Precision variable rate seeding effectiveness for risks management in crop production

The distribution of seeds in the soil according to the feeding area and depth, germination, vegetation, yield, and its quality depend on the quality of the sowing technological operation. Conventional sowing involves the application of a uniform seed rate over the entire area, which consumes very large quantities of seed that need to be grown, stored, and prepared beforehand. This requires the consumption of a large amount energy and chemicals, which are expensive and highly polluting. Therefore, necessary to replace traditional farming with more modern and significantly more sustainable precision technological solutions. The aim of the work is to present the research scheme and methodology of the precision variable rate seeding (VRS) and seed placement depth control model to provide precise control and organize the seeding process of winter wheat. The research methodology was developed considering soil heterogeneity using telemetry systems and multifunctional ultraviolet (UV) optical (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy methods to optimize the number of seeds per unit area and depth of insertion during sowing. The experimental results of seeding studies showed that using the VRS and VRS + VRF methods in all soil zones the germination of winter wheat was similar, while seeding at the uniform rate yielded significant differences between individual soil zones. The multifunctional model for sustainable precision seed technology control based on UV-VIS-NIR spectrometry will allow saving seed, make better use of soil, increase plant productivity, protect the environment, reduce energy and economic costs.