SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLYING FLUID TO A CUTTING BLADE

An agricultural system includes a harvester that may include a chopper configured to cut crop residue from the crop. The harvester may also include a fluid applicator configured to apply harvest-aid fluid to the chopper. The agricultural system may also include an application control system that may include a memory and a processor. The application control system may be configured to receive crop harvest data indicative of a density or an expected density of crops within a field. The application control system may also determine a harvest-aid fluid application rate based on the crop harvest data. Further, the application control system may control the fluid applicator to apply the harvest-aid fluid to the chopper based on the harvest-aid fluid application rate.

BACKGROUND

A harvester may be used to harvest crops, such as barley, beans, beets, carrots, corn, cotton, flax, oats, potatoes, rye, soybeans, wheat, or other plant crops. The harvester may include or be coupled to a header, which may be designed to efficiently harvest certain types of crops. For example, a corn header may be designed to efficiently harvest corn. The corn header may include row units that each include components that operate to separate the ear of corn from the remainder of the corn plant as the harvester travels through a field. The remaining corn plant material is often left in the field to decompose and enhance the soil quality for future crop development.

A tillage system may be used to cultivate the soil through tilling operation. Common tilling operations include plowing, harrowing, sub-soiling, and vertical tillage. The tillage system may include disc blades that are positioned vertically on a tillage implement to cut into the soil and crop residue from previous agricultural operations. These disc blades chop up the crop residue and help incorporate it within the soil to aid in decomposition to add nutrients for future crop growth. Farmers perform these tilling operations by pulling a tilling implement behind a motorized tractor. Depending on the crop selection and the soil conditions, a farmer may perform several tilling operations at different times over a crop cycle to properly cultivate the land to suit the crop choice.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an agricultural system may include a harvester that may include a chopper configured to cut crop residue from the crop. The harvester may also include a fluid applicator configured to apply harvest-aid fluid to the chopper. The agricultural system may also include an application control system that may include a memory and a processor. The application control system may be configured to receive crop harvest data indicative of a density or an expected density of crops within a field. The application control system may also determine a harvest-aid fluid application rate based on the crop harvest data. Further, the application control system may control the fluid applicator to apply the harvest-aid fluid to the chopper based on the harvest-aid fluid application rate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to an agricultural system and, more specifically, to introducing a decomposition-aid to crop residue by applying the decomposition-aid to a blade making contact with crop residue.

The process of farming typically begins with planting seeds within a field. Over time, the seeds grow and eventually become harvestable crops. Typically, only a portion of each crop is commercially valuable, so each crop is harvested to separate the usable material from the remainder of the crop. For example, a harvester may include or be coupled to a header to harvest crops within the field. The header may be a corn header that is configured to efficiently harvest corn within the field. The corn header may include multiple row units arranged across a width of the corn header, and each row unit may include deck plates, stalk rollers, other component(s), or a combination thereof, that operate to separate ears of corn from stalks and materials other than grain (e.g., crop residue) as the harvester travels through the field. For example, corn headers are capable of chopping the stalks of corn quickly and collecting the corn ears while leaving behind the stalks, leaves, and any other unwanted and biodegradable byproduct. Conveyors (e.g., augers) carry the ears of corn into the harvester (e.g., a chassis of the harvester), such as toward processing machinery of the harvester, for further processing.

The crop residue left behind from the header is often intentionally left in the field following the harvest. As the crop residue decomposes, nutrients from the rotting crop residue are incorporated into the soil. As more crop residue decomposes, more nutrients are incorporated into the soil. Crops grown in fields with higher nutrient content and soil quality often grow larger, faster, and with a lower risk of crop failure. As such, it is common in traditional agriculture systems to perform tillage operations following harvest operations. Tillage systems are used to further aid in the decomposition process for the remaining crop residue. Tillage implements are often pulled behind work vehicles to cut up remaining crop residue and incorporate the crop residue into the soil. For example, the disc blades of a tillage implement facilitate soil movement and ensure a homogenous mixture while facilitating the break down of degradable plant matter.

However, decomposition can be a slow process relative to the schedule for planting, watering, harvesting, and tilling. If the soil does not contain the proper nutrients by the time that the next group of seeds is planted, the crop growth may be stunted. For these reasons, it is desirable that the decomposition of crop residue occurs at a reasonable speed and that the soil is ready for planting by the predefined deadline. Some current agricultural systems incorporate a decomposition-aid to the crop residue and the soil to speed up the natural decomposition process. The decomposition-aid may be a fluid that is applied to the crop residue that contains microbes and/or materials that promote microbe development. In many cases, the decomposition-aid is sprayed onto the crop residue following harvesting operations to evenly coat an entire field. Unfortunately, traditional methods for applying decomposition-aid may not be efficient. For example, crop residue may be unevenly distributed throughout the field. Accordingly, when evenly spraying an entire field with decomposition-aid, a first section of the field with a higher crop residue concentration may receive proportionally less decomposition-aid than a second section of the field with a lower crop residue concentration. A portion of the decomposition-aid used in the second section may go to waste while the crop residue in the first section may not decompose at a desired rate due to an insufficient amount of decomposition-aid. Current systems may be both inefficient with the use of decomposition aid fluid and insufficient in providing the necessary nutrients to all of the soil in a field.

Thus, it is presently recognized that a system to distribute a target amount of decomposition-aid to the crop residue during harvest and tillage operations may improve the health of the soil and enhance future crop yields. Accordingly, the present embodiments relate to systems and methods for applying a decomposition-aid fluid to the cutting blades of a harvester and/or a tillage implement to incorporate the decomposition-aid into the soil to facilitate decomposition of crop residue with a reduction in wasted decomposition-aid. The harvester/tillage implement may include or be communicatively coupled to an application control system configured to determine a target fluid application rate to the cutting blades based on tillage and/or harvest data received by the application control system. As an example, based on the amount of crop residue detected in the path of the tillage implement, the application control system may adjust the amount of decomposition-aid being applied to the cutting blades as the tillage implement cuts the crop residue, thereby effectively supporting decomposition while reducing decomposition-aid waste.

With the foregoing in mind,FIG.1is a side view of an embodiment of an agricultural system100, which may include a harvester102, a tillage system104, or both. The harvester102includes a chassis106configured to support a header108(e.g., a corn header, a wheat header) and an agricultural crop processing system110. The header108is configured to receive crops (e.g., corn, wheat) from a field and to transport the crops toward an inlet112of the agricultural crop processing system110for further processing of the crops. The header108may also separate desirable crop material from crop residue (e.g., stems, leaves, stalks). The agricultural crop processing system110receives the crops from the header108for further processing. For example, the agricultural crop processing system110may include a thresher114having a cylindrical threshing rotor that transports the crops in a helical flow path through the harvester102. In addition to transporting the crops, the thresher114may further separate certain desirable crop material (e.g., corn) from crop residue (e.g., husks, cobs) and may enable the desirable crop material to flow into a cleaning system116(e.g., including sieves) located beneath the thresher114. The cleaning system116may remove debris from the desirable crop material and transport the desirable crop material to a storage tank118within the harvester102. A tractor with a trailer may be positioned alongside the harvester102. The desirable crop material collected in the storage tank118may be transported by an elevator to an unloader120and delivered from the unloader120into the trailer.

