The invention is an apparatus unit that adjusts the dispersion from a compartment to an aqueous solution in response to an independent variable such as an environmental factor, in order to optimize seeding, marking, warning or treatment. The compartment enables any selection of solids, liquids or gasses to be contained and mixed when ready for dispersion. A preferred embodiment is a solar powered pump, self-contained within a buoy over a shallow tidal pool, for the purpose of distributing seeds for marine vegetation under ideal conditions for propagation. The unit provides for sensing and measurement of the environment, then adapting the dispersion for optimum effect.

A method for remedying sandy land by using a simulated loam substrate spray-seeding technology includes: first, carrying out a sand-fixing treatment to lay a metal mesh in sandy land, the metal mesh being fixed to the surface of the sandy land by a sand-fixing pile; second, spray-seeding a seed into the sandy land by simulated loam substrate spray-seeding; and finally, after spray-seeding, carrying out maintenance management, including adding a protective plate around the metal mesh, covering with a non-woven fabric, watering, fertilizing, reseeding, and post-monitoring. The present invention adopts a two-layer spray-seeding method, and rapidly simulates a loam substrate suitable for plant growth by bionics; the simulated loam substrate having good water retention capacity (conducive to a higher germination rate of seed), root development, microbial activity, nutrient transformation, and plant growth and development. With less investment and having a quick effect, large-scale sand control is provided.

In one aspect, a crop input applicator is provided. In one aspect, the applicator comprises a valve (e.g., voice coil valve) disposed to deposit liquid on or near a seed furrow and/or on or near a seed. In one aspect, the applicator includes one or more seed sensors disposed to detect passage of seeds.

A hydroseeder, for spraying a slurry mixture on a ground surface, the hydroseeder comprising: a liquid containment tank having an internal mixer, a tank inlet and a tank outlet, wherein the tank inlet is disposed above a maximum liquid fill level of the tank; a pump and a spray nozzle in communication with the tank outlet; a conveyor comprising an enclosed cantilever housing having an infeed chute at a lower end and a discharge spout at an upper end in communication with the tank inlet, the discharge spout of the enclosed cantilever housing pivotally supported on a slew ring to rotate about an axis of rotation relative to the tank inlet, the slew ring sealing between the discharge spout and the tank inlet during rotation between a stowed position and a deployed position; wherein the infeed chute in the deployed position is disposed at a loading height from the ground surface.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for applying specially formulated spray materials. The feedstock for the spray materials includes one or more immiscible materials. To mix immiscible materials at low pressure, the materials are applied from separate inputs of a fixture to separate channels where they are permitted to flow to and spread over surfaces or edges at selected thicknesses. On the surfaces or edges the materials are each subject to flowing air that forms small particles or drops even though the materials may be viscous. The particles or drops are mixed together and may be applied to a combustion device or spray device or any other device utilizing the mixture.

An infeed chute for a material application machine includes a riser and a water spreading unit. The riser includes a sidewall and defines an infeed opening extending through the riser. The riser is configured to be coupled to an opening of a tank of a material application machine such that application material passed through the infeed opening of the riser enters the tank of the material application machine. The sidewall includes a water inlet formed therein. The water spreading unit is coupled to the water inlet and is configured to direct water laterally across the infeed chute.

A substrate and a slurry for erosion control are disclosed. The substrate includes mulch and a cover composition including bentonite clay and cellulosic water dispersible polymer or starch. Other desired optional ingredients may also be included. Methods of controlling or reducing erosion control are also disclosed.

An automatic vertical farming system may include a frame defining at least one growth area and configured to support a plurality of vertical plant growth structures within the at least one growth area. The system may include at least one robot disposed on a top side of the frame and movably supported by the frame. At least one robot may include at least one tool configured to manipulate the plurality of vertical plant growth structures. The system may include at least one infiltration chamber configured to contain at least one of the plurality of vertical plant growth structures and expose the vertical plant growth structure to an inoculant. The system may include a control system including at least one processor configured to automatically control operation of the at least one robot and the at least one infiltration chamber.

Agricultural implements are used to transport material, such as inputs in the form of fertilizer, seed, treatment, or some combination thereof, to row units that apply the material to an area of a field. Metering systems can aid in metering and providing a desired amount of material, such as on-demand, to the row units. The metering systems move the metered material to the row units, such as with pneumatics or other fluids. The metering system can be improved by having primary and secondary nozzles of different sizes, which aid in increasing the speed of the fluid moving the material towards the row units. For example, a smaller diameter for the secondary nozzle will provide improved suction and air speed.

The present invention relates to a planting system including a container including a wall and a floor defining an internal volume and a grate located within the container and spaced apart from the floor for defining portions of the internal volume of the container above the grate and below the grate. The portion above the grate is for receiving planting medium wherein the grate is adapted for supporting the planting medium and roots of a plant planted therein. The portion below the grate is located between the grate and the floor of the container and is comprised of empty space. The plate includes a plurality of apertures that are adapted for allowing the roots of the plant to grow and to pass through the grate to the portion of the internal volume below the grate. The planting system includes an air supply device for providing a supply of air to the portion of the internal volume below the grate and to the roots passing through the grate and to the planting medium through the apertures in the grate.