Systems and methods for applying fluid to groups of seeds dispensed from a planter

A method for planting seeds, the method comprising:

• dispensing seeds through a seed tube using a seed meter by dispensing the seeds as groups of seeds at discrete intervals;
• detecting, by a sensor, each seed passing through the seed tube;
• transmitting a first detection signal to a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor upon detecting, via the sensor, a first seed passing through the seed tube;
• transmitting a second detection signal to the control system upon detecting, via the sensor, a second seed passing through the seed tube;
• comparing, by the control system, a time between the first and second detection signals to a threshold time;
• determining, by the control system, that the first seed and the second seed are in a single group of dispensed seeds when the time between the first and second detection signals is less than the threshold time;
• and
• determining, by the control system, that the first seed and the second seed are in different groups of dispensed seeds when the time between the first and second detection signals is greater than the threshold time.

A control system for a planter system for planting seeds, the control system comprising at least one processor and memory having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the control system to:

• cause a seed meter to dispense the seeds as groups of seeds at discrete intervals through a seed tube;
• receive a first detection signal from a sensor upon detection of a first seed passing through the seed tube;
• receive a second detection signal from the sensor upon detection of a second seed passing through the seed tube;
• compare a time between the first and second detection signals to a threshold time;
• determine that the first seed and the second seed are in a single dispensed group of seeds if the time between the first and second detection signals is less than the threshold time;
• and
• determine that the first seed and the second seed are in different dispensed groups of seeds when the time between the first and second detection signals is greater than the threshold time.