The header108may directly distribute/discharge certain crop residue (e.g., stalks, leaves, etc.) to the field to avoid entry of the crop residue into certain parts of the chassis106, such as the agricultural crop processing system110. In some embodiments, the harvester102includes a crop residue handling system122that receives crop residue from the crop processing system110, which is not directly discharged from the header108, and the crop residue handling system122transports the crop residue to a crop residue spreading system124positioned at an aft end of the harvester102. The crop residue spreading system124distributes the crop residue onto the field to facilitate performance of other operations. Distribution of the crop residue onto the field may facilitate a subsequent operation that removes, chops, buries, or otherwise processes the crop residue for subsequent preparation of the field. To facilitate discussion herein, the header108may be described with reference to a lateral axis or direction126, a longitudinal axis or direction128, and a vertical axis or direction

The agricultural system100also includes an application control system132(e.g., an automation controller, an electronic controller, a programmable controller, a cloud computing system, control circuitry) with a processor134(e.g., processing circuitry) and memory136. The processor134may be used to execute software code or instructions stored on the memory136, such as to process signals, control operations of the harvester102, the tillage system104, or both. The term “code” or “software code” used herein refers to any instructions or set of instructions that control the operation of the application control system132. The code or software code may exist in a computer-executable form, such as machine code, which is the set of instructions and data directly executed by the processor134of the application control system132, human-understandable form, such as source code, which may be compiled in order to be executed by the processor134of the application control system132, or an intermediate form, such as object code, which is produced by a compiler. In some embodiments, the application control system132may include a plurality of controllers.

As an example, the memory136may store processor-executable software code or instructions (e.g., firmware or software), which are tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium. Additionally or alternatively, the memory may store data. As an example, the memory136may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the processor134may include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor134may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) or complex instruction set (CISC) processors. The processor134may include multiple processors, and/or the memory136may include multiple memory devices. The processor134and/or the memory136may be located in any suitable portion of the harvester102, the tillage system104, or both (e.g., a cab of the harvester102, a cab of the tillage system104, on the header108, on the tillage implement frame, or some combination thereof). Further, the application control system132may be a distributed controller with the multiple processors134and/or the multiple memories136in separate housings or locations (e.g., in the agricultural system100, in the header108, in a remote location, in the cloud).

The application control system132may be communicatively coupled to the harvester102and the tillage system104. In some embodiments, the harvester102and the tillage system104may both be coupled to the same application control system132. In some embodiments, the agricultural system may include multiple application control systems132, in which each application control system132is communicatively coupled to each of the harvester102, the tillage system104, and other agricultural implement(s) of the agricultural system. In this way, the memory136and the processor134of the application control system132that is coupled to the harvester may be distinct from the memory136and the processor134of the application control system132that is coupled to the tillage system104. In some embodiments, the software code or instructions executed by the processor134associated with the harvester102may be independent of the software code or instructions executed by the processor associated with the tillage system104. The application control system132may deliver first instructions to the harvester102and second instructions to the tillage system104.

In the illustrated embodiment, the application control system132is communicatively coupled to one or more sensors138and to a fluid applicator139located within the header108of the harvester102. Thus, the application control system132may be in communication with the one or more sensors138and the fluid applicator139to control the application of a harvest-aid fluid by the fluid applicator139. The harvest-aid fluid may be any suitable fluid or substance found within a fluid that aids in the crop development process, such as herbicide, fertilizer, decomposition-aid fluid (e.g., including microbes, materials that promote microbe development), and the like. For example, the sensor138may be used to detect plant matter and crop residue left behind from the harvesting operations of the harvester102. The application control system132may output instructions to the fluid applicator139that includes starting application, stopping application, an amount of harvest-aid fluid to be applied, a type of harvest-aid fluid to apply, a frequency rate of applying the harvest-aid fluid, where to apply the harvest-aid fluid (e.g., decomposition-aid fluid), and the like. As another example, the application control system132may output a control signal to adjust operation of the header108to adjust how the harvest-aid fluid is being applied to the crop residue (e.g., corn stalks). For instance, as discussed herein, the header108may include blades that chop the crop residue into finer particles, and the application control system132may output the control signal to adjust operation of the blades to adjust the amount of fluid applied to the crop residue (e.g., to compensate for a smaller or larger particle size).

In some embodiments, the application control system132may output the control signal to adjust the operation of the fluid applicator139of the header108automatically. To this end, the application control system132is communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors138configured to monitor one or more characteristic(s) of the crop residue. By way of example, the sensor(s)138may detect a size of the crop residue (e.g., crop residue processed by the header108), a distribution of the crop residue on the field, other suitable characteristic(s), or any combination thereof. For example, the sensor138may include an optical sensor (e.g., a camera) and/or a radar sensor positioned underneath the chassis106, behind the chassis106(e.g., adjacent to the crop residue spreading system124), or otherwise oriented to face the field to facilitate determination of characteristic(s) of the crop residue. The sensor138may output sensor data indicative of the monitored characteristic(s) to the application control system132, and the application control system132may operate based on the received sensor data. For example, the application control system132may output a control signal to adjust operation of the fluid applicator139of the header108based on at least one characteristic of the crop residue (e.g., in response to determining the at least one characteristic is outside of a range of values). In some embodiments, the one or more sensors138may be positioned in front of the crop residue spreading system124. In this way, the one or more sensors138may monitor residue from the header108so that control of fluid at the header108is based on crop residue located near the header108.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the application control system132may output the control signal in response to receipt of a user input. For example, the agricultural system100may include a user interface (e.g., disposed in a cab), which may include a touchscreen, a dial, a lever, a switch, a button, a trackpad, a mouse, and the like, and the application control system132may receive the user input based on an interaction between a user (e.g., an operator) and the user interface. The user input may, for instance, include a request for directly adjusting operation of the fluid applicator139(e.g., regardless of the characteristic(s) of the crop residue monitored by the sensor). The application control system132may also be configured to output a control signal to adjust operation of another element of the agricultural system100. For example, the control signal may be indicative of instructions to provide a notification (e.g., a visual output, an audio output, a communication transmitted to a mobile device) that may prompt a user to manually adjust and/or inspect operation of the agricultural system100.

In certain embodiments, the sensor may monitor characteristic(s) of upcoming crops to be harvested by the harvester102. Thus, the application control system132may receive information regarding the crop residue that is still intact and attached to the field (e.g., the soil), such as of crops that are upstream of the harvester102relative to a direction of travel of the harvester102. As such, the application control system132may adjust operation in anticipation of processing the upcoming crop residue to improve size reduction and/or application of harvest-aid fluid to the crop residue. That is, the application control system132may dynamically adjust operations to process the crop residue in a more suitable manner based on the detected characteristic(s) of the upcoming crop residue.

