Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
automation technology for more precise and need-based application rather than
broadcasting of chemicals in agricultural fields. To improve the accuracy of selec-
tive, variable rate, and robotic application, future chemical application automation
technology may have the following capabilities:
r Detect worn nozzles and inform the operator which nozzles should be
replaced.
r Control the application rate in both lateral and longitudinal directions in
equally high resolutions.
r Accurately control droplet size.
r Accurately control individual nozzles to compensate for boom motion
dynamics.
Currently, there is a convergence in enabling technology making pest (e.g., weed)
identification and characterization with the use of machine vision sensing, along
with VRA at individual nozzles, a possibility that was not considered feasible only
a few years ago. The cost of imaging sensors and computing power is dropping
dramatically, whereas computer-processing capabilities continue to increase, which
enable processing of complex pest detection and identification algorithms in real
time with minimal cost. Reduced cost and increased power of computing systems
facilitate further development and adoption of sensor-based VRA. New and innova-
tive nozzle technologies such as drift reduction nozzles, variable orifice nozzles, and
multinozzle technologies provide promising tools for developing highly effective and
efficient VRA systems. These technological shifts suggest that more robust vari-
able rate chemical application systems may be possible in the near- to medium-term
future. In addition, it is expected that new sensors and machine intelligence will be
developed to improve real-time estimates of various crop and pest characteristics,
which will then improve the accuracy of the estimated amount and frequency of
chemical application. It is important to note here that the commercial success of any
advanced application technologies is constrained by the complexity and irregularity
of plant canopy architectures. It is essential that automation solutions and agronomic
or horticultural modifications are studied in close collaboration so that an optimal
system can be developed for effective pest control.
Coverage assessment and biological efficacy will be two other areas of active
resarch and development in the future. Real-time assessment of pesticide application
coverage and deposition provides an opportunity for a real-time or batch control to
achieve an optimal level of chemical coverage and deposition when drift and off-
target application makes it challenging to estimate the deposition based on the appli-
cation rate. Spectral sensors are expected to provide noncontact real-time assessment
of spray coverage on the plant surfaces. These sensing systems will be used to moni-
tor and/or adjust sprayer operation in real time to improve the coverage based on crop
canopy characteristics, pest pressure, and weather.
The future of application technology will also be driven by new and stringent
regulations being introduced in developed countries. In this regard, improved auto-
mation and precision application is needed to reduce the use of chemicals while
achieving the desired level of efficacy. In 2009, the U.S. EPA proposed a revision
