Optical spray technologies: Technology uptake program
Term
2023-2024
Project Officer
Jane McInnes
WHY THIS PROJECT IS IMPORTANT
The Agrifutures Australia Technology uptake program is supporting farmers in the Riverine Plains region to understand the types of agritech that are available, and how it can benefit their farming operation.
Over the last two years, this project has supported the delivery of multiple technology-focused events and supported farmers with trialing new technology on farm. With new technologies hitting the agriculture market each week, it can be challenging for farmers to find tech solutions to their problems and the understand key benefits, or limitations, of adoption.
This program has enabled Riverine Plains to identify technologies that are addressing known issues in our region, while working alongside farmers to determine what works well and where things fall short.
In short: This element of the project aims to support farmers when they are deciding whether or not to introduce on a new spray technology to their farming operation, with a specific focus on drones and optical spot-spray technology in broadacre farming systems.
Project focus
At our Katamatite ‘Harvest Wrap Up’ event in February 2024, we showcased emerging camera spray technologies and discussed their benefits and challenges with local farmer Craig Thomas. Craig was also involved in showcasing this technology at our Innovation Expo in 2022. Play the video (right) to learn more about Craig's journey with this technology.
Working through the benefits and challenges of adopting optical spray technology
Whilst demonstrating new technologies and seeing the ‘wow’ factor of innovations is important, we also know that working through the decision on whether or not to adopt a given piece of technology — and if so, which brand — is a hard decision to make.
As a result, we worked with the team at Rometron Australia to develop a list of considerations when looking and optical spot-spray technology. These considerations were shared at our February ‘Harvest Wrap up” event, however we also felt it was important to speak to a range of market leaders involved in the uptake of this technology, and develop a decision support tool for farmers to use within our region.
Decision support tools - optical spot spray technology
As part of the project, Riverine Plains has created decision support tools for agricultural drones (spray and spreader drones) and optical spot spray technology to support farmers when comparing technologies and make decisions on which alternative would best suit the needs of their farming systems.
The information provided in the tables below is designed to provide more detailed information regarding this technology and aims to support farmers who are considering whether or not to adopt optical spray technology for their operation. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list or a recommendation of brands; instead it is a tool to support farmers who are starting the thinking process about what they may be looking for in spot-spray technology.
There is no ‘best option’ as all farming situations are different and it can be hard to get independent advice on what would suit best. The following decision support tools are designed to understand key considerations when looking at drones and optical spot spray technology, supporting the decision making process.
A video is also being produced, and will be shortly be available from this page.
Ground rigs
Green-on-brown and green-on-green camera sprayers are becoming more popular in Australian agriculture. These optical spot-sprayers provide targeted weed control and are not only reducing chemical usage, but time spent spraying. With many versions of this technology on the market, it is important to understand the differences between them and what might suit your operation best before considering upgrading to this technology.
Below is a comparison of optical spot-spray systems that can be purchased as tow-behind and self-propelled options, or retrofitted to existing sprayers. The brands included in this comparison are generally reliable and well-known in Australia for their sprayer technology, however we have also included a brand new to market in Australia (BeeLeap) and we are interested to find out more and share information that is coming through from overseas.
Definitions:
Comparisons
WEED IT | |
Detection channel width | 250 mm |
Minimum application width | 250 mm |
ISO section control | Yes |
ISO section width | 1 m |
Does the system have Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)? | Yes (50 Hz) |
Does the system have turn compensation? | Yes |
Does the system offer both spot spraying and blanket spraying capability, using PWM? | Yes (50 Hz) |
Does the system offer dual mode? | Yes |
Recommended boom height | 80 cm |
Detection method | Real time |
Green on brown | Yes |
Green on brown subscription price (one off/recurring/other) | No |
Green on green | No |
Green on Green subscription price (one off/recurring/other) | N/A |
Proven in field/farmer testimonial | Yes - see Craig Thomas & Riverine Plains Case Study |
Retrofit Compatibility | Yes – large selection of brands |
Further information | Rometron - WEEDIT website |
Sense Spray – Case IH Patriot | |
Detection channel width | 1 metre (2 nozzles) |
Minimum application width | 0.5 m (1 nozzle) |
ISO section control | Yes |
ISO section width | 0.5 m |
Does the system have Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)? | No. Conventional, even when fitted to Case IH 4450 Patriot |
Does the system have turn compensation? | No. Conventional, even when fitted to Case IH 4450 Patriot |
Does the system offer both spot spraying and blanket spraying capability, using PWM? | No, not while using cameras |
Does the system offer dual mode? | No, not when fitted to Patriot Sprayer |
Recommended boom height | 50 cm above target |
Detection method | Real time |
Green on brown | Yes |
Green on brown subscription price (one off/recurring/other) | No |
Green on green | No |
Green on Green subscription price (one off/recurring/other) | N/A |
Proven in field/farmer testimonial | Yes, upon request (only been in field 6 months) |
Retrofit Compatibility | Only Patriot 4450 at this stage |
Further information | Case IH website |
John Deere See & Spray | |
Detection channel width | 1 metre (36 m boom has 36 cameras) |
