Strip application in row crops
In terraHORSCH, we have already informed you about the joint project OptiKult – a common project of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the JKI, IfZ and HORSCH. The project about strip application with a sprayer expired this year in spring.
In the course of the project, there was a lot of discussion about nozzles and their lateral distribution as well as about drift reduction. Today, special nozzles that are suitable for this method are recognised by the JKI and listed with a drift reduction of 90%. To achieve the most precise possible guidance of the nozzle above the row respectively between the rows, the project partners worked on the camera steering. This spring was used intensively for developments to offer an integrated system for axle steering via camera for the future. One important point in this respect is the integration of the camera system into the ISOBUS. In our opinion, this is the only way to implement strip application with a sprayer.
Where are we right now with regard to strip spraying?
Precise follow-up seeding still is the basis of this kind of crop care.
Moreover, the emphasis with regard to the use of plant protection measures has shifted in the past six months. This also has an influence on the strip application of crop care agents. Above all – in addition to the already known objective of reducing the amount of agents used – users are currently focussing on the approach of protecting the crops. The objective of this approach is to keep the stress for the crop as low as possible when using herbicides. Thus, the attention is on the space between the rows. Therefore, the band nozzles are not mounted above the crop row, but the spraying band is deliberately placed only between the rows with the aim of protecting the crop from competitive pressure and at the same time treat it with care to ensure a high yield potential.
Strip application allows for both options and thus provides an excellent opportunity for a cost-yield optimisation in row crops.
What other applications are possible?
In addition to the traditional row crops like sugar beet, soya or maize where the herbicides can be applied with strip application, rapeseed, too, is more and more frequently grown as a row crop. In rapeseed, beside herbicide application, fungicide applications or other measures which are used in an early stage of development are also interesting for strip application. This kind of application is particularly suitable for measures that are carried out at a very early stage.
All in all, the method stands and falls with the follow-up seeding. In even fields, this is considerably easier due to RTK than in extremely hilly regions. The method provides a new opportunity for a cost-yield optimisation for row crops and considerations in this respect should not be limited to herbicides.