System and method for switching between seed types during a multi-variety seed planting operation

Abstract

When performing a seed planting operation, a variety change distance may be calculated that corresponds to the distance from a variety zone boundary of a prescription map that a row unit of a planter must be located prior to initiating a variety change procedure for switching seed types. Once the row unit reaches a variety change boundary spaced apart from the variety zone boundary by the calculated variety change distance, a system controller may initiate the variety change procedure to allow the seed type being planted to be efficiently and effectively switched as the planter makes a planting pass across the field.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present subject matter relates generally to row-crop planters or seeders and, more particularly, to a system and method for switching between seed types when performing a multi-variety seed planting operation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Modern farming practices strive to increase yields of agricultural fields. Technological advances in the area of planting implements or planters allow for better agronomic characteristics at the time of planting, such as providing more accurate seed depth, improved uniformity of seed depth across the planter, and improved accuracy of in-row seed spacing. However, a single field can have performance inconsistencies between different areas of the field. That is because a field can have a wide variety of soil types and management zones, such as irrigated and non-irrigated zones in different areas. To address this issue, seed companies have developed multiple varieties of each of their seed product types, with the dif...

Images