In a pioneering move, Pieter van Leeuwen Boomkamp, a farmer in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, has utilized a drone to sow cover crop in his silage maize fields. The aim of this innovative approach is to delay the chopping of the maize until after October 1st, as required by Dutch law. By using a drone to sow a mixture of leaf radish and leaf cabbage, Van Leeuwen Boomkamp hopes to gain more flexibility in weed control, particularly for addressing grasses.
Underseeding, a common method used earlier in the season, has its limitations. It interferes with weed control and can lead to grass overpowering the maize. Additionally, grasses are not suitable for crop rotation due to nematode proliferation, and established grass can be challenging to remove in order to plant new crops, especially for a company that practices non-tillage farming like Van Leeuwen Boomkamp.
The experiment with the drone aims to address these challenges. The seed mixture is spread in a precise pattern by a centrifugal spreader beneath the drone’s seed hopper. Experts from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) are assessing the fields to evaluate whether enough seed reaches the ground, whether the seed germinates and roots adequately, and to what extent the cover crop is damaged during the harvesting process.
Initial results are promising. Sufficient seed appears to be reaching the ground, and little to no seed remains in the maize plant axils. The success can be attributed, in part, to the 70 mm of rain that fell shortly after sowing. To further encourage germination and establishment, the leaf cabbage and leaf radish seeds have been coated with a mixture of clay and compost. This coating helps the seeds absorb moisture and survive dry spells.
The cost of sowing with the drone ranges from €90 to €110 per hectare, excluding the cost of the seed. The specific conditions, amount of seed, area, and size of the drone all contribute to the final cost. Van Leeuwen Boomkamp sowed over 20 kilograms of seed per hectare, with the drone carrying 2 kilograms per flight. The weight of the coated seed limited the drone’s carrying capacity.
The development of the cover crop in Nijkerk is being monitored by WUR and the National Fieldlab for Precision Farming (NPPL). Researchers will assess the cover crop’s progress before and after chopping, as well as a few weeks later.
This experiment showcases the potential of drones in agriculture, offering farmers new possibilities for weed control and crop rotation. If successful, this innovative approach could revolutionize farming practices, providing farmers with greater flexibility and efficiency. As the results unfold, the agricultural community eagerly awaits the outcome of this groundbreaking experiment.