Weather update Robot technology
Organically growing grain appears to be possible
Harper Adams University has successfully completed its second season in which a parcel of grain was grown organically. The plot may only be entered by robot tractors and machines. However, despite its success, the technology is far from being there.
In 2017, students from Harper Adams University grew 1 plot of spring barley, followed by winter wheat. The second growing season of the 'Hands Free Hectare Programme' (HFHa) went more smoothly. In the first year, the seeder still had almost 3% failures, but that had already fallen to only 0,35% last autumn.
Satisfied with yield
The wheat was sown in November, under non-ideal conditions. The final yield was 6,5 tons. Not quite the same as a commercial company, but you also have to study in between. Project leader Martin Abell is satisfied with the results. "Last year it was not possible to unload while driving next to the combine. That has now been successful, because the control system of the tractor works more accurately."
"It is also possible to start and stop the engine remotely. Unloading while driving was not a must, but this makes threshing faster. It is the icing on the cake of our project. Very occasionally we had to intervene manually with the remote control to align the tractor. The combine harvested the entire field, including headlands, autonomously."
Implement improvements
Two crops were grown within fairly tight deadlines. The university will sow a green manure crop next year. This is not only good for the soil, but also gives them the opportunity to do many more field tests that were previously impossible. "When there is wheat, you can't drive unlimited laps. It's about small technical improvements."
The technology will also be expanded with technology from the automotive industry. He must ensure that the tractor drives to the plot itself. This means that gates and gates must open and close automatically, but also that obstacles must be recognized by the vehicle. It is good to know that the university works with a small budget.
So we don't buy tons of electronics, but use universal parts as much as possible. The project has received a prestigious incentive award from the BBC and the Queen's Anniversary Prize, among others.
Niels van der Boom
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