Smart sprayer targets weeds
One Smart Spray is a DEFRA and Innovate UK funded collaborative project that aims to develop equipment and artificial intelligence models to target and spot spray blackgrass. Project participants include Bosch, BASF Digital Farming and Rothamsted Research.
Currently half-way through the three-year study, the project has developed a system, which is mounted on a Chafer Interceptor and employs 30 cameras and 60 lights across its boom. These scan the fields during operations to collect high resolution images of weeds in the crop.
Blackgrass algorithm
Data is processed by a Bosch artificial intelligence model and scientists at Rothamsted are helping to create the algorithm that recognises blackgrass. The aim is to regularly scan the crop during field work across the season to identify and map blackgrass.
These could be used to create an application prescription map or eventually enable spotting and spraying in real time.
Flexible hood extends versatility
A new flexible hood expands the versatility of the Garford band sprayer. Fixed to floating side shields, the special flexible membrane enables the band width to be adjusted down to 90mm or out to 250mm.
The flexible fabric membrane is attached to a pair of Garford side shields and the Flexi Hood prevents droplets from dissipating onto the crop, without the constraints of a plastic or metal hood. The side shields can float independently, working to the contours of the ground.
The fabric bellows can also flex with that movement to maintain the seal, while a spring steel supports the fabric structure. This now enables the crop clearance to be reduced from 200mm to 100mm.
Individual turret for PWM
Developed in-house by John Deere, INC Pro provides individual nozzle control with pulse width modulation (PWM) on a single, quin-outlet turret.
As an alternative to its higher specification ExactApply system, INC Pro operates at 15hz and offers a 0-100% duty cycle. This means the system can be run as a standard sprayer with an on off option, only using PWM when it’s needed – which lowers operating costs.
See & Spray ready
With PWM the system delivers turn compensation as well settings for working in rows. Another feature will be a remote, so operators can check valve and nozzle function while being out of the cab.
It is also ready for John Deere See & Spray spot spraying technology, which will be on test in the UK in 2025 for green on brown and will come to market in 2026.
Novel nozzle developments
To meet demand from increasing numbers of precision application sprayers Lechler is introducing a new spot-spray flat nozzle, which is sold in the UK by new UK importer – Onpoint Spraying Solutions. Designed specifically for work on these precise applicators, the 20° flat spray fans can work closer together and at lower working heights. They are currently available in 05 and 02 sizes with an operating pressure range of 2-5 bar, producing fine to very coarse droplets.
Twin outlet low drift
Meanwhile, BFS is adding a new twin outlet, low drift air inclusion nozzle that is angled to help improve coverage on both sides for pre-em, blight and earwash applications.
Called the ABJ-T the outlets are angled at 30° forwards and backwards, with each delivering half the flowrate, for example, on the 025 this is 0125 on each side. In the firm’s own trials, they are capable of cutting drift by 95% at 2 bar and 75% at 3 bar.
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