GrassRobotics - A novel adaptation strategy for forage production under wet growing conditions - robotization and high quality forages

The main goal of the GrassRobotics project is to develop a sustainable production system for forage production using a lightweight robot with cutting, collecting and transportation tools. This work will be combined with novel seed mixtures that are suited for frequent harvests, as well as a wetter and longer growing season.

The project will develop a lightweight robot with harvesting tools and test multispecies seed mixtures for frequent harvesting with the objective to obtain increased feed quality of the forage. We will estimate production response with respect to forage costs and profit by increasing the number of times we harvest each season. Stationary compactors will be the receiver of material loads from the harvesters, keeping all heavy equipment off the fields. Further, we will study the environmental effects of introducing lightweight equipment and several harvests on soil compaction, root development and nutrient uptake.

Project partners: 

NIBIO
Norsk landbruksrådgivning Agder
Saga Robotics
Fylkesmannen i Vestland
HMR Voss
Orkel
University of Lincoln
Felleskjøpet Agri
TINE