In the picturesque fields of Sint Philipsland, Dutch arable farmer Pim Clotscher is pioneering a method that could redefine traditional farming practices. Clotscher, who operates the 106-hectare biodynamic farm Wilhelminahoeve, has recently undersown a green cover crop using drone technology, a technique he now champions after a successful trial last year. “I now see drone sowing as a promising method for undersowing cover crops. Here on the clay, but also in sandy areas,” he asserts, highlighting the versatility of this approach.
Clotscher’s enthusiasm for drone sowing is not merely a response to the wet spring conditions that have affected many farmers. He believes that this innovative method can thrive even in drier conditions, provided that the timing is right. “With undersowing, you always have to weigh up the fact that for the seeds to establish well, you need to sow with enough soil moisture, while to avoid structural damage, it’s better to drive in dry conditions,” he explains. This balance is crucial for ensuring the successful establishment of crops, particularly in a biodynamic farming context that emphasizes sustainability and soil health.
The undersowing project at Wilhelminahoeve is managed in collaboration with drone and innovation company Qlobel, which is responsible for sowing various seed types, including summer triticale, barley, and wheat. The mix being used consists of crimson clover, Persian clover, and phacelia, with a total of 18 kilograms of seed per hectare. Qlobel employs a clay coating on the seeds to facilitate easier spreading, and they are conducting trials to assess the performance of both coated and uncoated seeds. Clotscher notes that last year’s undersowing of silage maize, despite dry conditions, yielded positive results, further solidifying his confidence in this method.
The advantages of drone sowing are particularly pronounced in situations where traditional machinery may struggle. “The great advantage of the drone is that it can sow at any time, even when it’s (too) wet for the tractor or the crop is already too high to drive through,” Clotscher explains. This capability is especially beneficial for overseeding clovers in grasslands, where the establishment of young plants hinges on timely moisture availability. The recent wet period has been an opportune moment for Clotscher to leverage drone technology to enhance his crop yields and soil health.
Financially, Clotscher benefits from a subsidy provided by the Dutch province of Zeeland, which is keen to explore whether drone sowing can enhance the fertility and biodiversity of its agricultural landscapes. The province compensates him €125 per hectare for the seed and €65 per hectare for the drone sowing service. The cost of drone sowing varies depending on the area and seed type, ranging from €55 to €130 per hectare. This financial support underscores the growing recognition of innovative agricultural practices as viable solutions to modern farming challenges.
As Clotscher anticipates the growth of the clover and phacelia mix in his grain plots, he acknowledges that earlier sowing would have yielded even better results. “It would have been better to sow a bit earlier, for example, at the end of May. The undersowing would then have been more developed and had a greater weed-suppressing effect,” he reflects. Nevertheless, he expresses satisfaction with the recent sowing on June 29, noting that the conditions were favorable and the seeds have germinated well.
Clotscher’s journey with drone sowing is not just a personal endeavor; it represents a broader shift in agricultural practices toward more sustainable and efficient methods. As farmers like Clotscher embrace technology to enhance their operations, the implications for soil health, crop diversity, and overall farm productivity could be profound, paving the way for a more resilient agricultural future.