Method and system for optimizing planting operations

US9924629B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Appareo Systems, LLC · US

Inventors

• Barry D. Batcheller · Fargo, US
• Joseph A. Heilman · Fargo, US
• David C. Batcheller · Fargo, US
• Robert V. Weinmann · Hankinson, US
• Jeffrey L. Johnson · West Fargo, US
• Paul D. Johnson · Escondido, US
• Paul A. Nystuen · West Fargo, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 23, 2014
• Grant date: Mar 27, 2018
• Expiry date: Dec 2, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A01C21/007
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An agricultural planting system and method comprising a soil sampling and analysis means, wherein soil samples are taken and analyzed in real-time during a planting operation (or, optionally, via a separate, prior operation) to determine the conditions and nutrient content of the soil, and a planting system, wherein the planting system is capable of planting seeds in any arbitrary position on an X-Y plane directly beneath the planting system, whereby the data gathered from the analyzed soil samples are used to determine the optimal placement of seeds or plants in a field in order to take advantage of the soil conditions present and to optimize crop yield.