CAN-Based Precision Seed Placement and Tracking of Genetically Modified Grain Crops

Increasingly, Kentucky and US grain producers are turning to production contracts with end-users in contrast with the traditional commodity marketing practices of the past. Enhanced grain traits are now possible with the advent of biotechnology: Recent trends in agricultural field machinery exploit the use of micro controllers to enhance machine function (i.e. fuel injection rates in IC engines, transmission shift points, etc.). The Controller Area Network (CAN) was developed to facilitate communication between microcontrollers. Increasingly, grain producers are adopting GPS to manage field production. Therefore, the goal of the proposed research is to develop a CAN-based distributed control systems for use on seeding equipment. This control system will utilize dedicated microcontrollers for single seed metering units, and will be expandable to 36-rows. Individual row control algorithms will be developed to track the precise metering and placement of individual seeds. Seed placement will be summarized in a data file containing geographic coordinates, hybrid/variety, and seed lot. This information will be essential as agriculture transitions to production practices that demand tractability for identity preservation and bi-security. In addition, this envisioned distributed control systems will facilitate precise control of seed metering units. Dynamic adjustment of machine operating parameters such a seed meter air pressure and shaft speed will be made in response to feedback from seed drop sensors, ground speed radar and GPS position fixes. Precision seeding will improve farm profitability through increased crop yield and minimized seed costs. These gains will be achieved through the elimination of skipped and doubled planted regions within a field. To date, individual row control has not been offered by equipment manufactures. The proposed control systems represents a significant advance and is warranted in view of increasing seed costs, the need for traceability, and the existing availability of CAN and GPS technologies.