University of California

Shrini K Upadhyaya

Mohammad Reza Ehsani

Mark L Mattson

David C Slaughter

Bernard Jahn

Uriel A Rosa

Patrick H Brown

Loren D Gautz

A single absorbance value was found in the mid infrared (mid-IR) region that correlated directly to soil nitrate content while not being influenced by other components in the soil, such as carbonate and organic matter. Using one or two absorbance values, at which interference from other ions is a minimum, to predict a component's concentration as opposed to the conventional method of using a continuous spectrum allows for an in-situ real-time soil nitrate content sensor.

Method for soil content prediction based on a limited number of mid-infrared absorbances

A method for weighing a crop is disclosed. The method includes (a) loading a crop into a container using a crop transport apparatus, (b) temporarily stopping the crop transport apparatus from loading the crop into the container, (c) weighing the crop using the container, (d) unloading the weighed crop from the container by automatically manipulating the container, and (e) repeating steps (a)&#x2013;(d).

Precision harvesting and analysis techniques for crops

An ultra precise seed planter apparatus and method for generating a centimeter accuracy map of the location of seeds or vegetation as they are planted from an agricultural planting machine. The apparatus is fitted with a GPS receiver feeding a data logger, and optical sensors that are placed adjacent seed or vegetation dispenser. The data logger monitors GPS time and UTM coordinates, as well as the optical sensors. Ground speed and azimuth are also monitored. The seeds or vegetation are time-tagged as they are dispensed, and software is used to process the dispensing time and GPS location data and estimate the exact coordinates of each seed or plant and its distance from adjacent seeds or plants. As a result, a precise planting map is generated. The invention may also be used to determine the location to dispense seeds or vegetation, and activating the dispenser when that location is reached.

Method and apparatus for ultra precise GPS-based mapping of seeds or vegetation during planting

A hydro-pneumatic method and apparatus for singulation and delivery of uncoated capsules that consist of gel-encapsulated propagules. The capsules are flowed in water to a metering zone, where a metering disc picks up capsules one at a time successively by vacuum from the metering zone while spacing the capsules at regular intervals. The disc carries the capsules from the water, and then positively blows them from the vacuum at the regularly spaced intervals.

Growing community of inventors

Woodland, CA, United States of America

Shrini K Upadhyaya