New tech streamlines cover crop seeding in Missouri

By Blake Jackson

Missouri farmers are increasingly interested in cover crops for their soil health benefits, but challenges like labor shortages can make planting them difficult. To address this, researchers and agricultural organizations in Missouri are exploring innovative seeding technologies.

One promising option is drone seedling. While not without its complexities, drones offer a solution for busy farmers. However, factors like wind speed and altitude significantly impact seed distribution. Careful calibration and precise flying techniques are crucial for even cover crop establishment.

The University of Missouri conducted research on drone seeding, comparing different seeding rates and flight parameters for large and small-seeded cover crops. Their findings highlight the importance of swath overlap and lower flight altitudes in windy conditions to achieve uniform distribution.

Another exciting development is the Harvest Seeder. This technology allows farmers to plant cover crops simultaneously while harvesting their cash crop. Mounted on the side of a combine, the Harvest Seeder uses a large seed tank and hoses to distribute seeds behind the harvesting head. The leftover cash crop residue then acts as a natural cover and seedbed for the cover crop.

The benefits of the Harvest Seeder are clear: it eliminates the need for a separate cover crop planting pass, saving time, fuel, and labor. Initial studies by Missouri Soybeans at their Bay Farm Research Facility found ground coverage comparable to traditional no-till drills.

While drone and Harvest Seeder technologies show promise, researchers are also looking to the future. Robotic seeders from the University of Illinois represent another potentially revolutionary approach. These autonomous robots could offer a completely hands-off solution for cover crop planting.

While scalability remains a challenge for robotic seeders, Missouri Soybeans is eager to evaluate their potential. These innovative technologies offer exciting possibilities for making cover crop planting more efficient and accessible for Missouri farmers.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-seregalsv