The Technical Committee for Technology Assessment (TCT) has evaluated the downward spraying technique of the SpotSprayING precision sprayer from Austrian manufacturer Farm-ING and added it to the DRT list with a 95 per cent drift reduction rating. Photos: Farmstore
The SpotSprayING precision sprayer from Austrian company Farm-ING has this month been included in the Dutch DRT list with 95 per cent drift reduction. According to dealer Farmstore, this recognition underlines the system’s potential within precision agriculture and applications aimed at reducing emissions to soil and water.
At the heart of the SpotSprayING is a combination of camera technology and artificial intelligence. Cameras continuously scan the crop and distinguish weeds from cultivated plants. Based on this, individual nozzles are activated.
Its strength lies in the direct link between image recognition and nozzle activation. Thanks to rapid data processing and precise positioning, spraying takes place only at the right moment and in the right location. This reduces overlap and increases effectiveness.
Small spray footprint
The machine operates with a small spray footprint of 55 by 55 millimetres. As a result, spraying is limited to areas where weeds are present. According to Farmstore, this significantly reduces input use, as there is no longer a need to treat the entire field.
The major gain for the grower is a reduction in input use of up to 90%.
Controlled spray configuration
According to Farmstore, the high DRT classification is not only due to software, but also to the machine’s design. The SpotSprayING operates with specific nozzles and a controlled spray configuration. For example, boom height is limited to a maximum of 30 centimetres, and the spray zone is fully enclosed with a hood and flexible sealing. Combined with a limited nozzle angle and a working speed of up to around 8 km/h, drift is significantly reduced.
Because software, hardware and shielding work closely together, emissions remain low. At the same time, the machine remains widely applicable: from spot spraying to band and full-field applications. The AI continues to learn, steadily improving the distinction between weeds and crops.
According to Farm-ING, the SpotSprayING can be used not only for herbicides, but also for fungicides, insecticides and fertilisers.
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