The smarter sprayer! Crop protection technology meets camera technology and expert knowledge

SmartSprayer-Gemeinschaftsprojekt Die intelligentere Spritze! Pflanzenschutztechnik meets Kameratechnik und Expertenwissen

The joint SmartSprayer project from Bosch, xarvioTM and AMAZONE now makes it possible to automatically detect weeds in row crops in real time, using software based on economic thresholds to make an application decision and perform partial area application of the latest crop protection technology down to individual plant level. Savings potentials of between 20 and 60 % are possible, since spraying only takes place when required, according to the economic threshold principle.

Following the introduction of the UX AmaSpot trailed sprayer, which uses sensor systems to discriminate between weeds and soil and can treat individual weeds by spot applications that are part of a total herbicide treatment, the SmartSprayer is now the next development stage in the field of individual plant treatment. The UX AmaSpot can only discriminate between green and non-green and can therefore only be used during total herbicide treatments, while the SmartSprayer can detect weeds within row crops in a focused manner and can treat the individual plant. In contrast to the UX AmaSpot, this requires “green-in-green” detection, i.e. detection of weeds within the crop.

During each pass with the SmartSprayer, the whole field is photographed using the Bosch camera system installed on the AMAZONE booms. The images are processed and real-time decisions regarding application are made. The SmartSprayer can be connected to the xarvioTM FIELD MANAGER, an agricultural decision platform that connects users, consultants and digital experts. The field use is based on a data memory without network connection.

The application rate per nozzle can be adjusted very quickly and easily using the PWFM application technology of the SmartSprayer, which has already been used in the UX AmaSpot.

Weed detection by camera and artificial intelligence:
Bosch provides the camera sensors, controllers and the connectivity between the crop protection sprayer and the Cloud. The camera discriminates between crop plants and weeds using artificial intelligence. The active LED lighting ensures equally good detection rates during day and at night, so that darkness or shadows in sunny conditions have no effect.

One camera scans an area of 1.10 m and evaluations can be performed across 4 channels, i.e. on a 25 cm grid.

Application decision
The xarvio™ converts the weed density in real time to an application decision. The “Decision Engine” considers the crop, timing of the application and the field-specific strategy for the weed treatment.

Application with modern crop protection technology
AMAZONE translates the agricultural decision for optimised weed control into an accurate application. Pulse-width frequency modulation (PWFM) valves with SpotFan 40-03 nozzles at a 25 cm nozzle spacing facilitate maximum savings at normal working speeds up to 12 km/h.

AMAZONE PWFM valves make it possible to vary the opening times to the nearest milliseconds, so that the application rate of each nozzle can be independently determined using a specific frequency. The frequency determines the number of opening and closing movements per second. In order to achieve an even larger variation in the application rate, AMAZONE PWFM valves can also vary the frequency. Completely switching off individual valves at a spacing of just 25 cm facilitates absolutely accurate spot application, even on individual plants, and also allows for 25 cm part-width section control. The special SpotFan 40-03 nozzles have a spraying angle of just 40°, so that any overlap zones between two nozzles are minimised. Each individual nozzle applies a strip slightly wider than 25 cm to cover the relevant spot area with the maximum application rate. Resistance problems in the margins due to under-dosing are thus avoided.

The SmartSprayer is equipped with the PWFM nozzle technology and with normal application technology for full-width application, so that switching between spot application and normal full-width spraying is possible under certain conditions.

Significant savings reduce the cost of production and protect the environment
Spot application, based on the economic threshold principle, combined with detection and analysis in real time allows for significant product savings and thus also cost savings. It is furthermore possible to reduce the time taken and increase the work rates. Product savings imply that one filling of the spraying tank can be used to treat a significantly larger area, so that the number of filling processes can also be reduced. Determining the economic thresholds in real time during operation saves further work time otherwise used for separate stock evaluation. This reduction in plant protection agents not only saves costs but also helps protect the environment.

Press review 2019

19 Nov 2019

The 250,000th Amazone drill sold

The origin of the seed drill’s history stretches back to 1947, when Dipl. Eng. Heinrich Dreyer worked together with Mr Kademann to develop the first D1 seed drill that had a working width of 2 m and which was equipped with the innovative Elite seed wheel for and easy switch between fine and normal seeds. This seed drill revolutionised the drilling of catch crops because, unlike other seed drills of that time, the D1 didn’t need the seed wheels to be constantly changed.

24 Oct 2019

Three Agritechnica silver medals for Amazone

The first successes for Amazone on the run-up to Agritechnica 2019. The neutral panels of experts appointed by the DLG (German Agricultural Association) has awarded silver medals to three of Amazone’s innovations.

