VÄDERSTAD SeedEye Eliminates Guesswork with Sowing Rates
Published on 08 February 2021
VÄDERSTAD’s unique SeedEye automatic seeding rate control system eliminates the guesswork associated with sowing rates by delivering the exact number of seeds per square metre, regardless of ground speed.
Awarded a test mark from the distinguished DLG agricultural testing centre in Germany, the system comprises sensors mounted on each seed tube, a ground radar mounted on the seeder and an easy-to-operate iPad-based control system.
CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager – Väderstad, Murray Tuck, says SeedEye system provides precise and reliable control of seeding operations in real time. “With SeedEye, you simply nominate your seeding rate in terms of plants per square metre after adjustment for germination rate or potential field losses,” he says.
“Sensors record the number of seeds passing through each individual seed tube.
“The controller then automatically adjusts the seeding rates based on the operating speed, as measured by the on-board radar, to maintain the selected seed rate.”
In effect, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming seed weighing and calibration. “By measuring seeds delivered per square metre, the seeding result is no longer affected by variations in different seed types or inaccurate calibration,” Murray says.
“If your target seeding rate is say, 303 seeds per square metre, SeedEye will deliver this, no matter what.
“With traditional systems, even small deviations in manual calculations of grain weight or variation between seed batches can result in significantly different sowing rates
“Even better, there is no need for calibration, which maximises your time in the field.”
SeedEye is operated using the easy-to-use iPad-based control system, Väderstad E-Control. “The operator has complete control of exactly how many seeds are being planted on a square metre basis rather than a kg/ha basis,” Murray says.
“Variable application and sectional shut-off are also possible using the ISOBUS Task Controller.
“This is not technology for technology’s sake – an accurate sowing rate helps to produce a uniform crop for optimal results.”
SeedEye technology can also be used to monitor fertiliser application and blockages in either the seed or fertiliser tubes. SeedEye is suitable for the Väderstad’s popular Rapid drills.
