this post was submitted on 02 Mar 2026
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Solarpunk Farming

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Farm all the things!

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if I had to replace my tractor today I honestly have no idea which I would pick, but I think all of them come with irreplaceable software components. Are there any tractors available that have fully reviewable / replaceable control software?

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[–] TropicalDingdong@lemmy.world 8 points 17 hours ago (1 children)

When I was more on the ag side of research, I know a former pilot/engineer who had decided to ruin his sons life by helping him on his farm.

I kid. The guy was actually a fucking gangster. He had built/ modified a customer variable rate drill/ spray rig. The used it in combination with a hyperspectral sensor they had in a hole drilled into the up auger of the harvester. They worked with us to develop a hyperspectral model that used middle infrared light to predict protein.

So basically, you run your harvest, and when you are doing this you are tracking both yield and protein content (with the sensor in the up auger). Then, when it comes time to plant, you've got a map of exactly how much nitrogen was used the previous season. Using this you now have the option to create an optimal yield map, or you can target a specific protein content for the grain.

Anyways, no I don't. But I've seen some pretty cool diy shit.

[–] thinkercharmercoderfarmer@slrpnk.net 3 points 16 hours ago (1 children)

That is very cool. I'd like to get to the point of designing and building custom rigs like that. I am currently in the "can sometimes fix it as long as there's a manual" phase of expertise so I have a ways to go.

[–] TropicalDingdong@lemmy.world 3 points 16 hours ago (1 children)

What type of farming do you do?

[–] thinkercharmercoderfarmer@slrpnk.net 4 points 15 hours ago* (last edited 15 hours ago)

Hay, but I'm looking to branch out. I feel like it's a good time to learn how to grow people food for some reason.