Patch Spraying in the UK Nicola Perry Nicola

Patch Spraying in the UK Nicola Perry Nicola. Perry@adas. co. uk

Pesticide application • Patch spraying of herbicides • Variable fungicide and growth regulator • Matching application to target • dose • application

Spatially variable pesticide application • All systems need: – in-field location – method of detection • visual mapping for weed patches • spectral reflectance for crop canopy – treatment map generated • software packages are being developed – system for application • injection metering control • volume rate systems with a wide operating range

SAPPIO LINK Project Exploiting Weed Patch Dynamics Research Partners IACR-Rothamsted, Silsoe Res. Inst. Industrial Partners AGCO, Micron Sprayers, HGCA

Aim of project To develop a spatially selective weed control system for arable crops, that delivers a reduction in herbicide use and consequent financial benefit to users and to the environment

Research areas • • Mapping based on visual detection Patch stability Feasibility of automated detection Validate system

Weed patch detection

Timing of visual assessments

Crop canopy monitoring Or from: aircraft or satellites

Treatment map generation

Defined treatment map

Herbicide savings Cost of mapping approx. € 3/ha

Project Demonstration • Live demonstration of weed mapping and patch spraying • Attended by farmers/contractors, advisors, industry, environment / regulatory authorities • Reported in UK farming press

Current Status of Patch Spraying in the UK • Variable rate Micron Patch. Spray ~ 10 operating in UK • Injection metering ~ 50 operating in UK ~ only a few interfaced with a map based control system • Switching on/off?

Problems with implementing patch spraying • Management not as straightforward • Involves greater level of decision making • Collecting and handling data • Make technology and interface easier to manage • (Economics)