Design and Development of Precision Planting Equipment

Farmers who seek to maximize acreage use and crop yields may apply conventional gap-filling methods to fill in where seeds have failed to emerge. These practices are labor-intensive and impractical for large scale operations. Planting devices that are currently available have poor accuracy and precision in the client's end appplication. The client is especially interested in approaches that improve seed singulation, and have accurate metering and distribution capabilities.

The successful planter will:

  • Meter and distribute single seeds at
    • Rates of 6-10 seeds / m
    • Depth of 4-8 cm
    • Operating speed at least 3.5 km / hr
  • Open the soil, and close and firm it after seed deposition
  • Be precise, and limit the number of gaps between emerged plant stands
  • 95% of gaps must be < 25 cm for plantings of < 100,000 seeds / ha
  • Plant seeds in 2-4 rows at a time
  • Have a seed box
  • Handle large seeds of 5 cm at largest dimension
  • Limit mechanical damage to seeds
  • Function on flat to 5% grade

Possible approaches might include, but are not limited to:
  • Devices that can be towed by a tractor
  • Automated, self-propelled vehicles
  • Industrial conveyor equipment
  • Digging or drilling devices
  • Farming / harvesting machinery
  • Custom mechanical engineering
  • Modified potato planters

The following approaches are NOT of interest:
  • Manual approaches
  • Operations with low field capacity (ha / hr)
  • Operations with rough mechanical handling of seeds

Responses from companies, researchers, consultants, entrepreneurs, or inventors are welcome.

Appropriate responses will address the following:
  • Features of the proposed design or equipment that will achieve the stated aims
  • Current application or industry, if applicable
  • Data demonstrating achievement of the technical specifications, if available
  • Environmental conditions for which planter is suitable (soil types, temperatures, humidity, etc.)
  • Geographical regions of the world where you would be able to supply a solution
  • Availability of prototypes, if applicable
  • General development plan and timeline that addresses any gaps in capabilities
  • Field testing capabilities and locations
  • Unit cost and / or design and development budget estimates
  • The IP status around the proposed technology
  • Preferred business arrangements (licensing, joint development, supply etc.)

  • $10,000 referral fee for accepted leads.

  • You are eligible for the referral fee if:
    • Your submission has all of the required information, and it is complete, accurate, and verified with the technology/IP holder
    • You are a 3rd party unrelated to the company/IP holder
    • You have confirmed with the company/IP holder that they are interested in having their IP considered
    • The Seeker decides to pursue your lead.

    You will NOT be eligible for the referral fee if:
    • Your submission contains incorrect information or has not been verified with the technology/IP holder
    • You have not contacted the company/IP holder and received their permission to submit their IP
    • You are employed with or contracted with the IP holder, or are related via friends or family (You may still submit, however)
    • The Seeker decides not to pursue your lead.

    Status: Technology search closed.

    Please view all completed technology searches [here].

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