NEXT GENERATION SOWING EQUIPMENT FOR PRECISION AGRICULTURE

Abstract

Recent advancements in sowing machinery have evolved traditional mechanical systems into highly sophisticated, sensor-integrated and electronically controlled units capable of delivering precision at high operational speeds. Innovations over the past five years include electric seed meters and drives, active downforce and depth control, high-speed seed delivery systems, variable-rate and multi-hybrid sowing, aerial seeding via drones and autonomous replanting robots. Field studies have reported significant improvements in seed placement accuracy, reduced spacing variability, enhanced adaptability to varying soil conditions and greater operational efficiency. Despite these benefits, challenges remain in ensuring cost-effectiveness for smallholder farmers, maintaining robust sensor performance across diverse terrains and integrating these technologies with existing farming systems. This review summarizes recent technological advancements, assesses their performance, and outlines key directions for future research.