Row Crop Planter

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture Research Service (ARS) is seeking a row crop planter for planting multiple kinds of row crops in research plots and small production fields. The planter must be flexible to quickly change crops, varieties, and populations, and include row-unit monitoring for blockages, singulation, and populations. The planter should be able to work in heavy, wet, and stony soils with both minimal and extensive tillage and moderate residue. • Split row configuration: 6 rows at 30 inches spacing or 11-13 rows at 15 inches spacing • 3-point mount or drawn • 2 bushel or smaller individual unit hoppers • Electronic or mechanical drive • No row markers • Units: Flexibility for multiple crops in heavy, stony soils and varying tillage conditions • Independent shutoff or hopper removal • 0.5 to 2 bu hopper capacity for individual units • Tool-free hopper removal for variety changes • Ground speed or GPS calibration • Mechanical, hydraulic, or electronic drive • In-cab rate control unnecessary • Residue managers or furrowers • Option to add no-till coulters • Gauge wheel depth control • Single or double wheel or multistage closing system