In certain embodiments, the sensor138may monitor positioning of the crop residue with respect to the harvester102to identify uneven distribution of the crop residue, such as the crop residue being processed or already processed by the header108. Such uneven distribution may indicate undesirable operation of the harvester102. For example, uneven distribution at the header108may indicate an insufficient speed of operation of rollers of one or more row unit(s) of the header108. An uneven distribution at the crop residue spreading system124may indicate an insufficient speed of operation of a spreader of the crop residue spreading system124, an insufficient speed of operation of the row unit rollers of the header108, ineffective operation of another component configured to deliver the crop residue to the crop residue spreading system124, or a combination thereof. The one or more sensors138may output sensor data indicative of a detected uneven distribution, including a location of the uneven distribution congestion, to the application control system132, and the application control system132may output the control signal based on the detected congestion. For instance, the control signal may adjust operation of the fluid applicator139to reduce congestion and improve crop residue processing operations.

Additionally or alternatively, the control signal may adjust operation of another component of the agricultural system100to reduce the uneven distribution. By way of example, discharged crop residue that is inadequately distributed on the field may be lodged between the field and the agricultural system100(e.g., an underside of the chassis) to affect (e.g., obstruct) navigation by the agricultural system100. The sensor138may detect such a congestion, and the application control system132may output the control signal to adjust operation of an air mover140(e.g., a fan, a blower) to output air that causes movement of the crop residue about the field (e.g., underneath the chassis) and reduce the congestion.

The operation of the agricultural system100effectuated by the application control system132may enable the harvester102to process the crop residue in a desirable manner without causing excessive resource consumption (e.g., of fuel, of electricity) by the agricultural system100. By way of example, increasing an operating speed of a spreader may process the crop residue more desirably, such as by improving decomposition of crop residue after harvesting and/or reducing a size of the crop residue, but may also increase resource consumption by the harvester102. For this reason, the application control system132may output the control signal to achieve desirable characteristic(s) of the crop residue without causing substantial resource consumption by the harvester. For example, in response to determining that a characteristic (e.g., size, distribution, congestion) of detected crop residue is undesirable (e.g., outside of a desirable range), the application control system132may output the control signal to incrementally or gradually increase operation of the fluid applicator139until the characteristic is desirable (e.g., within the desirable range) and no additional resources beyond the resources consumed to achieve the desirable characteristic (e.g., harvest-aid fluid) are consumed.

The application control system132may also operate other components of the agricultural system100. For example, the application control system132may determine an amount of crop material (e.g., based on sensor data received from the sensor138and/or from an additional sensor, such as an optic sensor, a flow sensor, a force sensor, a weight sensor, or a contact sensor) being transported to the inlet112for processing by the thresher114, and the application control system132may operate the thresher114based on the amount of crop material. In some embodiments, the application control system132may output a control signal to increase a processing speed of the thresher114in response to determining the amount of harvest-aid fluid is above a threshold value, thereby increasing operation of the thresher114to process the crop material and apply harvest-aid fluid to the crop residue during a shorter period of time. In this way, the thresher114may operate more suitably to process the increased amount of harvest-aid fluid. The application control system132may also output a control signal to reduce the processing speed of the thresher114in response to determining the amount of harvest-aid fluid being applied is below a threshold value, thereby reducing resource consumption associated with the operation of the thresher114. As such, the thresher114may operate without expending additional resources than that used to sufficiently process the reduced amount of crop material.

As mentioned above, the agricultural system100includes the tillage system104, which includes a tillage implement146coupled to a work vehicle148, such as a tractor or other agricultural work vehicle. In general, the implement146may be configured to be towed along a forward direction of travel150by the work vehicle148. For example, the work vehicle148may be coupled to the implement146via a hitch system or hitch assembly152or using any other suitable attachment. As shown, the hitch system152is coupled to a frame154(e.g., main frame) of the implement146to facilitate towing the implement146in the direction of travel150.

As shown, the frame154extends in the longitudinal direction128(e.g., as indicated by arrow156inFIG.1) between a forward end158and an aft or rear end160. The frame154may also extend in the lateral direction126between a first side162and a second side. In addition, the frame154may generally include multiple structural frame members, such as beams, bars, and/or the like, configured to support and/or couple to multiple components.

The implement146further includes wheel assemblies164coupled to the frame154to support the frame154relative to the ground and to facilitate towing the implement146in the direction of travel150. For example, in certain embodiments, the implement146may include multiple center support wheel assemblies164(e.g., transport wheels) located centrally on the frame154between the forward and aft ends158,160, with the wheel assemblies164being spaced apart from one another in the lateral direction126of the implement146between the first side162and the second side. In certain embodiments, the implement146may also include multiple forward support wheel assemblies164coupled to the frame154adjacent to the forward end158of the frame154, with the wheel assemblies164being spaced apart from one another in the lateral direction126of the implement146between the first side162and the second side. The implement146may include any suitable number and/or type of wheel assemblies164in alternate embodiments.

Referring still toFIG.1, the implement146may also include multiple ground-engaging tools supported by the frame154. For example, in certain embodiments, the frame154may be configured to support one or more gangs or sets166of disc blades168adjacent the forward end or portion158and adjacent the aft end or portion160, in which the disc blades168are configured to till the soil170. In such embodiments, each disc blade168may, for example, include both a concave side and a convex side. Furthermore, the gangs166of disc blades168may be oriented at an angle relative to the travel direction150to promote effective tilling of the soil170. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the implement146may also include one or more finishing assemblies172, and the frame154may be configured to support the finishing assemblies172adjacent to the aft end158. The finishing assembly/assemblies are configured to reduce the number of clods in the soil170and/or firm the soil170over which the implement146travels.

In addition to the gangs166of disc blades168and the finishing assemblies172shown inFIG.1, the implement146may include any other/additional suitable ground-engaging tools. For instance, if the implement146is configured as a cultivator or ripper, the implement146may include multiple shanks, harrow tines, leveling blades, and/or the like.

In certain embodiments, the hitch system152is a weight transferring hitch system. The hitch system152is configured to be coupled to the frame154of the agricultural implement146and to transfer weight (as indicated by arrow174) between the work vehicle148(e.g., tractor) and the agricultural implement146to adjust a downward force176applied by each disc blade168(e.g., of one or more disc gangs166coupled to the main frame154of the tillage system104) to the soil170. In certain embodiments, weight is transferred from the work vehicle148to the main frame154of the implement146and the disc blades168to increase the force applied by the disc blades168to the soil170. In certain embodiments, static weight (e.g., a percentage of static weight) is transferred from the agricultural implement146to the work vehicle148to decrease the force applied by the disc blades168to the soil (e.g., as well as the weight on the transport wheels164of the agricultural implement) during a tillage operation.

The weight transferring hitch system152includes an interface portion178(e.g., rigid structure such as a bar or a post) on the frame154that is configured to rigidly mount or attach the agricultural implement146to the work vehicle148(e.g., to a hitch (e.g., three-point hitch) or hitch replacement of the work vehicle148). As depicted, the interface portion178extends in a vertical direction130.

