An innovative research project from the University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Forage Council is helping Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) explore aerial technology to seed forages in marginal acres and areas that can be seasonally inaccessible.

The initiative is part of the Agriculture Demonstration of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) program, which addresses key agricultural challenges, including optimal seeding rates, load capacities and germination timing.

This "spray and spread” drone is equipped with a 40-L spray tank and 50-kg capacity seed spreader. A multi-partner ADOPT project is exploring its feasibility for broadcasting forage seed.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones have been proving their usefulness in agriculture for decades. Today's beefier drones can also be used for seeding and spraying. 

Issues of access and timing impact producers’ ability to seed forages in their marginal field acres. UAVs may offer a solution.

DUC is testing an approach to make seeding more efficient and effective by deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with seeding technology to wet or low-lying areas.

"Aerial technology presents exciting possibilities for overcoming barriers that farmers often face when seeding marginal field areas," said Jodie Horvath, Extension Specialist at DUC. "These tools promise to improve access to hard-to-reach areas ultimately leading to better soil conditions, improved weed management, and enhanced biodiversity."

The ADOPT project includes sites at the Touchwood Hills Conservation Ranch, the Southeast Research Farm and RJ Game Farm, where a blend of upland and lowland sites are being seeded using precision-based strategies.

For bison rancher, Robert Johnson, incorporating a drone into his RJ Game Farm operation offered a convenient, unobtrusive means of keeping an eye on calving season. In fact, Johnson and his wife were able to jump into action, rescue a calf and reunite it with its mother, thanks to their UAV.

"When I got the drone up there, I saw that one cow had calved on the far side of a creek, away from the rest of the herd. I flew over for a closer look and saw that her calf had somehow got caught up in a badger hole. That drone paid for itself that day," said Johnson.

Early ADOPT program results indicate promising germination rates, even in the most challenging terrains. DUC is dedicated to equipping landowners and partners with practical tools and strategies to implement sustainable land management practices.

For more information, visit: ADOPT project explores feasibility of seeding forages with drones 

About Ducks Unlimited Canada: Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife, and the environment. To learn more about DUC's innovative environmental solutions and services, visit www.ducks.ca.

Source: Press Release