The agricultural spraying is one the most strategic practices in Precision Agriculture. Applying chemicals and fertilizers precisely at the right time and using the proper technology can be crucial between losses and yield.
With the evolution of the machines, new challenges come up — and new solutions. Among them, the self-propelled sprayers become the stars thanks to their autonomy, efficiency, and capacity to operate with highly on-board intelligence.
In this article, you’ll understand better what an agricultural spraying is, which factors influence on the application efficiency, the types of pieces of equipment that there are in the market and why the Stara self-propelled machines are a reference in technology and yield in the field.
What is an agricultural application and when to apply?
Agricultural spraying is a controlled application of liquid substances, such as herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, among others — to the plants or soil.
The spraying may occur:
- In the soil: before sowing to control the weeds and pests;
- On the plant: at different stages to aim the protection and development;
- Spot spraying: only in areas that required application.
Before choosing the equipment or meter, it’s fundamental to evaluate whether it is the right moment for the application.
Improper spraying applications have a low result and increase the risk of drift or phytotoxicity.
It is recommended to spray:
- In the first signal of pests or diseases;
- In key stages of the crop plant for prevention, such as during the flowering stage or grain formation;
- Only when the environment conditions are ideal, i.e.:
- Temperatures below 30 °C;
- Relative humidity above 50%;
- Wind between 3 and 10 km/h;
- Preferably, in the beginning of the morning or in the end of the afternoon.
The Stara agricultural machines feature sensors that monitor these variables and warn the operator whether the spraying is recommended for that moment.
Four factors that define an efficient spraying
A spraying operation is only efficient when it reaches the biological target with the correct amount of product, applied with uniformity and less waste possible. To do that, four factors need to be evaluated carefully:
1. Size and type of the droplets
Too small droplets have a higher chance to be taken by the wind, while too big droplets may disappear before reaching the target. The ideal is to use proper spray nozzles to each chemical and calibrate the spraying according to the type of crop, plant density and environment conditions.
2. Agricultural machine speed and pressure
The relation between machine speed and application pressure needs to be calibrated to ensure uniformity. Sprayers with automatic flow controller such as the Stara ones, adjust the application in real time according to the machine speed, avoiding failures or overlap.
3. Equipment calibration
Before starting operations, it is mandatory to calibrate the agricultural machine, ensuring that the applied meter per hectare is according to the agronomic recommendation. It includes checking the pressure, spray nozzles, the length of the spray boom, and the tank flow.
4. On-board technology
Pieces of equipment with the Nozzle-by-Nozzle Control System, Twin Row Spraying System, and Eco Spray increase precision, reduce waste and improve the application sustainability.
With sensors that integrate the agronomic variables, these solutions boost spraying efficiency and protect the environment.
Why is the self-propelled machine higher efficient?
When operating with higher autonomy and precision, the self-propelled machine delivers higher results as much in performance as in economy.
With on-board technologies, it reduces human mistakes and waste — two conventional spraying disadvantages.
Among the main remarkable features of the Stara self-propelled machines, the following stand out:
- Smart 4-Wheel-Steering System: reducing the crop damage in steering procedures;
- Topper 5500: the Stara agricultural controller that automates the application adjustment;
- Twin Row Spraying System: the technology alternates different flow nozzles, keeping the droplet quality even with speed ranges;
- Blue Beam: blue light for nighttime applications with visibility;
- Nozzle-by-Nozzle Control System: ensuring application precision and sustainability;
- Eco Spray: AI system that applies herbicides only where there are weeds, saving up to 90%.
Spraying and sustainability walk together
To make sure of a fertile land and yield at a long term, it is recommended to test and implement even more sustainable management. Poor spraying operations impact the soil, water, and biodiversity — and impacts the farmer costs.
Technologies such as the automatic nozzle shutdown, spot spraying, and drift control are not only technical technologies, but useful tools to increase the field sustainability. The engineer, Lucas Luersen, reinforces:
"In addition to save chemicals, these technologies reduce the unnecessary application, avoid contamination, and save natural resources."
Conclusion
The agricultural spraying evolved with the Precision Agriculture technologies. Today, you are provided with a smart, and sustainable application. Using the right pieces of equipment — and especially with a high-technology self-propelled machine — the farmer ensures higher efficiency, reduces losses, and boosts yield.
Finally, this is what determines the success in the field: decisions based in technique, technology, and the right time to act.
Did you like the hints and want to find out the agricultural machine that best suits your crop field?
Stop by a Stara Dealer and find the most suitable equipment to boost your crop production.
