By Scout Nelson
The North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center begins new autonomous farming trials in 2026 through a collaboration with Greenfield Robotics. The work focuses on testing robotic tools in real field conditions to help farmers address labor shortages, rising input costs, weed pressure, and soil protection needs.
Autonomous platforms such as Grassbot and BOTONY operate in research fields without tractors or crews. These machines move steadily through crop rows, showing how autonomy can support farm tasks with less soil disturbance and fewer equipment passes. The goal is to test whether robotics can perform reliably under North Dakota weather and field conditions.
One major focus is cover crop management. Cover crops like cereal rye protect soil and reduce erosion but can be difficult to manage before planting. Researchers study how autonomous tools can turn cover crops into an even mulch layer. This mulch helps reduce weeds, hold moisture, and support planting of crops such as soybeans or dry beans with minimal soil disruption.
Weed control is another key area. Persistent weeds like Canada thistle remain a major challenge for farmers. Instead of relying on herbicides or tillage, the trials examine repeated between-row robotic passes timed to weed growth stages. The goal is to reduce weed pressure through small, precise actions over the season.
The project also studies crop nutrition. BOTONY includes an upward-facing attachment that applies to foliar nutrients. Autonomous applications allow repeated, timely treatments that are often difficult with traditional equipment. This approach may benefit both conventional and organic systems.
Researchers also test in-season cover crop seeding into standing crops. Autonomous platforms plant mixes such as cereal rye, winter camelina, and red clover at different crop stages. The work evaluates emergence, fall growth, winter survival, and spring soil cover.
Overall, the trials focus on flexible, low-impact management. The research helps farmers see how autonomy can support soil health, crop performance, and long-term farm sustainability. By the end of 2026, the goal is to provide clear, field-tested guidance on how autonomous tools can fit into Northern Plains farming systems.
Photo Credit: istock-kat72
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Equipment & Machinery