Farming has always mixed old ways with new ideas. For a long time, farmers used their experience to run their farms. But with new technology, they can stop guessing and use real-time data to make decisions. This is what precision farming looks like, and it's especially useful for crop spraying.
Recently, we put the FJD ATS Precision Spray Autosteering System to the test on a New Holland tractor, with a 3-point mounted sprayer from Parlayan Tarım Aletleri. The goal was simple: see how a smart, automated spraying system performs when compared with traditional methods. What we found could change the way you think about smart spraying.
The Old Way: Constant-Rate Spraying
Think about the way farmers have sprayed for years. They drive a sprayer across a field and put the same amount of chemicals everywhere. This is called constant-rate spraying. While it's a simple method, it has some big problems:- Ignore Differences in the Field: A field isn't uniform. Some parts have healthier soil, while others might be struggling. Some areas might have more weeds or pests, while others are perfectly fine. Constant-rate spraying treats the entire field the same, ignoring these differences.
- Waste Time and Money: By spraying the same amount everywhere, you end up over-applying in some areas and under-applying in others. This means you waste expensive chemicals on parts of the field that don't need them.
- Harm Crops: Over-treating a healthy section of a field can actually hurt your crops, stunting their growth and reducing your yield in the future.
- Increase Environmental Risk: Using more chemicals than necessary can lead to runoff, which can be bad for the local environment and for your farm's sustainability.
Basically, constant-rate spraying uses a "one-size-fits-all" method that can waste resources, lower your profits, and potentially harm your crops and the environment.
The New Way: Precision Spraying with Data Insights
Our test focused on a smarter method called variable-rate precision spraying. Instead of just guessing, this method uses multispectral imagery data to create a detailed prescription map for the field. This map tells the sprayer exactly how much product to apply in each specific area.We started with a process that involved using a DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral Edition aerial surveying drone and our FieldFusion farm management system . The idea was to get a complete picture of the field's health. Here's how it works:
- Map the Field: We used a drone with a special multispectral camera to fly over the field. This camera captured data that showed us the health of the crops in a format like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI).
- Create a Prescription Map: We then imported this data into the FJD FieldFusion platform. The platform analyzed the information and automatically created a detailed prescription map. This map divided the field into small sections, each with a specific treatment plan.
- Spray with Precision: We then sent this map to the tractor's in-cab ATS autosteering system. By autosteering the tractor, the ATS system also automatically turned sections of the sprayer on or off and adjusted the flow rate of its ATS-V valves for spraying, based on the prescription map. This meant that the sprayer applied the right amount of product to each section—no more, no less.
After every parameter was configured on FieldFusion, we carried out the test on an 11.51-hectare field, with the prescription map breaking down the field into 1x1 meter grids. This level of detail allowed the system to be incredibly precise.
Our on-site engineers monitored the performance of automatic section control and flow rate adjustment. They recorded some key metrics for further analysis and comparison. They indicated that the prescription-based test was successful and saved more chemicals for farmers.
The Results: Why Precision Spraying Wins
The results of our test were clear. Precision spraying is a huge step forward for farmers. Here's a side-by-side comparison:| Feature | Constant-Rate Spraying | Precision Spraying |
| Application Rate | Fixed rate, across the entire field. | Variable rate, based on a detailed prescription map. |
| Input Costs | Higher due to over-application in some areas. | Lower by only applying what's needed. |
| Efficiency | Low in fields that have different soil conditions. | High, because it targets specific zones. |
| Yield Potential | Regular, limited by a blanket treatment. | Increased by giving each zone exactly what it needs. |
| Environmental Impact | Higher chemical use can lead to runoff. | Reduced chemical footprint, making it more sustainable. |
| Profit (ROI) | Lower, as inputs are wasted in less productive areas. | Higher, with better results for every dollar you spend. |
Smart Farming Leads the Future
Technology like the FJD ATS Precision Spray Autosteering System is a game-changer for farmers. It removes guesswork from spraying and uses a data-driven approach instead. This means you're not just "spraying," you're "treating" your field, giving each acre the exact care it needs.This leads to a farm that is more efficient, profitable, and sustainable. By using this kind of precision technology, you can cut down on waste, get better yields, and make sure your farm is ready for the future.