Simulated Corn Seed (SCS) delivery system for enhancing agricultural biodiversity

Overview

Corn monocultures dominate millions of planted acres each year, limiting plant diversity and reducing habitat for pollinators, predators, and butterflies. Simulated Corn Seed (SCS) is a seed delivery system that addresses this challenge by enabling farmers to introduce biodiversity-supporting plant species at the time of corn planting, using the same conventional planters already in operation.

SCS pellets are designed to mimic the size and shape of standard corn seeds so they can be mixed directly with treated corn seed and planted concurrently with standard equipment. Each SCS propagule contains multiple small seeds of a selected biodiversity species, without chemical or biological seed treatments. This approach turns every corn planting operation into an opportunity to enhance on-farm biodiversity.

Technical specifications

• Molded pellet design: SCS pellets are shaped to match conventional large flat and large round corn seeds, allowing seamless integration with standard planting equipment.
• Multi-seed propagules: Each pellet contains multiple small seeds of a selected biodiversity species, increasing the likelihood of successful establishment.
• Coating and binder formulation: Various coating fillers and binders are being investigated to produce durable pellets that do not negatively affect germination or seedling growth.
• 3D-printed prototyping: A 3D printer produces prototype SCS molds of single simulated seeds for rapid iteration and testing.
• Physical property testing: Both dry and wet (post-sowing) SCS properties are measured, and seedling emergence is assessed.
• Built on proven technology: The system builds on cylinder-shaped pellets containing multiple small-seeded vegetable crop seeds previously developed by the Taylor Lab using molding technology.

Technology readiness level

The underlying seed pelleting and molding technology has been validated through prior research demonstrating that coated pellets do not negatively affect germination or seedling growth. The current SCS project is at an early-to-mid stage of development, focused on producing prototype molds, optimizing coating formulations, and validating physical properties and seedling emergence. Initial model plant species include the sole host plant of a declining butterfly, with broader potential applications for pollinators and beneficial insect predators. Further validation is needed before commercial deployment, and the project is supported by a modest budget of $15,000 largely allocated to technical support.