Salin 247 is proposing an off-cycle Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) Contract Research Project aimed at testing, evaluating, and demonstrating the feasibility and profitability of using small, light-weight, autonomous, electric-powered machines to grow soybeans in Iowa. The work will extend over a three-year period, but this proposal is only for the first, partial fiscal year (February, 2022 through September 30, 2022) of the project.

(1) Successfully demonstrate Salin 247 planting on 10 to 12 Iowa pilot grower fields in 2022
(2) Collect, process, and analyze 2022 planting data on all farm fields and use the data to calculate key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Salin 247 planter
(3) Share 2022 pilot KPIs along with pilot grower feedback with all Iowa soybean growers
(4) During the 2022 pilot, interact and communicate with the ISA RCFI field research team and the On-farm Research Network coordinators and define potential areas of collaboration going forward

A report with KPI and other useful planting-related data, information, and conclusions.

Update:
We had a late start to field testing our autonomous planter but finally got started on May 13 near Luther, IA. We finished our field testing work on Jun 2, 2022. A report of our progress is uploaded here.
Key learning so far
The following is a summary of some of our observations and key learnings so far from the field tests.
• The prototype planter did a very good job of planting (in terms of population, singulation, doubles,
skips, depth, etc.) when field conditions were in good shape and there was minimum soil compaction
• In areas of the fields where soil compaction was high, keeping the gauge wheels on the ground and the
double disk openers in the ground was a challenge due in part to the light weight of the prototype
planter.
o As a result, we had to add weight to the left and right back of the machine as well as to the
left front
o Adding additional weight helped but did not completely solve the problem on some of
them most compacted soil
• Related to the above issue, we learned that weight balance (front to back and left to right) are
important for our planter. When planting, a large portion of the weight of the machine is on the front
tracks. As a result, when using high downforce, the back tracks loose some traction. However, on
turns when the planter is raised, a large portion of the weight is on the back tracks which occasionally
causes the front tracks to spin.
• We need to determine why we have navigation degradation at higher speeds (i.e., above 3 mph).
o We have observed and data collection has shown that the machine does not converge to
the AB line at higher speeds
o We are looking into reasons including uneven left to right weight balance
• Energy use for planting with the prototype is somewhat higher than our original estimates.
o To address this issue in the short-run, we installed a generator on the machine to keep the
batteries charged. This may or may not be a permanent solution.
• We burned up the electric motor to our vacuum system twice. Our theory is that dust is getting into
the motor bearings and causing trouble. We have a short-term work-around solution but need to
address the ultimate cause of the problem.
• We generally feel very positive about the performance of the prototype planter. When we solve the
weight balance, energy use, and navigation issues, we will have an impressive machine for autonomous
planting.
• Our final report will go into more detail relative to project results and conclusions. In the meantime,
we will be making videos and other information available through our Website and other channels. We
will also be holding a Field Day for sometime in July.

View uploaded report

Update:
As of October 17, 2022, only one of the seven test fields planted by Salin 247 has been harvested. Even though collaborator growers were not asked to provide yield data to Salin 247, most are planning to provide either yield monitor data or other yield-related information to Salin 247 following harvest. Yield data can be made available to those interested.

The Final Report for this project is upload below.

View uploaded report

Despite spring weather challenges and a late start for planting, the Salin 247/ISA testing, evaluation, and demonstration project was very successful in terms of learnings and feedback. A great deal of data was collected. Planting performance was very good and test fields looked great during the growing season. Yield data from the test fields is pending. We learned a great deal about navigation performance and things we need to correct with our navigation algorithm. Energy use was higher than anticipated but data collected will be very useful as well move forward with a new platform configuration. As expected, the light-weight Salin 247 planter had a negligible impact on soil compaction. Key areas of concern that need attention going forward are the use of tracks, the electrical system cooling system, and vacuum motor design. Overall, the project was very productive in terms of learnings and product development progress. The support provided by ISA was invaluable to Salin 247 and very much appreciated.

Grower benefits include:
• Reducing soil compaction which will increase water infiltration, increase water holding capacity, reduce soil erosion, increase root growth, increase nutrient uptake, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and increase crop yields
• Using less crop inputs (e.g., fertilizer, crop protection products, fuel) per unit of soybeans produced
• Using less labor
• Using less energy
• Requiring less capital
• Reducing operating costs
• Increasing soybean production profitability
• Reducing ag chemical exposure by taking the farmer out of the field during pesticide and fertilizer applications
• Reducing farm machinery accidents on the farm and on the road
• Eliminating the use of fossil fuels for field operations and supporting the use of bio- and renewable fuels