Cover-crop seeder could help farmers save time and money

Farmers are increasingly interested in growing cover crops, but the time, cost and late autumn harvest of corn and other crops often limit their use, said Gregory Roth, professor of agronomy at Penn State.

The seeder can help farmers, especially within small operations, save time and money by condensing multiple tasks into one trip through a so-called no-till farmed field. It also would allow farmers to seed fields that lacked cover crops owing to late-season and cost concerns.

‘It can do three things in one pass,’ said Roth. ‘It can seed the cover crop, add fertiliser and spray a herbicide to kill emerged weeds.’

Unlike ploughing, the no-till farming method only disturbs the ground a minimal amount when seeds are planted, improving the soil and preventing erosion. Cover crops play an important role in reducing run-off and helping to build organic material in the soil during the autumn and the spring.

A tractor pulls the seeder through the cornfield rows using a sensor to guide the device between them. The device has several blades that lightly till the ground between the cornrows, creating a planting swath. The seeds drop onto the soil and a follow-up roller packs the seed into place. At the same time, the machine strategically applies a fertiliser and a herbicide.