5 Oct 2019

Amazone RoTeC coulters – in use more than 1.5 million over

An Amazone innovation enjoys a very special anniversary with 1.5 million RoTeC single disc coulters now in use. And, at the standard row spacings of between 12.5 cm and 16.6 cm, this would correspond to a total working width of over 200 kilometres! The RoTeC coulter shows its strengths particularly under difficult mulch sowing conditions – when, for example, dealing with large quantities of crop residues and on damp, heavy and sticky soils.
Further notable advantages:...

28 Aug 2019

Cirrus with Minimum TillDisc

Tillage-Live 2019 at Deenethorpe, Corby next week will see the public unveiling of the 6 metre Cirrus 6003-2C Minimum TillDisc with its new wavy disc element in front of the Matrix tyre roller. This unit takes the place of the normal twin-row of cultivation discs and, with a row spacing of 16.6 cm, the straight running 460 mm boron steel corrugated discs are designed to cut through any crop residues, cover crops or soil surface and run directly in front of the sowing...

16 Jul 2019

Scoop purchase of Groundkeeper GHD 1800

The Groundkeeper GHD offers all the convenience of a trailed mower / collector – so less horsepower required, increased manoeuvrability and yet with a larger size hopper capacity; around 300 litres more in relation to a linkage-mounted machine and so less emptying time.

17 Jun 2019

Save £250/furrow on Cayros ploughs - an opportunity not to be missed

Cayros ploughs – Buy Now and Save!
The Cayros is the perfect match for any farm
Cayros mounted reversible ploughs come in a comprehensive range from 2 to 6 furrows and with a choice of 8 different plough bodies to suit individual soil conditions.

30 May 2019

The new CombiDisc 3000 lines up at the Cereals Event

For use in combination with either the gravity Cataya or the pneumatic Centaya harrow-mounted seed drills, Amazone now offers the new CombiDisc mounted compact disc harrow in a 3 m working width.

Equipped with 24 serrated discs, each featuring a diameter of 410 mm, the CombiDisc is ideally suited for seedbed preparation at depths from 3 to 8 cm.

29 May 2019

Cirrus 03-2CC Double-Shoot seeding combination to make its debut at Cereals

Cereals 2019 sees further expansion of the Cirrus trailed seeder range. Designated the Cirrus 03-2CC Double-Shoot, these hydraulic folding 4 & 6 metre trailed drills now feature a second distribution head and coulter system that can be used for either sowing a second seed type or applying fertiliser directly into the seedbed without coming into direct seed contact.

23 Apr 2019

Pantera cleans up its act

The new Pantera 4503 self-propelled brings together Comfort-Pack 1 and an innovative new boom guidance system.
At the heart of the Pantera 4503 is the proven 6-cylinder Deutz engine which offer a maximum engine power of 218 HP. The in-line, turbo-charged and charge-air cooled engine ensures, thanks to its intelligent ECO mode engine management, the minimum amount of fuel used yet maintains that overall optimum performance.

15 Mar 2019

AMATECHNICA 2019

This Spring sees the opening of AMAZONE’s new training, education and research centre here at Orchard Farm, Auckley, Doncaster, DN9 3NW. Orchard Farm represents a multi-million £ investment in British farming by the Dreyer family, who own the AMAZONE Group, with the new Centre being set in 12 ha of arable cropping that includes demonstration areas and trial plots. And for the launch of this brand new facility, you are cordially invited to attend our AMATECHNICA 2019...

5 Mar 2019

AMAZONE Group turnover climbs to record level

Amazone turnover increases in 2018 to record level
Amazone turnover increases significantly despite the drought
For the 2018 financial year, the turnover of the Amazone Group of Companies further increased despite the drought that affected some countries in the second half of the year. The turnover increased to a record level of 481 Million Euros.

14 Feb 2019

Crushboard or eradicators, the choice is yours

Front mounted frame with Crushboard or tractor wheel mark eradicators for Catros Special or CatrosXL

For the Catros Special and CatrosXL compact disc harrows in working widths of 3 m, 3.50 m and 4.00 m, AMAZONE now optionally offers a front mounted frame with Crushboard. This option makes these compact disc harrows ideally suited to seedbed preparation as the Crushboard achieves a strong crumbling and levelling effect.

1 Jan 2019

Get a ZA-M ecoSPECIAL for just £4,950

Irrespective of the amount of fertiliser being spread on a farm, it is an expensive commodity that needs to be accurately applied. The ZA-M range of spreaders has been at the forefront of fertiliser spreading on British farms for decades and the simple mix of gentle fertiliser handling with the SBS – Soft ballistic System – and the high quality components made from stainless steel and plastic make it both easy on the fertiliser and easy on the pocket.