The weight transferring hitch system152also includes a hydraulic cylinder182coupled to the interface portion178and the main frame154of the tillage implement146. The hydraulic cylinder182is configured to apply pressure to the interface portion178to adjust the downward force176applied to the main frame154and the disc blades168. The hydraulic cylinder182is coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) to a hydraulic system located on the tillage system104(e.g., on the work vehicle148). The weight transferring hitch system152may be controlled in a variety of different ways. In certain embodiments, the hydraulic system includes a mechanical valve disposed upstream of the weight transferring hitch system152that regulates the hitch system152. For example, the mechanical valve is set to a specific pressure and when actuated causes the hitch system152to transfer weight between the work vehicle148and the agricultural implement146to cause a specific downward force to be applied by the disc blades168.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tillage system104includes one or more sensors138and a fluid applicator139, and the sensor(s)138and the fluid applicator139are communicatively coupled to the application control system132. The fluid applicator139of the tillage system104may be located within the tillage implement146. In some embodiments, the fluid applicator139may be disposed alongside the gangs166of disc blades168. The tillage implement146may include multiple fluid applicators139disposed alongside the separate gangs166of disc blades168. The one or more fluid applicators139may each be in communication with the application control system132. Each of the fluid applicators139may receive similar or individual instructions from the application control system132. A first fluid applicator of the fluid applicators139may be disposed alongside a first gang of disc blades and a second fluid applicator may be disposed alongside a second gang of disc blades. In some embodiments, the application control system132may output instructions to the first fluid applicator that are independent from instructions sent to the second fluid applicator. For example, the application control system132may output a first instruction to the first fluid applicator to apply a larger amount of fluid to the disc blades168of the first gang, and the application control system132may output a second instruction to the second fluid applicator to apply a smaller amount of fluid to the disc blades168of the second gang. The first gang of disc blades may contact a larger amount of crop residue and, therefore, utilize a larger amount of tillage-aid fluid (e.g., decomposition-aid fluid), as compared to the second gang of disc blades.

The tillage system104may include one or more sensors138disposed along the tillage implement146and/or the work vehicle148. For example, the application control system132may output a control signal to adjust operation of the fluid applicator(s)139of the gang(s)166of disc blades168based on at least one characteristic of the residue (e.g., in response to determining the at least one characteristic is outside of a range of values). In additional or alternative embodiments, the application control system132may output the control signal in response to receipt of a user input. For example, the agricultural system100may include a user interface (e.g., disposed in the work vehicle148), which may include a touchscreen, a dial, a lever, a switch, a button, a trackpad, a mouse, and the like, and the control system may receive the user input based on an interaction between a user (e.g., an operator) and the user interface. The user input may, for instance, include a request for directly adjusting operation of the fluid applicator(s)139(e.g., regardless of the characteristic(s) of the crop residue monitored by the sensor(s)138).

The configuration of the implement146described above and shown inFIG.1is provided only to place the present subject matter in an exemplary field of use. Thus, the present subject matter may be readily adaptable to any manner of implement configuration.

FIG.2is a perspective view of an embodiment of the header108that may be employed within the harvester102of the agricultural system ofFIG.1. In the illustrated embodiment, the header108is a corn header and includes multiple dividers202configured to separate rows of a crop (e.g., corn). The dividers202may be distributed across a width204of the header108(e.g., along the lateral axis126). As the header108moves along a path, the dividers202may direct the crops from each row to row units206. The row units206are configured to receive each crop (e.g., a stalk). A portion of the crops are directed to one of a pair of conveyors208(e.g., augers) configured to convey the portion of crops laterally inward to a center crop conveyor at a center of the header108, and the center crop conveyor directs the portion of crops toward the inlet112of the agricultural crop processing system. As illustrated, the conveyors208extend along a substantial portion of the width204of the header108(e.g., along the lateral axis126). The conveyors208may be driven by a drive mechanism (e.g., electric motor, hydraulic motor).

The header108may separate the desirable crop material and crop residue from one another to facilitate directing the desirable crop material into the agricultural crop processing system via the inlet112and to block entry of the crop residue into the agricultural crop processing system via the inlet112. For example, operation of the row units206may direct the desirable crop material to the conveyors208and discharge the crop residue away from the conveyors208, such as discharging the crop residue directly onto the field. The application control system132may operate the fluid applicator139as the harvester102cuts the crops, separates the crop residue from the desirable crop material, and discharges the crop residue (e.g., onto the field). For example, as discussed herein, the application control system132may output a control signal to the one or more fluid applicators139to apply a harvest-aid fluid to the stalks of corn as the header108operates.

FIG.3is a perspective front view of a portion of the header108ofFIG.2. As shown, the portion of the header108includes the dividers202that direct the crops to the row units206. Each row unit206includes various components that operate to separate the corn from the crop residue, carry the corn toward the conveyors208, and return the crop residue to the field. For example, each row unit206may include a pair of feed rollers250(e.g., snap rollers, stalk rollers, pick rollers) that are configured to grip the crop (e.g., stalk) and rotate in opposite rotational directions to drive the crop residue of the crop toward the field (e.g., vertically downward along the vertical axis130; below the header108) for discharge from the header108. Each row unit206also includes a pair of deck plates252that are positioned over the pair of feed rollers250. Each deck plate252extends from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis128, and the pair of deck plates252are separated from one another along the lateral axis126to define a gap254. The pair of deck plates252are spaced apart so that the gap254is sized to enable the crop residue to move through the gap254, but to block the desirable crop material (e.g., cars of corn) from moving through the gap254. Accordingly, the deck plates252may receive the desirable crop material and block entry of the desirable crop material through the gap254. Further, each row unit206may include a pair of chains256(e.g., with lugs) that are configured to drive or push the desirable crop material along the pair of deck plates252toward the conveyors208. In some embodiments, the pair of deck plates252are adjustable and may be driven (e.g., via an actuator) toward and away from one another along the lateral axis126to change a size of the gap254(e.g., a width along the lateral axis126).

Additionally, the application control system132may operate the fluid applicators139based on a detected rate of crop movement into the row units206. For example, during operation, the harvester102may move in the direction of travel146to gather multiple rows of crops. The travel speed of the harvester102in the direction of travel146may affect intake of the crop residue by the row units206. For example, increased travel speed may cause more crops to enter each row unit206, thereby generating more residue. In addition, a higher crop density within the field may cause more crops to enter each row unit206, thereby generating more residue. Accordingly, the application control system132may control the amount of harvester aid fluid that is applied to choppers disposed below the row units206based on the detected rate of crop movement into each row unit. As a result, the choppers disposed below the row units206that process more residue may receive a larger amount of fluid to compensate for the larger amount of crop residue. Conversely, the choppers disposed below the row units206that process less residue may receive a smaller amount of fluid. In this way, the harvest-aid fluid is used efficiently, and less harvest-aid fluid is wasted during operation.

FIG.4is a perspective bottom view of a portion of the header108ofFIGS.2-3. The header108includes a chopper300configured to rotate to cut stalks/crop residue that is being directed downwardly by the feed rollers250. As discussed herein, the feed rollers250may direct the crop residue downwardly through the gap254for discharge from the header108. While the feed rollers250direct the crop residue through the gap254, the chopper300may to cut the crop residue, thereby reducing a size of the crop residue being discharged from the header108. In additional or alternative embodiments, the feed rollers250may include blades, knives, discs, or a combination thereof, that may cut the crop residue during rotation of the feed rollers250to reduce the size of the crop residue (e.g., prior to or without cutting by the chopper).

