Machinery

Designed to target and treat specific weeds in grassland and crops, the SKAi optical spot spraying system from SoilEssentials is said to reduce chemical costs by up to 95%.

Replacing blanket coverage with spot treatments also protect clover, help prevent stunting and protect the environment. Trials show reduced phytotoxicity caused by selective herbicides is also proven to increase yields.

Boom-mounted cameras, working in conjunction with an in-house developed identification ‘green on green’ algorithm can detect docks in grassland as well as volunteer potatoes in onions and broccoli.

The system operates individual PWM nozzles through a simple, tablet-based interface and is fitted to a custom-built Team Sprayers Sigma, ISObus-compatible mounted machine.

Unlike standard versions, this has a 200-litre capacity spray tank and 1,000-litre clean water tank. This set up, which is opposite to normal, enables operators to mix small batches to suit the lower total application rates.

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Curve control and spot spraying now join the list of accuracy enhancing technology from Horsch.

Designed to work with the existing AutoSelect nozzle control systems, ‘Pro’ curve compensation automatically alters the rate while cornering. This maintains the correct application rate across the boom, regardless of the difference in speeds between the tips and the centre.

For spot spraying, Horsch is currently researching different methods, including Green on Brown and Green on Green detection systems as well as carrying out field tests with different camera manufacturers. Its objective is to adapt the new technology to meet the different environmental conditions and requirements of the farmers around the world.

Green on brown is already playing a big role in dry regions, such as Australia, to remove individual weeds from the stubbles. Green on green is more important in northern Europe, for example to apply herbicides or fungicides, it is, however, is far more difficult to implement due to the small differentiation between weeds and crops.

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Two UK manufacturers, Garford Farm Machinery and RootWave, have announced an agreement to co-develop new weeding technology and products that integrate electrical weeding into precision guided toolbar systems. These are designed to work in high-value and intensive crops, as well as broadacre arable applications.

The RootWave system uses electricity to boil weeds and their roots, which uses patented high-frequency alternating-current, which it says is significantly safer than direct-current, typically used in electrical weed control. This makes electrical weeding highly effective, and because it is non-chemical and does not disturb the soil, it is compatible with both organic and regenerative farming systems.

Proven guidance system

Garford’s contribution is its Robocrop Guidance System that provides accurate and efficient hoeing for both in-row and inter-row weed management and prevention control. The system uses video cameras and image analysis computers to locate crop position and then guides the hoes quickly and accurately.

Garford has calculated that using the eWeeding technology can help cut costs between £55 to £120/ha – considerably lower than chemical herbicide costs.

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