This
project aimed to enhance the North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT) wildflower program by integrating precision planting technologies into
existing seeding systems. The primary objective was to retrofit current
DOT-operated wildflower seeders with spatially responsive, prescription-based
control systems to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and visual appeal of
roadside wildflower establishment.
An existing Strickland Brothers Greenscape
600 seeder was modified with electric drive components and a Raven Rate Control
Module (RCM3), later replaced with AgLeader hardware to align with DOT
standards. Static and field testing validated the system’s ability to follow
complex seeding prescriptions, including on-the-go seed variety changes.
Although
full biological assessment was limited due to weed management interventions,
the control system demonstrated functional success.
Results indicate that
upgrading DOT’s existing equipment with commercially available precision
agriculture components is a viable and scalable approach for improving
wildflower planting efforts.
There is an ongoing project entitled "Precision Agriculture Tools for Roadside Management and Beautification".
Future work should focus on increasing system
resolution, optimizing seeding transition dynamics, and providing operator
training to support widespread adoption.