The fluid applicator139may be coupled to the chopper300and may apply harvest-aid fluid to the chopper300to facilitate harvest operation. For example, the application control system132may output a control signal to the fluid applicator139to apply fluid to the chopper300such that the fluid is transferred from the chopper blade to the crop residue (e.g., in response to receiving sensor data indicative of the incoming crop being above a threshold size). The application control system132may also output a control signal to the fluid applicator139to control the current application rate of fluid to the chopper. For example, the application control system132may determine a different amount of crops to be chopped by the chopper300than is currently being chopped and adjust the amount of fluid such that the amount of fluid being applied to the cut crop residue is associated with the amount of crop residue being generated by the agricultural system100.

The header108also includes a counter knife302(e.g., a counter blade), which may facilitate operation of the chopper300in cutting the crop residue. For example, the counter knife302may support the crop residue being moved by the feed rollers250and provide resistance to enable the chopper300to cut the crop residue more easily. For example, the chopper300may cut the crop residue against the counter knife302such that each of the chopper300and the counter knife302imparts a force against the crop residue to cut the crop residue. As such, the counter knife302may improve operation of the chopper300. The counter knife302may be coupled to the row unit206, such as to a support304, and may extend toward a front end306(e.g., an upstream end, a tip) of the header108, such as generally in the longitudinal axis128. Thus, a portion of the counter knife302may overlap with the chopper300during rotation of the chopper300to enable the counter knife302to contact and support the crop residue being cut by the chopper300. In some embodiments, the fluid applicator139may be disposed along the counter knife302and be configured to apply harvest-aid fluid to the cutting edge of the counter knife302. In certain embodiments, the application control system132may apply harvest-aid fluid to the chopper300and the counter knife302in different amounts. In some embodiments, the fluid applicator139may apply the harvest-aid fluid to the leading edge of the counter knife302in specified locations along the leading edge based on the amount of crops cut by each portion of the counter knife302. For example, if the application control system302determines that the center of the counter knife302is where the majority of crops are cut, the fluid applicator139may apply the majority of harvest-aid fluid to the center of the counter knife302and a minority of fluid, or no fluid, to the far ends of the counter knife302.

In some embodiments, the position of the counter knife302may be adjustable. For example, the counter knife302may be coupled to the support304at a pivot308, and the counter knife302may be rotated about the vertical axis130at the pivot308to adjust a direction of extension of the counter knife302. Such movement of the counter knife302may adjust an overlap between the counter knife302and the chopper300during rotation of the chopper300. For example, the counter knife302may be moved to adjust a force imparted by the counter knife302onto the crop residue, to adjust a location (e.g., along a length of the feed rollers250) where the counter knife302engages the crop residue, or to otherwise adjust how the crop residue is cut via the chopper300. Movement of the counter knife302to increase extension toward the front end306(e.g., to extend more in the longitudinal direction128) may enable the chopper300to cut the crop residue more aggressively (e.g., more finely into relatively smaller particles). Movement of the counter knife302to reduce extension toward the front end306(e.g., to extend more in the lateral direction126) may reduce cutting aggression by the chopper300(e.g., to cut the crop residue more coarsely into relatively larger particles). In alternative embodiments of the agricultural system, the counter knife302may have a different configuration (e.g., the counter knife302may have a different geometry, such as a triangular shape), the counter knife302may be moved in a different manner (e.g., translated toward or away from the front end306), or the counter knife302may be omitted.

The header108further includes one more anti-wrap knives312. The anti-wrap knife/knives312may block entanglement of the crop residue around the feed rollers250. As an example, a respective anti-wrap knife312may be positioned laterally adjacent to each feed roller250. A portion of the crop residue may remain in engagement with one of the feed rollers250during rotation of the feed roller250, such that the crop residue is at least partially wrapped about the feed roller250, potentially bypassing the chopper300. However, the anti-wrap knife312adjacent to the feed roller250may cut the crop residue to block continued movement of the crop residue about the feed roller250, thereby enabling discharge of the crop residue from the header108. Rotation of the feed roller250may drive the crop residue toward the anti-wrap knife312, which may cut the crop residue and block the crop residue from further entangling the feed roller250.

FIG.5is a front view of a chopper system350that may be employed within the header ofFIGS.2-3. The chopper system350includes the chopper300, the fluid applicator139, and the application control system132. As previously mentioned, the fluid applicator139may receive instructions from the application control system132with regard to applying fluid to the chopper300. In some embodiments, the fluid applicator139may be disposed at the chopper center352and apply the fluid directly to the center of the chopper. In some other embodiments, the connection between the application control system132and the fluid applicator may be a wired connection. In some other embodiments, the connection between the application control system132and the fluid applicator139may be a wireless connection. The fluid applicator139may include one or more fluid pathways, valves, applicators, actuators, pumps, hydraulic devices, fluid tanks, and the like.

In some embodiments, the fluid applicator139may apply the fluid to the chopper center352as the chopper300is rotating and during harvest operations. In this way, the fluid that is applied near the center of the blade will begin to travel further from the center of the chopper along the chopper blade354as centrifugal forces pull the fluid towards a chopper end356. The chopper end356represents the furthest point from the chopper center352that rotates and is able to chop crop residue during operation. As the fluid travels along the chopper blades354, and the chopper blades354come into contact with crop residue (e.g., corn stalks) as the chopper300rotates, the fluid applied to the chopper300is delivered from the chopper300to the crop residue as it is chopped. Each corn stalk that is cut receives an amount of fluid to its cut end. In this way, harvest-aid fluid is applied directly to recently cut crop residue. By applying harvest-aid fluid to the crop residue as it is being cut, the agricultural system is not wasting additional harvest-aid fluid that may have otherwise been sprayed into the soil or not applied proportionately to the amount of crop residue generated by the harvester.

The chopper blades354may rotate at a great enough speed such that the rotation of the chopper300may cause the fluid to run off the sides of the chopper blades354. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the chopper300may include a channel358disposed along the chopper blade354. The channel358may enable fluid to travel from the chopper center352toward the chopper ends356on either end of the chopper300. The fluid may travel along the channel358as the chopper300rotates to block the fluid from leaving the chopper blade354before reaching the cutting edge360of the chopper. To distribute the fluid across the entire chopper300and provide enhanced coating of the cutting edge360, the channels358may slow the speed at which fluid reaches the edge of the chopper blade354. In some embodiments, the channel358may be internally disposed within the chopper300. In some other embodiments, the channel358may be an open channel that is partially recessed within the chopper358In these embodiments, the channel358may include one or more outlets between the channel358and the cutting edge360of the chopper300. In this way, the one or more outlets may be positioned at specific locations along the length of the chopper300to apply fluid to the cutting edge360. The outlets may be located at predetermined locations of interest in which more or less fluid is desired. In some embodiments, the outlets may be located directly on the cutting edge360of the chopper300. In this way, the fluid may travel through the channel358and be applied directly to the crop residue as the outlets make contact with the crop residue.

