A steam shank rotor assembly having rigid teeth connected to a hollow shaft via teeth mounts which collectively allow steam to circulate from the hollow shaft to the nozzles located near the working end of the teeth, and then into the soil. This invention provides an agricultural apparatus that simultaneously tills and disinfects soil with the use of steam.

A steam shank rotor assembly having rigid teeth connected to a hollow shaft via teeth mounts which collectively allow steam to circulate from the hollow shaft to the nozzles located near the working end of the teeth, and then into the soil. This invention provides an agricultural apparatus that simultaneously tills and disinfects soil with the use of steam.

In one aspect, a system for monitoring operational parameters associated with a tillage implement may include a first sensor configured to detect data indicative of a first distance between an implement frame forward of a ground engaging tool and a soil surface prior to engagement of the soil by the tool. The system may also include a second sensor configured to detect data indicative of a second distance between the frame aft of the tool and the sod surface following engagement of the soil by the tool. A controller of the system may be configured to determine a soil density change caused by engagement of the soil by the tool based on the first and second distances. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to determine a penetration depth of the tool based at least in part on the determined change in the soil density.

In one aspect, a system for monitoring operational parameters associated with a tillage implement may include a first sensor configured to detect data indicative of a first distance between an implement frame forward of a ground engaging tool and a soil surface prior to engagement of the soil by the tool. The system may also include a second sensor configured to detect data indicative of a second distance between the frame aft of the tool and the sod surface following engagement of the soil by the tool. A controller of the system may be configured to determine a soil density change caused by engagement of the soil by the tool based on the first and second distances. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to determine a penetration depth of the tool based at least in part on the determined change in the soil density.

An agricultural enhancement method for removing or overcoming soil fragipan, hardpan, or other natural and/or artificial soil compaction barriers is disclosed. These barriers prevent root and/or water penetration, which inhibits agricultural development. Consequently, removing and overcoming these barriers is beneficial to the soil and to agricultural yields.

An agricultural enhancement method for removing or overcoming soil fragipan, hardpan, or other natural and/or artificial soil compaction barriers is disclosed. These barriers prevent root and/or water penetration, which inhibits agricultural development. Consequently, removing and overcoming these barriers is beneficial to the soil and to agricultural yields.

A system 100 and a method 300 for processing soil. The system comprises a soil processing device 110, arranged to be moved on a soil surface; and a driving device 60, e.g. a vehicle, arranged to move the soil processing device 110 on a portion of the soil surface 170. The soil processing device 110 includes a frame 112, arranged to slide or roll on the portion of the soil surface 170 during operation of the system 0; and at least one substantially horizontal pipe 114, attached to the frame 112, extending along an underside of the frame 112, at a predetermined depth. The pipe 14 has a plurality of apertures 116 along its length, and is connectable to a vacuum generating device that provides an underpressure in the pipe. The system further comprises a protective cover 150 attached to an upper side of the frame 112, the portion of the soil surface 170 and the cover 120 defining a compartment. A conduit for a heated gaseous medium is connectable to a device 162 which provides a heated gaseous medium to an inside of the compartment. The system further comprises a first temperature sensor 220 arranged to measure a first temperature in 1 soil below the soil processing device 110, and a control device 210, configured to adjust a speed of the vehicle 160 in dependency of a signal provided by the first temperature sensor.

A system 100 and a method 300 for processing soil. The system comprises a soil processing device 110, arranged to be moved on a soil surface; and a driving device 60, e.g. a vehicle, arranged to move the soil processing device 110 on a portion of the soil surface 170. The soil processing device 110 includes a frame 112, arranged to slide or roll on the portion of the soil surface 170 during operation of the system 0; and at least one substantially horizontal pipe 114, attached to the frame 112, extending along an underside of the frame 112, at a predetermined depth. The pipe 14 has a plurality of apertures 116 along its length, and is connectable to a vacuum generating device that provides an underpressure in the pipe. The system further comprises a protective cover 150 attached to an upper side of the frame 112, the portion of the soil surface 170 and the cover 120 defining a compartment. A conduit for a heated gaseous medium is connectable to a device 162 which provides a heated gaseous medium to an inside of the compartment. The system further comprises a first temperature sensor 220 arranged to measure a first temperature in 1 soil below the soil processing device 110, and a control device 210, configured to adjust a speed of the vehicle 160 in dependency of a signal provided by the first temperature sensor.

A bracket assembly for row unit planters to withstand draft forces created by high speed and no tillage planting. The upper and lower link arms of the bracket assembly are pivotally connected to the front and rear mounting plates using full-length crossed shafts or shortened stub spindles. Tapered bearing races and tapered bushings are utilized at each end of the link arms to minimize wear and maintenance.

A bracket assembly for row unit planters to withstand draft forces created by high speed and no tillage planting. The upper and lower link arms of the bracket assembly are pivotally connected to the front and rear mounting plates using full-length crossed shafts or shortened stub spindles. Tapered bearing races and tapered bushings are utilized at each end of the link arms to minimize wear and maintenance.