixed to a first impeller shaft rotatably coupled to the axle via a first gear train, and a second impeller is fixed to a second impeller shaft rotatably coupled to the axle via a second gear train. A first shut-off control selectively opens and closes a first set of hopper exit openings located above the first impeller, while a second shut-off control selectively opens and closes a second set of hopper exit openings located above the second impeller. The first shut-off control and the second shut-off control selectively open and close the respective openings independent of each other.

Methods and apparatus for adjusting a delivery, distribution, emission, or spray of an adaptable material include contacting the adaptable material with a compatibly-selected kinetic energy fluid. The contact provides a motive force to move the adaptable material to or from an outlet of a spray fixture. The spray fixture is adjustable to emit various forms of drops, mists, extrusions, emulsions, or fibers. The adjusting is based on characteristics of a feedstock material, the adaptable material, the compatibly-selected kinetic energy fluid, or combinations thereof.

A sowing apparatus controlling method includes obtaining a target opening size of a discharge port and a target rotational speed of a turntable, obtaining a safe rotational speed of the turntable according to the target opening, and controlling a next-instance rotational speed of the turntable and a next-instance opening size of the discharge port according to the target rotational speed and the safe rotational speed.

An autonomous vehicle platform and system for selectively performing an in-season management task in an agricultural field while self-navigating between rows of planted crops, the autonomous vehicle platform having a vehicle base with a width so dimensioned as to be insertable through the space between two rows of planted crops, the vehicle base having an in-season task management structure configured to perform various tasks, including selectively applying fertilizer, mapping growth zones and seeding cover crop within an agricultural field.

An autonomous vehicle platform and system for selectively performing an in-season management task in an agricultural field while self-navigating between rows of planted crops, the autonomous vehicle platform having a vehicle base with a width so dimensioned as to be insertable through the space between two rows of planted crops, the vehicle base having an in-season task management structure configured to perform various tasks, including selectively applying fertilizer, mapping growth zones and seeding cover crop within an agricultural field.

An illustrative embodiment of a dual applicator machine having a dual applicator system may be configured through adding a dry product delivery system to an existing agricultural sprayer having a liquid product delivery system. The dual applicator machine may include a liquid product delivery system and a dry product delivery system that allow each separate system to perform either individually and independently or simultaneously. An illustrative embodiment of a dual applicator machine may be configured as a high-clearance agricultural sprayer having a frame, a cab, and a boom positioned in front of the cab. The dual applicator machine may be configured with liquid product tank(s) and powered by wheels attached to the frame via wheel mounting beams. The dual applicator machine may also include a dry product tank and a dry product meter system in fluid communication with both the dry product tank and a dry product delivery tube.

The invention relates to seed material pellets of elongated form each comprising at least two seeds of elongated form, wherein the pellets consist of the seeds embedded within a matrix, wherein at least 80% of the seeds are oriented in directions essentially parallel to the pellets, and wherein the matrix does not comprise distinct layers of different constitution.

A seeding device system is presented for use with helicopters and other vehicles. The system includes a bulk seed container, a feed tube that connects the seed container to a metering device that precisely meters out seed, a flow control system that controls operation of the metering device, and a blower connected to a venturi that blows the seed outward from the helicopter. When seed is metered out of the metering device, the seed is sucked into the venturi and blown outward. The seed container is held in the back seat or cargo area of the helicopter and the blower, venturi and metering device are positioned exterior to the helicopter. This arrangement does not adversely affect the operational characteristics or aerodynamic properties of the helicopter. In addition, all components of the system are rigidly connected to the helicopter thereby increasing safety and control of the helicopter.

A carrier mountable to a vehicle for carrying a conventional broadcast spreader features a mounting bar for coupling to the vehicle in a mounted condition and a holder arranged at an end of the mounting bar for supporting the spreader. The holder has a first portion which is in fixed relation to the mounting bar and a second portion which is pivotally coupled to the first portion so as to be movable from a storage position to a lowered position where a front end of the second portion is arranged at the ground. The holder includes a first receptacle for receiving a lower portion of the spreader and a pair of channels, one of which is supported on the second portion so as to be movable therewith and another one which is supported in fixed position on the first portion, which collectively form an enclosure for receiving the leg of the spreader in the storage position.