FIG.6is a side view and a front view of a row of disc blades168that may be employed within the tillage implement of the agricultural system ofFIG.1. A first disc blade400is located on the end of the gang166. The first disc blade400is permitted to freely rotate around an axle402that is aligned along a rotational axis404. The first disc blade400has a flat center portion406and a series of crests and troughs408, as shown, extending radially inward from the outer periphery of the first disc blade400. The series of crests and troughs408forms multiple flutes410.

Also connected to the axle402are a second disc blade412, a third disc blade414, a fourth disc blade416, and a number of other disc blades168which may have similar surface features as the first disc blade400. As shown inFIG.4, the disc blades168are arranged such that disc blade168with the smallest diameter, in this case the first disc blade400, is positioned on the outermost position in the gang166of disc blades168. The second disc blade412, which has a larger diameter than the first disc blade400is positioned in the second outermost position in the gang166of disc blades168. Continuing inward, the third disc blade414and the fourth disc blade416are also connected to the axle402. Both the third disc blade414and the fourth disc blade416have a greater diameter than the second disc blade412. In addition, as shown, the third disc blade414and the fourth disc blade416have similar diameters as do all subsequent disc blades further positioned down the gang166of disc blades168.

Although the gang166has three different disc blade diameters in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the number of disc blades168having different diameters may vary. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the disc blade diameters decrease and then remain uniform across the row. However, in other embodiments, other disc blade configurations are possible, and this disclosure is not limited to a particular configuration of disc blades168.

In certain embodiments, the disc blade diameters and disc blade locations along the axles404may be indexed to enhance the performance of the tillage system during operation. Based on the angle at which each of the gangs166of disc blades168is positioned, the spacing and diameters of the disc blades168located within each gang166may be particularly selected. The disc blades168may be arranged on the gangs166such that the disc blades168in the rear gangs engage any soil that was not engaged by the disc blades168in the front gangs. This configuration may be achieved by offsetting the disc blades168in the front gangs relative to the rear gangs by one-half of the blade-to-blade distance.

Although the crests and troughs a-radially extend inward from the outer periphery of the disc blades168in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments the crests and troughs may extend radially toward the center of the disc blade168. For example, each of the flutes has a crest and an adjacent trough at the outer periphery, with each crest and adjacent trough extending from the outer periphery in respective adjacent lines. These lines may either be disposed at an acute angle with respect to the radius or be disposed radially.

Moreover, the flutes410enable the tillage system to effectively till soil at tilling depths of only 2 inches. The radial nature of the flutes410may enable the blades to cover larger swaths of soil than non-fluted concave blades. Additionally, disc blades168with a shallow concavity of 1.25 to 1.69 inches may till a wider width of soil than smooth disc blades with the same concavity. Thus, the disc blades168may be capable of achieving a sufficiently thorough width of till to depths exceeding the depth of the disc blades' engagement with the soil. In addition, the amount of side pressure that the soil exerts on the disc blades168may be reduced, given the disc blades reduced engagement depth with the soil.

The surface of each disc blade168can optionally include surface scoring. The scoring may be roughly aligned with the radial or a-radial orientation of the flutes410as described above.

Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the disc blades168are concave. For example, each disc blade may have a shallow concavity between 1.25 and 1.69 inches. These shallow concavities, coupled with the flutes410, enable the disc blades168to operate while substantially reducing or eliminating formation of a subsoil compaction layer.

The fluid applicators139may apply a tillage-aid fluid to the disc blades168of the tillage implement during operation of the agricultural system. The tillage-aid fluid may be any suitable fluid or substance found within a fluid that aids in the crop development process, such as herbicide, fertilizer, decomposition-aid fluid (e.g., including microbes, materials that promote microbe development), and the like. The application control system132may be in communication with one or more fluid applicators139disposed along the gang166of disc blades168. The agricultural system may include any suitable number of fluid applicators, and the fluid applicators139may be disposed at any suitable position(s) along the gang166of disc blades168. As mentioned previously, the application control system may deliver individual instruction to each fluid applicator139. In this way, each fluid applicator139may receive a different instruction as to the amount of fluid to apply to the respective disc blade168. For example, the application control system132may output a first instruction to a first fluid applicator disposed along a first disc blade with a smaller diameter to apply a smaller amount of fluid to the cutting edge and output a second instruction to a second fluid applicator disposed along a second disc blade with a larger diameter to apply a larger amount of fluid to the cutting edge. In some embodiments, a first fluid applicator may be coupled to one or more disc blades168. In this way, instructions delivered to the first fluid applicator may include instruction to apply a different amount of fluid to the disc blades. In some embodiments, the fluid applicator139may apply the fluid to a center of the disc blade168as the disc blade168is rotating and during tillage operations. In this way, the fluid that is applied near the center of the blade168will begin to travel further from the center of the disc blade168as centrifugal forces pull the fluid towards a cutting edge of the disc blade168

FIG.7is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method450for operating the agricultural system100ofFIG.1based on crop harvesting data. At block452, the application control system receives crop harvest data. The crop harvest data may be received from the one or more sensors disposed along the harvester of the agricultural system. The crop harvest data may include data indicative of the harvesting of crops during agricultural operation, such as seed planting data, crop growth data, and the like. The seed planting data may include information as to the geographic location of seeds planted during previous agricultural operations. The geographic location may include a map with areas of high seed planting density differentiated from areas of low seed density. The seed planting data may be received by the application control system from data recorded when the seeds of the current harvest had been planted. For instance, an agricultural device configured to plant seeds (e.g., a corn row planter) may use one or more planting sensors to generate a distribution of seeds across the field. The application control system may receive the distribution of seeds prior to harvesting operation, and the seed planting data may be stored within the memory of the application control system. In some embodiments, the application control system may be communicatively coupled to the planting agricultural device to receive the seed planting data. In some embodiments, the agricultural control system may be independent from the seed planting device, and the application control system may be provided with the seed planting data from an outside source (e.g., a user input, an external database, an external server, a network, and the like).

In some embodiments, the crop harvest data may include crop growth data. Crop growth data may include information indicative of the density of fully grown crops that are ready for harvest. In some embodiments, the crop growth data is obtained by the one or more sensors disposed along the harvester as the harvester is in operation. The application control system may receive the crop growth data in real time or near real time from the sensors. In some embodiments, the crop growth data may be obtained from previous data recordation. For example, an aerial data capturing system may obtain visual data indicative of the amount of crops grown in a given area. In this way, the application control system may receive the crop harvest data from an outside source, similarly to the seed planting data.

In some embodiments, the crop harvest data may include soil and topographic information. The soil and topographic data may be related to a topsoil thickness of the soil in the field, an amount of organic matter within the soil, a level of erosion associated with the soil, a composition of the soil, or any combination thereof. For example, the crop harvest data may include data associated with a percentage of clay in the soil, a percentage of silt in the soil, a percentage of sand in the soil, a percentage of microbial activity in the soil, and the like.

In some embodiments, the crop harvest data may be visually displayed to a user through a user interface located in the cab of the harvester. In this way, the user may be able to adjust the crop harvest data and/or input crop harvest data. For example, a user may provide inputs to account for additional seeds planted in a first location that were planted without data recordation elements present. The user may adjust the crop growth data or input crop growth data via the user interface.

