When it comes to autonomous farming, success doesn’t usually start with only acquiring the robot itself. It starts with field preparation and the right robot settings.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to prepare your field for the best possible outcome with your automatic field robot FarmDroid FD20 based on real experience from the field.
Start simple for the first season
If you’re new to FarmDroid, keeping things simple for the first season helps you get to know your field robot.
We typically recommend starting with around 20 hectares. As you gain experience, you can scale up. In the beginning, though, manageable field sizes make it easier to stay in control. Field layout, transport time, and setup all affect how smoothly your operation runs. The more demanding your setup, the more energy your robot needs. Keeping things simple early ensures stable operation.
Proper field preparation is essential for seeding and weeding precision
Good field preparation is one of the most important factors for achieving high precision during the season.
Aim for the right soil structure
Your goal is to have a fine, even soil structure that is
- Without large lumps or rocks
- Without excessive crop or weed residues
- Not too loose, not too compact
Large rocks and residues can interfere with both seeding and weeding accuracy. At the same time, overly loose soil can reduce traction and affect the robot’s ability to drive straight.
Manage moisture carefully
The soil should be kept moist in sowing depth to ensure optimal germination conditions.
Think about seeding direction before preparing the field
Preparing the field in the direction of seeding helps achieve higher accuracy and seeding depth. The homogenous surface achieved this way can also help your robot to start weeding faster, potentially the same day as seeding.
The goal of preparing the field for FarmDroid FD20 is to have a firm enough and leveled seedbed with enough structure. This way, FarmDroid feels like home on the field and works tirelessly seeding and weeding the field all season long.
Preparing FarmDroid for seeding the field
Once the field is ready, the next step is making sure your FarmDroid robot is set up correctly for your crop. Each crop requires different settings, and even in properly prepared fields, the wrong setup can reduce accuracy and lead to uneven crop emergence.
Seed compatibility
FarmDroid FD20 works with a wide range of crops, but seeds vary in size, shape, surface, and weight. These differences affect how the seeds should be handled by the robot.
In practice, this means your setup must always match the specific seed you are working with.
Seed testing
Because seeds behave differently, seed testing is an essential first step to find the right seed settings. This is the procedure for seed testing at FarmDroid:
- The grower sends seed samples to FarmDroid.
- We test and identify the optimal seed disc type for the specific seeds sent to us.
- The grower receives tailored recommendations for seed disc type and optimal robot settings.
Seed testing ensures:
- High precision
- Reduced risk of seed rolling
- Better overall crop establishment
It’s a simple step that can make a significant difference in your results.
Seeding settings: Key parameters for success
Seeding is a precision operation that typically happens only once per crop cycle. Getting it right doesn’t just establish a healthy crop; it creates a digital map that allows FarmDroid to weed with millimeter precision later in the season.
To maximize your results, focus on these five critical areas:
1. Verification and compatibility
Before you hit the field, ensure your seeds are compatible with your FarmDroid FD20.
- Tested seeds: If you are using a new variety, consult your local distributor or request a complimentary evaluation from the FarmDroid Seed Lab.
- Hardware match: It is essential that your seed disc and distance ring have exactly the same thickness to prevent vacuum leaks or mechanical skips.
2. Finding the feasible seeding distance
Your choice of seed disc directly impacts your spacing capabilities. As a guiding principle:
- Short inter-row distance (2–5 cm): Use discs with a higher number of holes (e.g., 20 holes).
- Wider intra-row spacing (10–30 cm): Use discs with fewer holes (e.g., 5 holes).
- Automatic valve control: Note that the seed valve’s automatic opening and closing function requires a seeding distance of at least 10 cm when single seeding.
3. HMI (Software) configuration
Before starting, double-check the robot’s digital parameters. Key settings include:
- Driving speed and light sensor sensitivity
- Seed valve configuration
- Route planning: We generally recommend seeding the main passes first, followed by the headlands.
4. Mechanical uniformity
For consistent emergence, every trailer on the robot must be identical. Ensure the following are synchronized across all rows:
- Seeding depth and front spring tension
- Seed cover plow position
- Distribution of any additional weights
5. Adapt to your environment
While your FarmDroid robot provides the precision, the environment provides the variables. Always tailor your final settings to your specific soil type and local climatic conditions. A well-prepared seedbed combined with the right settings is the secret ingredient for autonomous farming success.
Ready for seeding and weeding the field
With the right field conditions and a setup that matches your crop, your FarmDroid FD20 is ready to perform as intended. Taking the time to prepare properly before the season allows the robot to work with precision from day one and keeps operations running smoothly throughout the season.