Among Bayer’s 11 sets of tanks, the measurement range varies from a maximum of 9 tons to a minimum of 4 tons. (Image source: Bayer)

Bayer Crop Sciences recently established a new supply centre in Hangzhou, which aims to expand the production of a variety of products such as fungicides, insecticides and herbicides 

The solution consists of load cells MP 79T, mounting kits, junction box, and weighing indicator, enabling precise execution such as solid-liquid mixing, high-speed agitation and homogenisation in Zone 2 hazardous area. The mounting kit has a built-in horizontal rod that effectively reduces the impact of lateral forces caused by stirring. The junction box employs a one-way breathable membrane technology, ensuring no condensation inside the box. These designs have enhanced the reliability under challenging environments.

Being certified with international regulations shows Minebea Intec's ability to comply with regulations worldwide and provide customers with the highest level of safety assurance. By utilising advanced digital technologies in alignment with German standards, Bayer's new supply centre aims to implement an integrated management system. 

Among Bayer’s 11 sets of tanks, the measurement range varies from a maximum of 9 tons to a minimum of 4 tons. Unlike traditional calibration methods that are time consuming, labour-intensive and often hindeed by structural limitations, the smart calibration allows for weightless calibration. Once the operator enters each load cell’s unique sensitivity coefficient (Cn), indicator will automatically calculate the loading data required for calibration. This feature simplifies operations and minimises downtime during subsequent periodic calibrations and can save around three days during installation and commissioning phase. 

From planning to commissioning and maintenance, Minebea Intec offers its customers support through every step of the way to ensure a smooth process. 

AGRIMAX PROHARVEST thus stands as a technologically advanced and cost-effective solution for all operators in the farming industry. (Image source: BKT)

Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) has recently developed a new tire for the purpose of tackling the challenges associated with harvesting needs by combining high performance, reliability and eco-friendliness

AGRIMAX PROHARVEST integrates advanced technical solutions to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability. Thanks to the VF (Very High Flexion) technology, the tire can carry up to 40% more load than a standard tire at the same inflation pressure, thus enabling a wider and more even weight distribution on the ground, significantly reducing the risk of compaction and promoting soil conservation, which is key to maintaining fertility and agricultural productivity.

For demanding operating conditions, AGRIMAX PROHARVEST features a reinforced polyester casing combined with three layers of steel belts that ensure greater resistance to deformation and superior protection against mechanical stress, extending a tire’s service life even in case of high and cyclic loads. Compound formulation has also been given additional attention to provide high cut and chip resistance, as well as against damages caused by residual stubble or other abrasive materials on the ground, thus minimising the risk of punctures and reducing maintenance costs.

AGRIMAX PROHARVEST's tread features an innovative open-shoulder design that improves traction on rough and wet terrain while enhancing self-cleaning properties. Moreover, it offers remarkable on-road handling, ensuring even wear, better steering control, as well as remarkable driving comfort. Another advantage is the CFO technology (Cyclic Field Operations) that enables the tire to tolerate temporary overloads beyond its capacity, as it occurs when the combine harvester's tank reaches maximum fill and then returns to standard operating conditions once the load is reduced, preventing structural damage and ensuring a longer product life-cycle.

Additionally, the tire has a long service life, owing to its targeted design choices that help reduce the overall environmental impact by limiting the need for frequent replacements and decreasing the quantity of materials and resources required for manufacturing and product life-cycle management.

"Thanks to its innovative design, AGRIMAX PROHARVEST tackles these challenges by reducing the pressure exerted on the soil since it has a larger footprint. Not only does this preserve soil health, but it also promotes higher and more sustainable farming yields". - says Dilip Vaidya, senior president & director technology at BKT.

Illustration showing how the sponge nanocomposite material recovers phosphate and metals from water. (Image source: Kelly Matuszewski, Northwestern University)

Researchers have created a functional sponge that is capable of efficiently soaking up certain pollutants from water and then releasing them on demand

Industrial manufacturing and agriculture, in particular, experience mineral and fertiliser loss due to runoff, leaving valuable non-renewable resources as pollutants in bodies of water. Those resources include heavy metals like zinc and copper and also phosphate. 

The innovation presents a reusable and low-cost solution for cleaning storm runoff while simultaneously recovering valuable metals like zinc and copper, as well as phosphate. Using surface iron oxide nanoparticles specialised for capturing specific contaminants, the sponge collects the minerals and then discharges them only when triggered by changes in pH. These findings were achieved by researchers at Northwestern University and published in the American Chemical Society's journal Environmental Science and Technology Water.

Doctoral student and first author on the paper, Kelly Matuszewski believes it is important to understand the interaction between these minerals and utilise them, rather than finding ways to discard them. Through her research she discovered that lowering water pH flushed out the captured copper and zinc from the sponge, while raising water pH loosened the phosphates.

In an attempt to commercialise the sponge-based technology, Vinayak Dravid, co-author and Northwestern professor of materials science and engineering has co-founded a startup with additional NSF support through the Small Business Innovation Research programme, which will further develop the material for real-life scenarios.

"The technology can be used as a universal sorbent or 'catch-all,' or it can be tailored to certain groups of contaminants like metals, plastics or nutrients," said Dravid. In their future research, the team plans to account for biofilms, clogging or water flow dynamics on the sponge's performance, while also testing the maximum mineral levels the sponge can absorb.

Smart greenhouses utilise sensors responsible for heat control to modify in-house conditions based on the indoor climate. (Image source: Adobe Stock))

The continual development of AI technologies has opened up potential for their use in various farming systems, including greenhouses

As agriculture continues to be one of the top revenue generating sectors in Africa, the popularity of greenhouse systems has seen a significant increase in recent years. Various fruits, vegetables and high-value crops are now being grown in specially designed greenhouse systems throughout the year, irrespective of weather conditions in the region.

Greenhouses are a mode of controlled environment cultivation that aim to create micro-climates that are favourable for producing crops during any time of the year. One of the main advantages of greenhouse systems is their ability to regulate temperature, maintaining optimal conditions in both hot and cold climates. In addition, greenhouses offer protection against pests and diseases, owing to their transparent structures clad with flexible materials that provides excellent ventilation. Moreover, they also optimise the use of other humidification and energy saving technologies that facilitate climate management, thereby boosting overall yield and production.

Since these indoor growing environments mostly require manual operation, installing automation technologies help in maintaining the desired internal environment with reduced reliance on farm labour. Also known as IoT smart greenhouses, these automated systems utilise a wide range of technologies including sensors responsible for heat control that modify in-house conditions based on the indoor climate. Moreover, computer automation software is often used to adjust humidity and venting, while Co2 monitors are used to regulate gas levels in the atmosphere.

Other notable control systems include programmes that automatically dispense pesticides in calculated amounts; equipment control systems that handle the movement of installed lights and planting equipment; fertigation management systems that automatically dispense water through water systems and lastly, drip irrigation systems that use soil sensors to monitor moisture levels in the soil.