A dual-placement fertilizer system for applying fertilizer at the base of crops and attached to a single coulter fertilizer system is provided. The system includes mounting means for attaching to the single coulter fertilizer system. A pivot plate is pivotally connected to the mounting means. The pivotal connection may be accomplished through a cylindrical sleeve affixed to a trailing edge of the second section of the mounting bracket, and a pivot pin extending through the cylindrical sleeve and having a first end affixed to the pivot plate for permitting the pivot plate to oscillate relative to the mounting bracket. First and second fertilizer supply lines, each having a first end affixed to the pivot plate, extend outwardly from the pivot plate in substantially opposing direction relative to one another to a second open end for dispersing liquid fertilizer at the base of crops. Means for supplying liquid fertilizer from a fertilizer tank through the first and second fertilizer supply lines to the base of crops is also provided.

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.

Systems and methods for suppressing vaporization of a volatile fluid dispensed from a pressure vessel are provided. The system includes an evaporator coupled in thermal communication with a first flow of volatile fluid from the vessel and in fluid communication with a second flow of volatile fluid from the vessel. The evaporator includes at least one channel for channeling the second flow of volatile fluid therethrough. A metering valve is coupled in fluid communication with the channel and between the evaporator and the vessel. In addition, the system includes a compressor coupled in fluid communication with and downstream from the at least one channel. Moreover, the system includes a return line coupled in fluid communication with an outlet of the compressor. The compressor is configured to compress the second flow of volatile fluid and channel the compressed second flow of volatile fluid to the pressure vessel via the return line.

A method for treating plants comprises estimating a growth state or maturity state of a plant based on a planting date, a current date and the crop type of the plant. A root zone estimator or data processor estimating a size, diameter or radius of a root zone of the plant based on the determined growth state or maturity state. The data processor adjusts a lateral offset of a distribution pattern of a crop input or nutrient from at least one nutrient knife based on the size, diameter or radius of the root zone and safety zone about the root zone, where the at least one nutrient knife tracks a path outside of or bounded by the root zone.

An applicator for applying anhydrous ammonia, NH3, to an agricultural field includes a distribution rail for receiving and out letting a flow of the NH3. The distribution rail has a decreasing inner diameter from an inlet of the distribution rail to distal ends of the distribution rail.

A sensor system for monitoring vapor concentrations associated with an agricultural implement is disclosed. The sensor system comprises a first sensor coupled to a support structure that is configured to sense a concentration of at least one component of a vapor sample associated with dispensed ammonia that is emitted from the soil. A controller is communicatively coupled to the first sensor, and is configured to receive and process output signals generated by the first sensor to determine an amount of the concentration of the at least one component that is loss during emission.

The vapor exhaust assembly, for anhydrous ammonia, includes a closed filter tower and a closed exhaust tower with vertical tubes. The filter tower is connected to the vapor tower by a vapor upper pipe and a liquid lower pipe. A filter tube is mounted in the filter tower. Ammonia enters the filter tower above an open end of the filter. Ammonia vapor moves from the filter tower through the vapor upper pipe to a vapor chamber in the vapor tower. Liquid moves from the filter tower through the liquid pipe to the vapor tower. Liquid received in the vapor tower is moved upward by a dam. Vapor in the liquid moves upward to the vapor chamber. Liquid moves downward from the dam top to a liquid discharge exit. A vapor discharge valve in the top of the vapor tower is opened to discharge vapor and increase liquid in both towers.

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.

Electric fluid flow monitoring apparatus, and agricultural fluid application systems and methods including the same are described. The fluid flow monitoring apparatus generally includes an outer housing defining a cavity. The outer housing includes an inlet for fluid to enter the cavity and an outlet for fluid to exit the cavity. Fluid flows through the cavity from the inlet to the outlet. The flow monitoring apparatus also includes an inner housing defining an interior cavity and positioned within the outer housing cavity such that fluid flows through the interior cavity. The inner housing is removably connected to the outer housing such that the inner housing is interchangeable with another inner housing having a different cross-sectional profile. The flow monitoring apparatus further includes a traveler movably disposed within the interior cavity.

Systems and methods for suppressing vaporization of a volatile fluid dispensed from a pressure vessel are provided. The system includes an evaporator coupled in thermal communication with a first flow of volatile fluid from the pressure vessel and in fluid communication with a second flow of volatile fluid from the pressure vessel. The evaporator includes at least one channel therein for channeling the second flow of volatile fluid therethrough. In addition, the system includes a compressor coupled in fluid communication with and downstream from the at least one channel. Moreover, the system includes a return line coupled in fluid communication with an outlet of the compressor. The compressor is configured to compress the second flow of volatile fluid and channel the compressed second flow of volatile fluid to the pressure vessel via the return line.