Drone seeding is an innovative agricultural technique that employs drones to distribute seeds over fields. This method is particularly effective for planting cover crops—plants grown to protect and enrich the soil—before the main crop is harvested. By using a drone, farmers can efficiently spread a pre-selected seed mix over their fields, ensuring that cover crops start to establish themselves even before the primary crop is removed.
Drone seeding is transforming modern agriculture by combining technology with traditional farming practices. It offers a streamlined, cost-effective solution for planting cover crops, ultimately leading to healthier soil and more sustainable farming practices.
Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: Drone seeding significantly reduces fuel and labor costs. Instead of making an additional pass with a tractor, which can be costly and time-consuming, drones can plant cover crops before the harvest of the main crop. This is helpful when weather pushes back harvest dates and time is limited to get back out after harvest to plant a cover crop. The drone seeding method saves both time and money.
Improved Seed Distribution: Drones fly at lower altitudes compared to traditional seeding methods, which enhances the accuracy of seed distribution and improves seed-to-soil contact. This results in better growth and establishment of cover crops.
Precision and Automation: Drones are equipped with advanced navigation systems that allow them to follow a predetermined flight path. They can mark where they have left off, return to re-load, and continue precisely from where they stopped. This ensures consistent and accurate coverage of the fields.
Reduced Soil Compaction: By eliminating the need for additional tractor passes, drone seeding helps prevent soil compaction. This is crucial for maintaining soil health and structure, leading to better crop yields in the long run.
When & Where
Timing: The optimal time for drone seeding is typically 10-14 days before harvest. Ideally, you should also have rain forecasted a couple of days after seeding to help the cover crop seeds germinate and establish themselves.
Coverage: Drones are versatile and can cover all your fields efficiently. Some restrictions exist such as power lines and restricted airspace near airports. In these instances, the drone operator may need to make adjustments and/or get special approvals.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers educational resources regarding conservation practice standards.
The Lower Fox Demonstration Farms Network is designed to showcase and demonstrate leading edge conservation practices.
The UW Extension features a detailed guide to common conservation practices.