Agricultural Weed Control Using Autonomous Mowers

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$750,000
Fund Source
Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund
Recipient
U of MN - WCROC
Recipient Type
Public College/University
Status
In Progress
Start Date
July 2018
End Date
June 2021
Counties Affected
Statewide
Statewide
Project Overview

A robot, powered by solar energy, will be developed to control weeds on agricultural lands. We envision significant reductions in fossil-fuel and herbicide use while increasing local energy production.

Project Details
Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2018, Chp. 214, Art. 4, Sec. 2, Subd. 08d
Appropriation Language

$750,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the West Central Research and Outreach Center at Morris to design, integrate, and field-test new technology mowers to control weeds, reduce herbicide use, reduce energy costs, and improve native vegetation and forage quality on agricultural lands. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2021, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$750,000
Other Funds Leveraged
$0
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".

Measurable Outcome(s)

Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".

Project Manager
First Name
Eric
Last Name
Buchanan
Organization Name
U of MN - Morris
Street Address
46352 State Hwy 329
City
Morris
State
MN
Zip Code
56267
Phone
(320) 589-1711
Email
buch0123@morris.umn.edu
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