Method and apparatus for applying liquid nutrients between parallel rows of standing crops

Apparatus adapted for efficiently applying liquid nutrients to parallel rows of standing crops growing in a field with minimal damage to the crops, the apparatus comprising

• an elongated flexible drag hose wound onto a power driven hose reel with the drag hose having an inlet and an outlet,
• a vehicle supporting the hose reel for axial movement of the hose reel adjacent a first end of the field and perpendicular to the rows of crops,
• the drag hose extending from the hose reel to an elongated boom having an end portion pivotally connected to an elongated applicator connected to a tractor positioned to move between the rows of standing crops and with the applicator extending laterally substantially beyond opposite sides of the tractor,
• the drag hose extending longitudinally from the hose reel between two of the parallel rows of crops and in substantial alignment with the center of the tractor,
• the drag hose connected to a liquid distribution system of the applicator with the distribution system having outlets located between the rows of crops,
• a pump for pumping the liquid nutrients from a supply source into the inlet of the drag hose supported by the hose reel,
• the tractor connected to pull the drag hose directly from the hose reel and between the two rows of crops while the applicator and distribution system supply the liquid nutrients to a first group of the parallel rows of standing crops,
• the tractor and applicator being effective to turn at an opposite second end of the field while the boom and the applicator are elevated generally above the crops, with the boom pivoting to a continuous supply position projecting outwardly and longitudinally from an end portion of the applicator about one half the length of the applicator for positioning the tractor with the applicator extending transversely to a second group of the parallel rows of crops,
• the liquid nutrients being continuously supplied through the drag hose and with the boom and distribution system to the second group of rows of crops while the tractor and applicator return to the first end of the field,
• the drag hose being maintained between the two rows of crops with the boom and applicator extending transversely from the tractor and with the boom projecting to the supply position projecting beyond the end portion of the applicator generally above the crops while the drag hose is being rewound onto the hose reel synchronized with the return of the tractor and applicator, and
• the vehicle is operable to move the hose reel axially to a third group of rows of crops where the tractor and applicator are positioned to apply the liquid nutrients to the third group of the parallel rows of crops.