A method and a module for picking weeds or plants with an implement provided on an agricultural vehicle is provided. The method comprises capturing images of a field traveled by the agricultural vehicle, the field comprising weeds and crops. The method also comprises generating a map from the captured images, comprising coordinates of the weeds and crops; determining, based on the coordinates of the weeds and crops, at least one picking location that maximizes a number of weeds to be picked in a single take and one offset for the implement to follow for arriving at the optimal location; moving the implement along the offset; and picking weeds at the optimal location with the implement.

A combination cutting blade/raking device where the blade portion slices weeds off under the soil, thereby effectively killing the plant, and a raking portion collects the uprooted weeds. The blade and rake also flatten the surface of the soil. The raking section of the invention can be lifted independently of the cutting blade. The cutting blade is reversible so a user of the invention can cut twice as much area before having to remove the blade for sharpening. The blade is slightly curved in cross section, allowing for a smoother cutting path through the soil.

A combination cutting blade/raking device where the blade portion slices weeds off under the soil, thereby effectively killing the plant, and a raking portion collects the uprooted weeds. The blade and rake also flatten the surface of the soil. The raking section of the invention can be lifted independently of the cutting blade. The cutting blade is reversible so a user of the invention can cut twice as much area before having to remove the blade for sharpening. The blade is slightly curved in cross section, allowing for a smoother cutting path through the soil.

A method for remediating developmentally delayed plants within a field of crops using at least one work vehicle during a field operation. The method comprises identifying delayed plants within the field with a sensor on the work vehicle and generating, with a processor, location data associated with the location of the delayed plant with the field. Upon arriving at the location of the delayed plant with the work vehicle, the delayed plant is remediated.

A method for remediating developmentally delayed plants within a field of crops using at least one work vehicle during a field operation. The method comprises identifying delayed plants within the field with a sensor on the work vehicle and generating, with a processor, location data associated with the location of the delayed plant with the field. Upon arriving at the location of the delayed plant with the work vehicle, the delayed plant is remediated.

The invention relates to a carrier system (10) comprising a carrier (12) and a mobile device (14) for tilling the soil and/or for manipulating flora and fauna, the carrier (12) having: a drive (16) for moving the carrier system (10); a control system (12b); an energy source (24), which co-operates with the drive (16) and provides the voltage required for operation; a receptacle (12a) for receiving and connecting to the mobile device (14); a communication unit (30); a first communication interface (36a) that co-operates with the communication unit (30) in order to exchange data with the mobile device (14) which has a dedicated interface (36b); and a second communication interface (32) that co-operates with the communication unit (30) and that at least receives control data and forwards said data to the control system (12b) for the pre-defined movement of the carrier system (10).

The invention relates to a carrier system (10) comprising a carrier (12) and a mobile device (14) for tilling the soil and/or for manipulating flora and fauna, the carrier (12) having: a drive (16) for moving the carrier system (10); a control system (12b); an energy source (24), which co-operates with the drive (16) and provides the voltage required for operation; a receptacle (12a) for receiving and connecting to the mobile device (14); a communication unit (30); a first communication interface (36a) that co-operates with the communication unit (30) in order to exchange data with the mobile device (14) which has a dedicated interface (36b); and a second communication interface (32) that co-operates with the communication unit (30) and that at least receives control data and forwards said data to the control system (12b) for the pre-defined movement of the carrier system (10).

A method for monitoring the mechanical automated removal of weeds comprising emitting ultrasonic waves in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the soil by means of at least one ultrasonic distance sensor, determining the distance to the soil, emitting electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the soil by means of at least one radiation source, registering the intensity of electromagnetic radiation reflected or scattered there by at least one optical detector arranged on the hoeing machine, using the registered intensity to determine whether the tillage has been sufficient to lead to a removal of weeds and/or whether too much dust has been whirled up, detecting shear and/or bending stresses at individual tools using strain gauges and comparing these stresses with calibration values, detecting airborne sound waves using at least one microphone, and comparing the registered airborne sound spectra with airborne sound spectra registered in advance in the case of a faultless weed removal.

A method for monitoring the mechanical automated removal of weeds comprising emitting ultrasonic waves in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the soil by means of at least one ultrasonic distance sensor, determining the distance to the soil, emitting electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the soil by means of at least one radiation source, registering the intensity of electromagnetic radiation reflected or scattered there by at least one optical detector arranged on the hoeing machine, using the registered intensity to determine whether the tillage has been sufficient to lead to a removal of weeds and/or whether too much dust has been whirled up, detecting shear and/or bending stresses at individual tools using strain gauges and comparing these stresses with calibration values, detecting airborne sound waves using at least one microphone, and comparing the registered airborne sound spectra with airborne sound spectra registered in advance in the case of a faultless weed removal.

A method for weeding between rows of crops and between individual plants in each row whereby a weeding rod is suspended at a proximal portion thereof and left un-suspended at a distal portion thereof whereby the suspension keeps the distal portion and proximal portion in the same horizontal plane. The method further comprises the step of ensuring that the weeding rod has a rounded cross section in a transverse plane with respect to a length axis thereof between the proximal portion and the distal portion and the further step of advancing the weeding rod below ground level in a direction along a ground plane.