At block454, the application control system may determine a harvest-aid fluid application rate based on the crop harvest data. As previously described, the application control system is communicatively coupled to the fluid applicator(s) disposed at the chopper(s) within the header of the harvester. The crop harvest data contains information as to the density of crop residue. The application control system may also receive harvest operation data indicative of the harvester speed, harvester direction, chopper speed, chopper angle, and the like. The application control system may determine a rate at which each fluid applicator may apply fluid to the respective chopper to efficiently distribute the harvest-aid fluid to the crop residue generated as a result of the harvest operation. The fluid application rate may be based on the crop harvest data, the harvest operation data, or both. The fluid application rate may be controlled based on the amount of crops the harvester is expected to encounter during operation and the expected/determined path of the harvester. If the application control system receives data indicating that for a first period of time (from the harvest operation data) the harvester is expected to harvest a first amount of crop (from the crop harvest data), the determined fluid application rate may be determined based on the amount of crops expected to be harvested in the timeframe. For example, the application control system may receive crop harvest data indicating that there is a high density of crops during a first 30 seconds of operation, a medium density of crops during a second 30 seconds, and a low density of crops during a third 30 seconds. The determined fluid application rate may include a high rate during the first 30 seconds, a medium rate during the second 30 seconds, and a low rate during the last 30 seconds.

In some embodiments, the fluid application rate may be determined prior to the harvesting operation. In these embodiments, the crop harvest data and the harvest operation data may be received by the application control system prior to the harvesting operation to generate a fluid application rate. For instance, the harvester may operate without the input of a user and determine a fluid application rate, determine a harvest path, and perform harvesting operations with or without user input. The fluid application rate may be a volumetric flow rate of the harvest-aid fluid from the fluid applicator onto the chopper. In some embodiments, the fluid application rate may be directly related to the amount of crops that the application control system determines are to be chopped. For example, the fluid application rate for a 50 meter stretch of field that has 100 corn stalks may be twice as large as that of a 50 meter stretch of field that has 50 corn stalks.

In some embodiments, the application control system may apply a bias to the determined fluid application rate based on a margin of error in the received crop harvest data. For example, the application control system may determine a fluid application rate appropriate for 105 corn stalks in a 1 acre area, when only 100 corn stalks have been indicated based on the crop harvest data. In this way, the determined fluid application rate may be greater than the fluid application rate sufficient for decomposition of the residue within the application area. In some embodiments, the margin of error and/or the bias may be adjusted by a user, a client, a manufacturer, or automatically by the application control system. For example, a user may desire to conserve fluid and set the margin of error/bias to generate a fluid application rate that is lower than the fluid application rate sufficient for decomposition of the residue within the application area.

At block456, the application control system may apply the harvest-aid fluid to the chopper based on the fluid application rate. The application control system may output instructions to the fluid applicator, in which the instructions include the desired fluid application rate. The instructions may include instructions to adjust one or more pumps, valves, fixtures, mechanical and/or fluid components, or a combination thereof, that are included within the fluid applicator. For example, if the application control system determines that a higher fluid application rate is desired for an upcoming stretch of 50 meters, the application control system may output instructions to the fluid applicator that include opening a valve to cause more fluid to leave the fluid applicator and be applied to the chopper. In some embodiments, the location of fluid application to the chopper may be based on the shape and size of the chopper. As previously mentioned, the fluid applicator may deliver the harvest-aid fluid to the chopper center and enable the centrifugal force of the rotating chopper blades to direct the flow of fluid radially outwardly. In certain embodiments, the chopper may be configured to direct the harvest-aid fluid to the cutting edge of the chopper (e.g., via fluid passage(s), channel(s), etc.). The cutting edge of the chopper may then make contact with the crop residue of harvested crops (e.g., corn stalks) leaving the harvest-aid fluid behind with the crop residue to aid in decomposition.

In some embodiments, one or more fluid applicators may receive different instructions from the application control system to apply a different amount of fluid to different choppers. For example, if the application control system determines through the crop harvest data that the crop density expected to be engaged by the right side of the header is greater than the crop density expected to be engaged by the left side, the fluid applicators on the right side of the header may be instructed to apply more harvest-aid fluid, and the fluid applicators on the left side of the header may be instructed to provide less harvest-aid fluid. For example, if the application control system determines that the right side of the header is expected to receive100stalks of corn and the left side of the header is expected to receive50stalks of corn, the application control system may output instructions to the fluid applicators disposed at the choppers on the right side to apply more fluid than the fluid applicators disposed at the choppers on the left side. As the chopper comes into contact with stalks of corn, the chopper transfers the fluid currently applied to the chopper to the stalks.

FIG.8is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method480for operating the agricultural system ofFIG.1based on crop residue data. At block482, the application control system receives crop residue data. The crop residue data may be received via the one or more sensors disposed on the tillage system of the agricultural system. The crop residue data may include data indicative of the location and density of crop residue on the field following harvest operations. The density of the crop residue data may be indicative of the amount of detected crop residue in an area of the field. In some embodiments, the application control system may establish a virtual grid across the field and denote each grid element as having a different density of crop residue. The crop residue data received may include the type of crop residue detected (e.g., stems, leaves, stalks, husks, pods). The crop residue data may also include data indicative of soil health, nutrient composition, residue depth within the soil, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the one or more sensors may visually monitor the crop residue. In some embodiments, the application control system may use artificial intelligence (e.g., machine learning) to automatically determine crop residue coverage and/or type based on visual data from the one or more sensors.

In some embodiments, the crop residue data may include a geographic density map of the field (e.g., including areas in which crop residue density is higher and areas in which crop residue density is lower). The crop residue data may be received by the application control system from data recorded when the harvester initially performed harvesting operations that left crop residue on the field (e.g., harvest residue data). For instance, an agricultural device configured to harvest crops (e.g., a harvester) may include one or more sensors, and a controller/control system may use data from the sensors to generate a distribution of crop residue across the field. The application control system may receive the distribution of crop residue prior to tillage operation of the tillage implement, and the crop residue data may be stored within the memory of the application control system. In some embodiments, the crop residue data may be output from the harvester (e.g., a controller of the harvester) of the agricultural system to the application control system. In some embodiments, the agricultural control system may receive the crop residue data from an outside source (e.g., a user input, an external database, an external server, an outside network, a ground-based scout vehicle, an aerial scout vehicle, and the like).

In some embodiments, the crop residue data may include yield map data from the previous harvest. Yield map data may include information indicative of the amount of crops harvested in each location of the field during the previous harvest. In this way, the amount of crop residue may be estimated based on the amount of harvested crops (e.g., more harvested crops corresponds to a higher amount of crop residue left behind).

In some embodiments, the yield map data is obtained from the yield sensor of the harvester. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the yield map may be determined based on feedback from the one or more sensors disposed along the harvester. For example, as each sensor determines the harvester has harvested a set amount of crop (e.g., a single corn cob), the application control system may record the location of that harvested crop and determine a data set for the yield of the harvest. In some embodiments, the yield map data may be obtained from previous data recordation methods. For example, the application control system may receive the yield map data from an outside source.

