Precision agriculture is a spatially-aware, technology-enabled methodology which allows the
precise and accurate control of the components necessary for sustainable agricultural production.
In this case the desired production system is planted roadside vegetation for ecological
improvement and beautification, specifically the wildflowers that have become a NC DOT
signature. Commercially available precision agriculture systems have been well-developed for
over 20 years, but they have not been widely adapted for use in the roadside environment. This
project seeks to develop systems and controls that can be leveraged into seeding systems that
would allow the DOT wildflower program to continue to innovate and make establishment of
wildflower areas more safely and quickly while creating unique and visually appealing public
displays. In addition to ground-based vehicle control, advanced unmanned aerial systems and
vehicles (UAS/UAVs) have been developed that could make management and improvement of
roadside vegetation easier and safer. While there are options for roadside application of granular
inputs, this project seeks to address the use of UAVs to apply granular products. Specifically the
use of treated granulars that combine fertilizer and weed management into one operation are under
study. As a suite of technologies, precision agriculture systems can be leveraged into the roadside
environment and continue to place NC DOT at the forefront of ecologically informed wildflower
and vegetation management.
