Precision Corn Seeding Alternative: High Velocity Projectile.

Heat and drought limit corn productivity, we want to plant earlier to avoid these negative stressors that lower yield. Planting earlier is limited by muddy and wet spring time conditions. Planting equipment is getting larger and heavier so that soil compaction is becoming more problematic.  Our model is to consider using a lighter and faster rig in corn planting. To accomplish this goal, we evaluate a method to shoot corn seed into the ground as a projectile.  For proof of concept, we used a competition grade sling shot to deliver seed into a prepared soil media. Replicated trials will determine the velocity, depth of penetration, and percent germination of the seeds.  If we were able to use compressed air or a centrifugal force it should theoretically be able to plant seeds in a wetter environment on a lighter planting rig without the penalties observed with heavy planting equipment.  Should this project demonstrate potential, it would be a first step towards UAV or autonomous robot planters for us in an agricultural planting application.