In some embodiments, the crop residue data may be visually displayed to a user through a user interface located in the cab of the work vehicle. In this way, the user may be able to adjust the crop residue data and/or input crop residue data. For example, a user may provide inputs to account for undetected variations in the crop residue. The user may adjust the crop residue data or input crop residue data via the user interface.

In certain embodiments, the application control system may receive additional data from the harvester. For example, the additional data may include the soil and topographic information disclosed above, such as data related to a topsoil thickness of the soil in the field, an amount of organic matter within the soil, a level of erosion associated with the soil, a composition of the soil, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the additional data may include the amount of harvest-aid fluid applied to the choppers.

At block484, the application control system may determine a tillage-aid fluid application rate based on the crop residue data. As previously described, the application control system is communicatively coupled to the one or more fluid applicators disposed at the gangs of disc blades on the tillage implement. The application control system may also receive tillage operation data indicative of the tillage speed, tillage direction, disc blade speed, and the like. The application control system may determine a rate at which each fluid applicator may apply fluid to the respective disc blade to efficiently distribute the fluid to the crop residue that remains from previous harvester operations, the soil of the field, or both. The fluid application rate may be based on the crop residue data, the tillage operation data, or both. The fluid application rate may be controlled based on the amount of crop residue the tillage system is expected to encounter during operation and the expected/determined path of the tillage system through the field. For instance, in response to the application control system receiving data indicating that for a first period of time (from the tillage operation data) the tillage system104is expected to till a first amount of crop residue and soil (from the crop residue data), the determined fluid application rate may be determined based on the amount of crop residue expected to be encountered in the timeframe. For example, the application control system may receive crop residue data indicating that there is a high density of crop residue during a first 30 seconds of operation, a medium density of crop residue during a second 30 seconds, and a low density of crop residue during a third 30 seconds. The determined fluid application rate may include a high rate during the first 30 seconds, a medium rate during the second 30 seconds, and a low rate during the last 30 seconds.

In some embodiments, the fluid application rate may be determined prior to the tillage operation. In these embodiments, the crop residue data and the tillage operation data may be received by the application control system prior to the tillage operation to generate a fluid application rate plan. For instance, the tillage system may operate automatically without the input of a user and determine a fluid application rate, determine a tillage path, and perform tillage operations with or without user input. The fluid application rate may be a volumetric flow rate of the tillage-aid fluid from the fluid applicator onto the disc blade. In some embodiments, the fluid application rate may be directly related to the amount of crop residue detected on the field. For example, the fluid application rate for a 50 meter stretch of field that has 100 corn stalks worth of residue may be twice as large as that of a 50 meter stretch of field that has 50 corn stalks worth of residue.

In some embodiments, the application control system may apply a bias to the determined fluid application rate based on a margin of error in the received crop residue data. For example, the application control system may determine a fluid application rate appropriate for 105 corn stalks worth of residue in a 1 acre area, when only 100 corn stalks worth of residue have been indicated based on the crop residue data. In this way, the determined fluid application rate may be greater than the fluid application rate sufficient for decomposition of the residue within the application area. In some embodiments, the margin of error and/or the bias may be adjusted by a user, a client, a manufacturer, or automatically by the application control system. For example, a user may desire to conserve fluid to reduce waste and intentionally set the margin of error/bias to generate a fluid application rate that is lower than the fluid application rate sufficient for decomposition of the residue within the application area.

In certain embodiments, the application control system may determine the tillage-aid fluid application rate based on the crop residue data and the additional data received from the harvester. For example, the application control system may determine the tillage-aid fluid application rate based in part on the amount of harvest-aid fluid applied to the choppers. By way of example, a higher tillage-aid application rate may be determined if a lower amount of harvest-aid fluid is applied to the choppers (e.g., no harvest-aid fluid), and a lower tillage-aid application rate may be determined if a higher amount of harvest-aid fluid is applied to the choppers.

At block486, the application control system may apply the tillage-aid fluid to the one or more disc blades based on the fluid application rate. The application control system may output instructions to the fluid applicator, in which the instructions include the desired fluid application rate. The instructions may include instructions to adjust one or more pumps, valves, fixtures, mechanical and/or fluid components, or a combination thereof, that are included within the fluid applicator. For example, if the application control system determines that a higher fluid application rate is desired for an upcoming stretch of the field, the application control system may output instructions to the fluid applicator that include opening a valve and/or increasing output of a pump to cause more fluid to leave the fluid applicator and be applied to the disc blade.

In some embodiments, the location of fluid application to the disc blade may be based on the shape and size of the disc blade. In some embodiments, the disc blades may be oriented substantially vertically. Accordingly, the fluid applicator may apply tillage-aid fluid directly to the disc blade. In this way, the rotation of the disc blade may enable the cutting edge of the disc blade to be coated as the disc blade cuts the crop residue. The cutting edge of the disc blade may make contact with the crop residue of harvested crops (e.g., corn stalks) leaving the tillage-aid fluid behind with the crop residue to aid in decomposition.

In some embodiments, one or more fluid applicators may receive different instructions from the application control system to apply a different amount of fluid to different disc blades. For example, if the application control system determines from the crop residue data that the crop residue density received by a left gang of disc blades is greater than the crop density received by a right gang of disc blades, the fluid applicators on the right side of the tillage implement may be instructed to apply more tillage-aid fluid, and the fluid applicators on the left side of the tillage implement may be instructed to provide less tillage-aid fluid. For example, if the application control system determines that the right gang of disc blades is expected to cut into 100 corn stalks worth of residue and the left gang of disc blades is expected to cut into 50 corn stalks worth of residue, the application control system may output instructions to the fluid applicators disposed at disc blades on the right gang to apply more fluid than the fluid applicators disposed at disc blades on the left gang. As each disc blade comes into contact with crop residue, the disc blade transfers the fluid currently applied to the disc blade to the residue.

In some embodiments, the method450of applying harvest-aid fluid to the choppers and the method480of applying tillage-aid fluid to the disc blades may both be executed by the application control system during consecutive agricultural operations. For example, the application control system may determine first fluid application rate(s) for applying harvest-aid fluid to chopper(s) as corn is being harvested, as well as determining second fluid application rate(s) for applying tillage-aid fluid to the disc blade(s) as the soil is being tilled. In this way, the crop residue may receive multiple incorporations of decomposition-aid fluid from both the harvester and the tillage system. By including multiple application passes of the crop residue, decomposition-aid fluid that may have been initially applied and lost over time may be replaced to enhance decomposition and soil health until the next set of seeds is planted.

By incorporating the systems and methods disclosed herein with modern agricultural systems, the application of decomposition-aid fluid to crop residue and field soil may be performed with less wasted decomposition-aid fluid and a more effective incorporation of the fluid within the crop residue. For example, each corn stalk may receive a similar amount of decomposition-aid fluid during harvest operations, and each quantity of residue may receive a similar amount of decomposition-aid fluid during tillage operations. The systems and methods of the present disclosure reduce waste and enhance the efficiency of decomposition-aid fluid application, as compared to spraying decomposition-aid fluid onto the field without regard to residue distribution.