In the seed research industry, technological advancements are transforming the way we approach plot planting and cultivation. Seed research professionals are facing many challenges, including labor shortages, growing efficiency requirements, the push for faster advancement decisions, and more. Each year it becomes more clear that planting automation is essential in removing human error and closing gaps in seed research needs.
Plot planting automation where operators do not need to dump seed packets for each plot supports seed research professionals in many ways:
Efficiency and Productivity
Across the seed research industry, labor shortages have been a challenge for operations. With automated plot planting, seed research professionals need less staff to put seed in the ground—reducing input costs. Automation eliminates the labor-intensive nature of manual plot planting, allowing researchers to allocate their time and resources more effectively. The increased efficiency removes human error and accelerates the pace of research and development.
Precision and Consistency
Automation ensures that each seed is planted with consistent precision, reducing variability in research plots. The precise control of seed placement leads to more consistent field conditions, better data, and faster advancement decisions.
Accelerated Seed Innovation
Automated systems enable researchers to conduct larger and more intricate experiments than ever before. With an expanded capacity, seed scientists can explore wide varieties of seed offerings to ensure the best seed ends up in farmers’ hands.
Operator Safety and Well-Being
The integration of automation eliminates the need for operators to physically ride on the planter during plot planting operations. Operator safety is enhanced significantly because there is less risk of an operator falling, physical strain injuries, exposure to chemicals, heat stress, sun burn, and other potential hazards associated with manual operation.
Plot planting automation embodies the transformative potential of new technology in seed research. The forefront of the shift in automated plot planting technology is the industry-exclusive ALMACO PowerPlant Automated Planting System. Seed cartridges are packaged, labeled, and verified ahead of time for all the benefits of planting automation and ultimate peace of mind. The completely new approach to research plot planting supports the seed research industry as it continues to grow to meet the increasing demand for identifying the highest quality seed.
