Abstract:
A system and method for crop management uses data of specific varieties, such as the effect of growing degree units (GDU) on the phenological stage and optimal soil moisture percentage (SMP) to predict crop growth, to water the crops, and to manage agricultural systems by suggesting planting dates required to meet harvest goals. For plants growing in irrigation tracts, the system and method may use soil moisture sensors and the phenological stage information to provide water to the plants. In other embodiments, predictions are made of harvest dates for planted varieties and/or planting dates to reach harvest goals. The effect of mulching may be taken into account.
Abstract:
An autonomously robotic machine for performing one or more agricultural operations. The machine includes a frame having a length and an adjustable width. A plurality of ground-engaging mechanisms are coupled to the frame for propelling the machine in a direction of travel. The machine includes a controller, a power-generating device, and a generator. The controller controls the machine, and the generator receives mechanical power from the power-generating device and produces electrical power. A docking assembly is coupled to the frame. The docking assembly includes a power unit and at least one coupler for coupling to any one of a plurality of agricultural implements.
Abstract:
A modeling framework for evaluating the impact of weather conditions on farming and harvest operations applies real-time, field-level weather data and forecasts of meteorological and climatological conditions together with user-provided and/or observed feedback of a present state of a harvest-related condition to agronomic models and to generate a plurality of harvest advisory outputs for precision agriculture. A harvest advisory model simulates and predicts the impacts of this weather information and user-provided and/or observed feedback in one or more physical, empirical, or artificial intelligence models of precision agriculture to analyze crops, plants, soils, and resulting agricultural commodities, and provides harvest advisory outputs to a diagnostic support tool for users to enhance farming and harvest decision-making, whether by providing pre-, post-, or in situ-harvest operations and crop analysis.
Abstract:
Crop-harvesting plans automatically generated based on crop-harvesting information received from a variety of sources, such as a user, remote sensor, database, data feed and/or a social network. The crop-harvesting plans may dynamically aid farmers and other production agriculture professionals when determining a crop-harvesting plan and then implementing that crop-harvesting plan. Crop-harvesting plans may include a variety of recommended crop-harvesting practices, logistics, sequences and projected outcomes for the implementation of the recommended crop-harvesting plan.
Abstract:
An agricultural robot system and method of harvesting, pruning, culling, weeding, measuring and managing of agricultural crops. Uses autonomous and semi-autonomous robot(s) comprising machine-vision using cameras that identify and locate the fruit on each tree, points on a vine to prune, etc., or may be utilized in measuring agricultural parameters or aid in managing agricultural resources. The cameras may be coupled with an arm or other implement to allow views from inside the plant when performing the desired agricultural function. A robot moves through a field first to “map” the plant locations, number and size of fruit and approximate positions of fruit or map the cordons and canes of grape vines. Once the map is complete, a robot or server can create an action plan that a robot may implement. An action plan may comprise operations and data specifying the agricultural function to perform.
Abstract:
Initial data is acquired on an agricultural product associated with a harvesting time. The acquired initial data is transmitted (e.g., handed off) via an electromagnetic signal or wireless communication to an intermediate data processing system associated with a handler of the agricultural product. Additional data is appended to the acquired initial data received at the intermediate data processing system to form composite data. The composite data is transmitted via an electromagnetic signal or wireless communication to at least one of a receiver and a data processing system for processing or storing the composite data. The composite data is transferred to or made available to a data management system, which may be accessible to one or more users who seek access to at least one of the initial data, the additional data, and the composite data on the agricultural product or a derivative thereof.
Abstract:
An agricultural robot system and method of harvesting, pruning, culling, weeding, measuring and managing of agricultural crops. Uses autonomous and semi-autonomous robot(s) comprising machine-vision using cameras that identify and locate the fruit on each tree, points on a vine to prune, etc., or may be utilized in measuring agricultural parameters or aid in managing agricultural resources. The cameras may be coupled with an arm or other implement to allow views from inside the plant when performing the desired agricultural function. A robot moves through a field first to “map” the plant locations, number and size of fruit and approximate positions of fruit or map the cordons and canes of grape vines. Once the map is complete, a robot or server can create an action plan that a robot may implement. An action plan may comprise operations and data specifying the agricultural function to perform.
Abstract:
A method and system of harvesting crops involves cutting and threshing the crop, separating graff (a mixture of grain kernels, chaff, weed seeds, and other organic matter) from straw (plant stalks), and returning the straw to the field. This is preferably carried out in a harvesting unit of the pull type having a graff storage tank. The collected graff is moved to a stationary cleaning mill in a different location by means of a suitable vehicle such as a truck. Storage of the graff prior to cleaning is avoided and the cleaning mill, and preferably the harvesting unit and vehicle, are designed to make this possible. This avoids difficulties caused by the poor material flow of graff. Various details of the equipment are also novel.
Abstract:
A hitching arm for a graff harvester comprising a rigid elongated element having two opposite ends for connection, respectively, to the graff harvester and to a propulsion device, wherein the arm has upwardly extending sections extending from each opposite end towards a centre of the hitching arm, and an elevated centre section. The shape of the arm allows the arm to pull a harvesting unit having a cutter head at the front extend over the cutter head.
Abstract:
Embodiments of systems and approaches for managing post-harvest crop quality and pests are described. Such a system may include a plurality of edge devices each comprising sensor components and collectively forming a mesh network, for measuring the local physical environment within stored crops and, for example, transmitting the measurements to a service from within the crop storage area. In certain embodiments, such a system may be used to manage post-harvest crops and storage areas-for example, approaches are described for determining fumigation treatment duration, determining phosphine dosage, determining heat treatment duration, and determining safe storage time for crops.