Mechanical planting: 6 trends that are revolutionizing the sector
Agricultural production operations have benefited from the technology available for agribusiness, which can be applied to all stages of the production process. With mechanical planting, for example, trends of constant improvement are observed, which brings numerous advantages for the rural producer.
Therefore, from the use of programmed and remotely controlled autonomous machines to the use of planting techniques that ensure better use of resources, planting is very well-supported. The rural producer, nowadays, has numerous productive and management tools at their disposal.
Read on and learn about the 6 trends in agriculture that are revolutionizing mechanical planting!
1. Telemetry
The word “telemetry” has the generic meaning of distance measurement. In terms of technology applied to agribusiness, especially in mechanical planting, it consists of remotely collecting data on machines, vehicles, and equipment for the operational headquarters.
Therefore, a lot of information essential for the management of agricultural operations in progress is forwarded to a central by using sensors and GPS. With this, data about the equipment, the environment, and the crops can be evaluated and used to optimize production, especially in planting, to improve:
- planting speed;
- dosed seed rate;
- operating income in hectares per hour (ha/h);
- singularity;
- variation coefficient.
Telemetry brings great benefits to the producer, such as:
- more security in operations;
- greater agility in decisions;
- time-saving;
- increase in efficiency;
- operating costs reduction;
- management improvement;
- increased productivity.
2. Row-by-row planting
Row-by-row technology is an electronic system capable of monitoring and controlling seed dosage at fixed or variable rates in each planting row. In other words, the electric motor installed in the seed meter can increase and decrease the speed of the seed disc.
So, for example, during a curve in the planting work, the system performs a different dosage between the side that is inside the curve and the one that is outside the curve, ensuring that the dosage of seeds per meter remains uniform.
In this way, by correcting specific situations in each line, there is much greater use of the inputs used in the operation. The row-by-row planting system can be adopted when using planters.
By making use of row-by-row technology in planting, it is possible to configure parameters such as seed quantity and row shutdown.
3. Automatic section control
Automatic section control is a technology that affects planting, fertilizing, and pesticide application, among other possibilities. Its main feature is to avoid the occurrence of input overlapping at different operational moments in the field, mainly in borders and finishings.
In fact, the system promotes the immediate activation or deactivation of one or more sections individually for each planting line. As a result, seed losses are avoided while planting in a more regular fashion.
Most planters in operation can receive this system, whose control principle resides in specific individualized clutches, which can be operated by means of a monitor installed in the cabin. There is a good cost reduction since the overlapping losses are avoided.
4. Autonomous tractors
An autonomous tractor is an agricultural machine that does not require a machine operator and can be controlled remotely. For this, it makes use of different technologies, such as:
- sensors;
- agricultural GPS;
- telemetry;
- remote control.
An autonomous tractor can also be programmed to run its operations without the need for remote monitoring. In this case, the route to be followed is planned according to the planned operation, and the machine respects the defined settings.
This type of technology offers a reduction in accidents with agricultural machinery, which are relatively common in rural properties. Furthermore, it allows the use of more than one machine in the same period, improving productivity.
The absence of an operator ensures that tasks can be carried out for a longer time, without the need for meal breaks, rest, and other needs that interrupt the work. Therefore, one can count on more efficiency and improvement in crop productivity.
5. Remote monitoring
Remote monitoring of crop conditions represents a major advance in the ability to track the development of plants from planting. At the same time, it allows the visualization of operations in real-time when using drones.
So, for example, an autonomous tractor operating in seeding can also be accompanied by images provided by a drone at any time. In this case, before activating an autonomous tractor, the entire area must be inspected, which can be performed by the same drone.
Besides easing the planting, remote monitoring can rely on image analysis software. These, in turn, are able to identify nutritional deficiencies and occurrences of pests and diseases, for example.
Remote monitoring data can generally be received and analyzed by agricultural management systems. In this way, they allow wide reach and speed in the decision-making capacity and in the strategies to be adopted in the face of any unforeseen irregularity.
6. Agricultural GPS
In agribusiness, the use of agricultural GPS has been incorporated as an indispensable practice, especially in precision agriculture. In this sense, almost all technologies in the field make use of this tool, which enables numerous potentialities, from planting to harvesting.
Therefore, the programming of self-propelled machines, the work of drones, or the lifting of scavengers attacked by pests or diseases, for example, gained further efficiency. With GPS, production maps can be prepared, as well as all field operations can be planned and monitored with unparalleled precision.
Among the main benefits of incorporating GPS in agribusiness are:
- greater efficiency in the use of machines and supplies;
- less environmental contamination by pesticides;
- greater precision in crop management operations;
- time-saving;
- better productivity.
The technology currently available has brought numerous benefits for mechanical planting, as well as for other operations that make up a successful crop. By adopting it, you will enjoy further productivity and efficiency.
If you liked this post, take this opportunity to learn more about what an autonomous vehicle is and its benefits to agriculture!
