Liquid fertilizer injection method, system, and apparatus
First Claim
1. A method for dispensing liquid fertilizer directly into one or more sub-surface cavities in a region of crop or forage ground having a soil surface, the one or more cavities each having an opening at the soil surface, the method comprising the steps:
- a) locating a cavity;
b) estimating the fluid capacity of the cavity;
c) calculating dispensing parameters for delivery of liquid fertilizer into the cavity; and
d) delivering to the cavity a volume of liquid fertilizer approximately equal to the fluid capacity of the cavity in accordance with said dispensing parameters.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method is described for cutting sub-surface cavities into a region of soil and for delivering liquid fertilizer directly to each cavity while minimizing overflow or spillage of liquid fertilizer onto the surrounding surface soil. A cutting apparatus is described for creating sub-surface cavities the soil, each cavity is associated with an opening at the soil surface through which liquid fertilizer can be delivered to the cavity. A system for delivery of liquid fertilizer to the cavities is described, which includes a fertilizer dispenser including a metering valve assembly for delivery of liquid fertilizer to each cavity. A synchronization system may be incorporated into the system for locating each cavity and directing the dispensing of liquid fertilizer.
9 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for dispensing liquid fertilizer directly into one or more sub-surface cavities in a region of crop or forage ground having a soil surface, the one or more cavities each having an opening at the soil surface, the method comprising the steps:
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a) locating a cavity;
b) estimating the fluid capacity of the cavity;
c) calculating dispensing parameters for delivery of liquid fertilizer into the cavity; and
d) delivering to the cavity a volume of liquid fertilizer approximately equal to the fluid capacity of the cavity in accordance with said dispensing parameters. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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- 6. A soil-cutting apparatus for creating a sub-surface cavity while minimizing compaction of soil surrounding the cavity, wherein the cutting apparatus includes at least one cutting blade for slicing into the soil surface to create an opening at the soil surface and a cavity below the level of the soil surface.
- 13. A dispensing system for delivering liquid fertilizer to at least one soil sub-surface cavity having an opening at the soil surface, the system including at least one metering valve assembly for controlling the dispensing of fertilizer through any suitable injection device such that the fluid volume of liquid fertilizer dispensed corresponds to the fluid capacity of the cavity so as to avoid or minimize overflow onto the soil surface surrounding each opening.
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23. An apparatus for applying liquid fertilizer to a region of crop or forage ground having a soil surface, the apparatus including:
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a mobile platform for travelling over a region of crop or forage ground;
a soil-cutting apparatus operably attached to the mobile platform, the soil-cutting apparatus including at least one cutting blade for slicing into the soil surface to create an opening at the soil surface and a cavity under the soil surface, while minimizing compaction of soil surrounding the cavity;
a liquid fertilizer dispenser associated with the soil-cutting apparatus, the dispenser including at least one metering valve assembly for controlling the dispensation of fertilizer through at least one associated injection device; and
a synchronization system for associating the metered fluid volume of liquid fertilizer dispensed with the location and size of each cavity;
wherein as the mobile platform travels over the soil surface of the ground, cavities are created by the soil-cutting apparatus, and liquid fertilizer is delivered directly to each cavity by the dispensing system as determined by the synchronization system, in an amount less than or equal to the fluid capacity of each cavity so as to minimize overflow onto the soil surface surrounding each opening.
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Specification