UAV-Based Precision Seed Dropping for Automated Reforestation

UAV-Based Precision Seed Dropping for Automated Reforestation | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 26 August 2025 V1 Latest version Share on UAV-Based Precision Seed Dropping for Automated Reforestation Authors : Qi Rui Lee , Henrik Hesse 0000-0003-0360-2384 [email protected] , Khuanphirom Naruangsri , Worayut Takaew 0009-0006-0447-0511 , Stephen Elliot , and Dinesh Bhatia Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175622436.63027828/v1 309 views 315 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Wildfires and deforestation pose significant threats to forest ecosystems, highlighting the need for large-scale initiatives to restore destroyed forest areas. Traditional reforestation methods are labor-intensive and require extensive infrastructure to cultivate a variety of native forest seedlings in nurseries. To enable large-scale direct seeding of native species, this paper presents the design, development, and field evaluation of a UAV-based seed-dropping system. The approach integrates a novel mechanical gravity-drop seeding mechanism with a multirotor UAV programmed to autonomously deploy individual seeds at target locations. The system uses biochar-coated seed balls, which facilitate the handling of multiple seed varieties and enhance overall germination success. Field evaluations at an active reforestation site in Northern Thailand have demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed solution in hilly remote areas representative of reforestation projects. Operating at a height of 4 m, the system achieves approximately 90% deployment success, with an accuracy within 1 meter of targeted locations. Unlike conventional aerial seeding systems, the proposed precision seed-dropping approach significantly reduces seed wastage, making the solution scalable to large-scale ecological restoration and biodiversity recovery initiatives. Supplementary Material File (seed_dropping_journal_paper.pdf) Download 6.34 MB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 26 August 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords agricultural robotics autonomous uav field robotics rough terraing Authors Affiliations Qi Rui Lee University of Glasgow James Watt School of Engineering View all articles by this author Henrik Hesse 0000-0003-0360-2384 [email protected] University of Glasgow James Watt School of Engineering View all articles by this author Khuanphirom Naruangsri Chiang Mai University View all articles by this author Worayut Takaew 0009-0006-0447-0511 Chiang Mai University View all articles by this author Stephen Elliot Chiang Mai University View all articles by this author Dinesh Bhatia RMIT University View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 309 views 315 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Qi Rui Lee, Henrik Hesse, Khuanphirom Naruangsri, et al. UAV-Based Precision Seed Dropping for Automated Reforestation. Authorea . 26 August 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175622436.63027828/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . Format Please select one from the list RIS (ProCite, Reference Manager) EndNote BibTex Medlars RefWorks Direct import Tips for downloading citations document.getElementById('citMgrHelpLink').addEventListener('click', function() { popupHelp(this.href); return false; }); $(".js__slcInclude").on("change", function(e){ if ($(this).val() == 'refworks') $('#direct').prop("checked", false); $('#direct').prop("disabled", ($(this).val() == 'refworks')); }); Cited by Bodnayakuni Tarun Kumar, Sanju Kumar NT, Syam Narayanan S, Raju Santhani, Pavan Sai Kumar Reddy T, P. Rajalakshmi, UAV Based Precise Multi Payload Dropping System Using Vision Guidance and RTK Positioning, 2026 IEEE Applied Sensing Conference (APSCON), (1-4), (2026). https://doi.org/10.1109/APSCON68325.2026.11496857 Crossref Loading... View Options View options PDF View PDF Figures Tables Media Share Share Share article link Copy Link Copied! Copying failed. 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