Dynamic Crop Stand Optimization via Selective Plant Thinning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current crop stand optimization systems face challenges in efficiently determining and adjusting the optimal seed population based on dynamic weather and soil conditions, leading to resource wastage from unproductive plants.

Innovation Solution

A crop stand optimization system that uses a combination of GPS-enabled planters and thinning apparatuses, along with imaging and data communication technologies, to dynamically adjust seed population by killing or damaging unproductive plants based on real-time data and prescriptions generated from cloud-hosted databases, optimizing resource allocation and yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the optimal seed population is determined based on assumed or forecasted weather and soil conditions at planting time, then the planting operation can proceed with a predetermined population, but the actual crop stand may deviate from the optimal population due to changing conditions, leading to reduced economic return

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeconomic returnVSAvoidadaptation to changing weather and soil conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static planting population determined at planting time to a dynamic population that is continuously adjusted throughout the growing season. Imaging devices capture real-time crop stand data, and the processor dynamically recalculates the optimal population based on current weather and soil conditions, enabling the crop stand to adapt to changing environmental factors during the season

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where imaging devices continuously monitor actual crop stand conditions and weather/soil parameters throughout the growing season. This real-time feedback is processed to determine deviations from the optimal population, which then triggers adjustments to the planting population through selective plant removal or additional planting, ensuring the crop stand remains optimized despite environmental changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the planted population is increased to ensure adequate crop stand, then the probability of achieving sufficient plant coverage is improved, but unproductive plants consume resources without providing economic return, increasing resource wastage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrop stand adequacyVSAvoidresource consumption by unproductive plants

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses imaging devices to continuously monitor crop stand conditions and plant productivity throughout the growing season. Real-time feedback on which plants are unproductive allows for selective removal of only those specific plants that are not contributing to yield, rather than removing plants universally. This ensures adequate crop stand is maintained while eliminating resource drain from non-productive individuals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different management actions to different locations within the field based on local plant productivity assessment. Imaging technology identifies specific unproductive plants or regions, and resource allocation or plant removal actions are applied locally only where needed, rather than uniformly across the entire field. This maintains adequate stand in productive areas while removing unproductive plants, optimizing resource distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If traditional methods are used to determine optimal population without real-time monitoring, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision of actual crop stand conditions and weather impacts is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidaccuracy of crop stand and environmental condition assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical or visual field assessment methods with advanced imaging technology and automated processing. Imaging devices capture detailed crop stand data, and a processor automatically analyzes this data along with weather and soil information to precisely determine optimal population. This substitution of mechanical assessment with optical/electronic measurement dramatically improves measurement precision while the automation maintains operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs automated imaging capture and data processing that requires minimal human intervention. The imaging devices self-capture crop stand data, the processor automatically analyzes the images and environmental parameters, and the system self-determines the optimal population adjustments needed. This automation maintains low operational complexity while achieving high measurement precision through continuous monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10462952B2Crop stand optimization systems, methods and apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for crop stand optimization. In some embodiments a field is planted at a first population prescription determined based on a first data set including forecasted weather. A subsequently determined second population prescription is determined based on a second data set determined after planting, and the planted crop is thinned according to the second population prescription. In some embodiments the crop is selectively thinned to remove plants having a plant removal index below a threshold.