Minimum application width (1 nozzle) | 50 cm on nozzle spacings of 50 cm. Length of application is from 0.5 m to 1.5 m |
ISO section control | Works independently of section control |
ISO section width | 50 cm sections, individual nozzle control |
Does the system have Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)? | Yes, PWM with a combined 30MHz. Has an A & B nozzle at 15MHz |
Does the system have turn compensation? | Yes |
Does the system offer both spot spraying and blanket spraying capability, using PWM? | Yes, the A & B can work in different configurations |
Does the system offer dual mode? | Yes |
Recommended boom height | 50 cm from target. John Deere boom height is 80cm in fallow situations. |
Detection method | Real time |
Green on brown | Yes |
Green on brown subscription price (one off/recurring/other) | No |
Green on green | No (yes in USA) |
Green on Green subscription price (one off/recurring/other) | Subscription in USA |
Proven in field/farmer Testimonial | Video link (John Deere) |
Retrofit Compatibility | Precision upgrade kit available in USA but not currently in Australia |
Further information |
Weedetect (Goldacres) | |
Detection channel width | 3 metre |
Minimum application width (1 nozzle) |
250 mm. Weedetect can also offer 16 sections |
ISO section control | Yes |
ISO section width | This is the same as application width |
Does the system have Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)? | Yes, we offer PWM as an option |
Does the system have turn compensation? | Yes, if it is optioned with PWM |
Does the system offer both spot spraying and blanket spraying capability, using PWM? | No |
Does the system offer dual mode? | No |
Recommended boom height | 60-70 cm |
Detection method | Real time |
Green on brown | Yes |
Green on brown subscription price (one off/recurring/other) | One cost for permanent activation or $2.50 per ha/year (unlimited passes for that year) |
Green on green | Yes |
Green on Green subscription price (one off/recurring/other) | $8.00 per ha/year unlimited passes for that year |
Proven in field/farmer Testimonial | Goldacres Video |
Retrofit Compatibility | Yes, Goldacres only - model specific as well. |
Further information | Weedetect |
BeeLeap | |
Detection channel width | 3 metres. The sensors will be placed according to the height from the sensor to the nozzle, the further this distance, the further the cameras are apart. |
Minimum application width (1 nozzle) | 1 m. This is adjustable depending on specific machine. |
ISO section control | Yes |
ISO section width | It depends if you want to have variable rate over ISOBUS. Can choose to VRA through our own task map system (LeapCat) which allows for individual VRA rate per nozzle. |
Does the system have Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)? | Yes, the system comes with a 100 Hz (maximum) PWM system. The frequency is variable per nozzle and based on the driving speed. |
Does the system have turn compensation? | Yes |
Does the system offer both spot spraying and blanket spraying capability, using PWM? | Yes |
Does the system offer dual mode? | Three different modes: spot spraying, dual mode and modulation. Modulation mode system detects weed size and sprays a lower rate on the smaller weeds. |
Recommended boom height | 70 cm. It is important to have a stable boom, as an unstable boom results in a poor result. |
Detection method | Both (real time and can map weeds with second pass to spray) |
Green on brown | Yes |
Green on brown subscription price (one off/recurring/other) | No fee per hectare |
Green on green | Yes |
Green on Green subscription price (one off/recurring/other) | No fee per hectare |
Proven in field/farmer Testimonial | Three trials in place in WA this year. Other trials in Europe. |
Retrofit Compatibility | Yes – large selection of brands |
Further information |
The system is able to spotspray through corners/turns. The system can detect biomass. It is possible to do VRA fungicide/ fertiliser rates based on biomass levels. |
Drones
Drones are increasingly used for both spot spraying and whole paddock spraying in broadacre agriculture. They are also being used for spreading fertiliser, especially under wet conditions or in difficult terrain.
Below is a comparison of commercially available drones (as at August 2024). The drones presented for comparison are part of the DJI Agras range, which are specially designed for agricultural use and are available in Australia. DJI is one of the most well-known drone companies in Australia, distrubuted through Akron Australia, however there are other brands that are available including XAG Australia and BROUAV.
As drone spray and spreader technology is still quite new and continually evolving, another option is to engage with a contractor to complete mapping and spraying before purchasing yourself. SingleShot and StevTech are examples of organisations that provide these services.
Model | DJI Agras T10 | DJI Agras T30 | DJI Agras T40 |
Operating Efficiency | 6.67 hectares/hour | 16 hectares/hour | 21.3 hectares/hour |
Spraying Tank Volume | 10L | 30L | 40L |
Maximum Spray Rate | 3 L/min | 8 L/min | 12 L/min |
Total Weight (without battery) | 12.2kg | 26.4kg | 38kg |
Maximum Take-off Weight | 26.8kg | 66.5kg (spraying) 78kg (spreading) |
90kg (spraying) 101kg (spreading) |
Maximum Flight Time | 9 minutes | 10 minutes | 12 minutes |
Maximum Operating Speed | 7 m/s | 7 m/s | 10 m/s |
Spraying System | 2 diaphragm pumps Electromagnetic valve |
2 plunger pumps Electromagnetic valve |
Magnetic driver impeller pump Centrifugal valve |
Droplet Size | 130 - 300 μm | 130 - 265 μm | 50 - 500 μm |
Spray Width | 3m - 5.5 metres | 4m - 9 metres | 11 metres |
Spray Height | 1.5m - 3m above target | 1.5m - 3m above target | 3m above target |
Spread Width | Function not available | 3 - 9 metres | 3 - 9 metres |
Spreading Materials | Function not available | Solid, dry particles 0.5mm to 5mm in diameter |
Solid, dry particles 0.5mm to 5mm in diameter |
Recommended Spreading Height | Function not available | 5 metres | 5 metres |
Drone Webpage Links | Akron Australia Single Shot (contractor) StevTech (contractor) |
Note: Agras T50 has just been released
This article has been produced as part of the AgriFutures Technology Uptake Program. Thank you to Rometron, Case IH and John Deere for providing the information in the above tables.
Find out more
For further information. please email jane@riverineplains.org.au
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