Apparatus and methods for measuring soil conditions
AssigneeAGCO Corporation
InventorKeith Robert CORPSTEIN
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for measuring a soil condition includes a frame coupled to a tow hitch and an instrumented shank engaged with the frame. The instrumented shank carries a plurality of sensors arranged such that each sensor is oriented to detect a soil property at a different depth than an adjacent sensor. A method of measuring a soil condition includes dragging an instrumented shank through soil. The instrumented shank carries a plurality of sensors. The method also includes detecting a soil property at a plurality of depths in the soil with the plurality of sensors.
Claims12
1-12. (canceled)
A method of measuring a soil condition, the method comprising:
- dragging an instrumented shank through soil ahead of a row unit, the instrumented shank carrying a plurality of sensors;
- and
- detecting a soil property at a plurality of depths in the soil with the plurality of sensors, wherein the soil property comprises at least one property selected from the group consisting of mean particle size, particle size distribution, soil pH, soil moisture, soil temperature, and residue content.
(canceled)
A method of measuring a soil condition, the method comprising:
- dragging an instrumented shank through soil after harvesting a field and before replanting the field, the instrumented shank carrying a plurality of sensors;
- and
- detecting a soil property at a plurality of depths in the soil with the plurality of sensors, wherein the soil property comprises at least one property selected from the group consisting of mean particle size, particle size distribution, soil pH, soil moisture, soil temperature, and residue content.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.