Ohio State University researchers are diving deep into the world of agricultural drones, focusing on their use for spreading seeds. According to a report from the university, they’re testing various setups to find the sweet spot for accurate seeding rates and placement.

Drone Spreader Tech

The ag drone market’s hot right now, with many models sporting spreader systems. Most popular? Single-disk spinner spreaders with gravity-fed, adjustable hoppers. Companies offer different gate sizes for various seed types.

Calibration is Key

Researchers stress that calibration is crucial. Each seed or mix needs its own calibration for the specific hopper gate. It’s not a one-size-fits-all deal.

Drones vs. ATVs

They’re comparing drone spreading to ATV-mounted spreaders for frost-seeding pastures. Early findings? Drones came in clutch when fields were too wet for ATVs.

Cover Crop Experiments

The team’s testing spread patterns for various cover crops like cereal rye, crimson clover, and radish. They’re figuring out optimal flight paths for even seeding across fields.

“Based on our testing, flying at a 15-foot altitude, spinner disk speed of 1300 rpm, and at the maximum flight speed, we have observed that each seed type should be flown at different route spacings to maintain the target seeding rate,” the researchers noted.

Corn and Soybean Fields

Another project’s looking at spreading cereal rye into corn and soybean fields at different growth stages. Early data shows significant seed interception by corn canopy.

DroneXL’s Take

This research highlights the growing importance of drones in precision agriculture. We’ve seen similar trends in drone inspection applications, where UAVs are revolutionizing how we monitor and manage crops. As drone tech evolves, we’re likely to see even more innovative uses in farming, potentially leading to more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.

What do you think about using drones for seeding? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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