Precision Ag Meets the Needs of Speciality Crop Operations
When we think of precision ag, it's easy to see how it applies to commercial corn and soybean operations: reducing operator fatigue and allowing the same AB lines to be used for every pass through the season. But the reality is, precision ag solutions are even more essential for specialty crop operations, where sub-inch accuracy and repeatability are critical.
Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, tomatoes and other specialty crops require top-tier line-following and sprayer performance. Additionally, these operations typically use more costly chemicals to ensure the best weed and pest management, making selective spraying technology a must for their bottom line.
When it comes to orchard and vineyard operations, a few critical pieces of technology stand out:
Display » in-cab intuitive guidance and application control
Guidance » A high-accuracy receiver paired with centimeter-level corrections
Sprayer technology » control of flow, rate, pressure and boom sections, reducing inputs
Operations management » fleet tracking, work order creation & full farm visibility
While most farms can’t afford to go out and buy new equipment with these technologies on-board, PTx Trimble solutions provide upgrade options for the equipment already sitting in their shed. Products like the GFX-1260 display and NAV-960 guidance controller paired with Trimble CenterPoint RTX® corrections, keep equipment on line, every time, with sub-inch accuracy. Farm management software solutions like FarmENGAGE also provide farmers with a holistic view of their entire operation and help them manage field work, data and reporting across multiple equipment brands.
Selective Spray Solutions
In orchard and vineyard applications, selective spray technology can have a big impact on sprayer performance, chemical usage and overall spray time. One example is the Field-IQ ISOBUS Orchard/Vineyard control system. With rate, pressure and section control features, this solution decreases spray overlap and the amount of chemical being applied. With ultrasonic sensor feedback, hydraulic boom folding and automatic headland detection, the system increases overall efficiency and visibility. It is also ISOBUS compatible, meaning it can be added to a sprayer, regardless of make or model and is controlled through any ISO-compatible display, such as the GFX series.
Spot spray solutions have also become popular across the agriculture industry, with WeedSeeker 2 as no exception. Unlike other spot spray technologies, WeedSeeker 2 uses an optical sensor that detects chlorophyll levels using light reflectance to spray weeds in green-on-brown environments. This allows spray applications to be done day or night and makes it ideal for spraying under vines and trees. WeedSeeker 2 is ISOBUS compatible as well, making it adaptable across all sprayer brands.
WeedSeeker 2 In Action
JEM Farms in Gridley, California, implemented the WeedSeeker 2 system on their 2,000 acre walnut farm a few years ago and has seen immense benefits from the system. The operation previously used two 200–gallon, pull-behind spray tanks that were inefficient and labor intensive, running year-round. Even with applying a large amount of chemical, they still dealt with high weed pressure. According to JEM Farms’ Michael Hepworth, a combination of bidding out chemical and implementing the WeedSeeker 2 system saved them 75% on herbicide costs year over year. They are now able to cover their ground more efficiently with only one sprayer, lower weed pressure and reduced inputs. According to Michael, they don’t have to go back in to respray because they can get it right the first time.
As technology continues to evolve, so does the way we use it. In specialty crops and row crops alike, precision agriculture continues to increase efficiency and profitability. Guidance and sprayer technologies are just one piece of the puzzle in supporting the work of growers around the world, one solution at a time.