The Role of Blockage Monitoring Systems in Optimising Seeding Efficiency
Even minor operational issues can have significant impacts in modern agriculture, where precision and efficiency are fundamental to profitability. Seeding blockages are one such issue. Left undetected, blockages can result in poor seed placement, uneven crop emergence, missed rows and, ultimately, reduced yields.
At Farmscan AG, we have worked with OEMs and farmers to develop monitors and sensors that address seeding blockages. Our advanced 7500 Seed Rate Controller, and our ISOBUS range of Seed Rate Controllers are designed to provide real-time detection of seed blockages, ensuring optimal seeding placement and operational efficiency.
Understanding the Impact of Seed Blockages
1. Yield Loss Due to Inconsistent Seeding
A blocked seed or fertiliser tube can create skips or gaps in the field, disrupting plant density and leading to uneven crop growth. These gaps reduce the crop’s ability to reach its full yield potential, with no opportunity for compensation later in the season. These inconsistencies translate directly into measurable financial losses.
2. Operational Downtime and Inefficiency
Without real-time monitoring, identifying a blockage requires stopping the operation, manually inspecting lines, checking the land, and troubleshooting issues—a time-consuming process, especially during peak seeding windows. Add to this the hours taken to clear a fully blocked line or two and the costs really start to climb. This downtime not only delays operations but also increases labour costs and reduces the overall efficiency of the planting process.
3. Increased Input Costs
Blockages can cause over-application in some rows while under-applying or missing others entirely. This results in inefficient use of seeds and fertilisers, increasing costs and wastage without delivering proportional returns. Additionally, replanting affected areas takes time and adds labour and input expenses.
How Farmscan AG’s Technology Mitigates These Challenges
Real-Time Detection with the 7500 And ISOBUS Seed Rate Controller and Monitor
The 7500 and ISOBUS rate controllers are designed to manage both gravity-fed and air-seed systems, providing operators with immediate visibility of their equipment’s performance. By connecting to seed blockage sensors via the CANBUS network, the system delivers instant alerts when a blockage is detected, minimising the risk of yield loss.
Seamless Integration with 7500 range and ISOBUS seeder range
- The seed blockage kit fits seamlessly into the CANBUS technology used in this product, making it easily retrofitted to existing 7500 seeder systems
- Using or upgrading to ISOBUS technology. No problem, our seed blockages kit is designed to work with our ISOBUS Seeder product. Again ….100% retrofittable to existing systems
Together, they create an integrated system that detects blockages and actively supports overall seeding accuracy and efficiency.
Farmscan AG’s integrated monitor and controller solutions deliver the real-time insights farmers and OEMs need to operate confidently. Our dedicated in-house developers work closely with OEMs and farmers to create custom solutions for unique problems. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you and your agricultural business.