Precision in crop protection

How do you get the right application to the right location at the right time? This is precision farming. Gaining insight into the existing techniques and how they can contribute to a more efficient use of crop protection products are central to the third meeting of the Agricultural Sprayer Academy (ASA).

A presentation on potato cultivation discussed how various techniques are applied at Jacob van den Borne's company in Reusel. From cultivation to storage, he tries to use his labour, crop protection products and fertilizers more efficiently by using sensors.

Techniques
According to Van den Borne, the precision is not in driving straight with an accuracy of 2 centimetres. This is just a technique that can help make precision farming a reality; especially the insight at crop level is important. In the event of deviations in the field, whether or not visible with your own eye or with heat cameras (to detect water stress), for example, soil scans and crop scans may be able to determine the cause. It can then be controlled, but that remains human work.

With regard to crop protection, Van den Borne mainly works with variable spraying systems that are equipped with 2 tanks, double pipes and nozzle holders. This allows him to carry out additional site-specific spraying in 1 working pass during regular spraying. "You only spray where necessary," says Van den Borne. "With 1 extra tank, 1 full dose can be sprayed at the relevant location."

In practice, a low dose is sometimes added in case of minor infestation of weeds or insects. A dose that is too low is then sprayed on the places where it is needed. Furthermore, the vast majority receive a spray, while this is not necessary. "You may be encouraging resistance with this."

Measures
During the tour of Van den Borne's company, an explanation is also given about practical matters regarding crop protection. An equipped workbench with gloves, aprons and a compressed air mask contribute to safety. The preparations ensure that you actually use it. The residual liquids and the leakage water are collected in a well. This well is emptied into a phytobac, in which the resources are broken down.

A bit of precision with regard to crop protection can also be found in the use of different types of water for spraying. By using, for example, spring water in combination with collected rainwater, the correct pH is achieved for spraying on potato haulm. "When applying herbicides, we only use well water because it works better at a lower pH." Solubility also has his attention; an attempt is made to improve this aspect by means of polarization of water via a magnet.

All in all, the meeting brought many new insights and techniques. The participants were able to reflect on which applications could eventually be applied to their own company. Van den Borne's advice is to start with soil scans. Based on these scans, zones can be created within 1 plot. These maps can be loaded into GPS systems, so that they can assess the differences between the zones themselves during the work.

Continuation
The next meeting will be about the mechanism of action of the plant protection products. The application of precision technology in crop protection will be discussed in particular.

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