The participating parties in the precursory Seed Money Project have indicated that they will work on projects that contribute to short and medium-term prospects of “large-scale agriculture with small-scale mechanization”. The aim of the modelling is to obtain the design criteria for the optimal dimensions of this agricultural system.
The small autonomous self-propelled vehicles in agriculture and horticulture offer perspective. This in the search for labour savings and reduction of soil compaction and in perspective for intercropping.
One of the main motives for a small-scale mechanized agricultural system is to prevent soil compaction by heavy machinery. The biggest problem that requires attention is the harvest and transportation of the product.
In a large-scale agricultural system, the observation could pose a bottleneck. The good observation of weeds and diseases is a labour-intensive process for a farmer. In a large-scale agricultural system, the observation could pose a bottleneck. The good observation of weeds and diseases is a labour-intensive process for a farmer.
The soil forms the basis for plant growth. For an undisturbed growth, rapid and healthy rooting of the soil is required. A good soil structure is of great importance here.
The core of the Field Lab work package is the testing and further development of prototypes under practical conditions in close collaboration between research and industry.
This project is a driver for innovation. Therefore communication is focused at presenting and disseminating research results is insufficient. This work package therefore also focuses on designing an interactive process with different parties, visions, knowledge and resources.
The project management of the project is focused on meeting the goals within the budget and time available. This all in close cooperation the project partners.