Fendt Rogator 665 using the Smart Spraying Solution targeted spraying in a green-on-brown trial application. (Image source: Business Wire)
On 6 April, AGCO Corporation announced that in collaboration with Bosch BASF Smart Farming, the company will integrate and commercialise smart spraying technology on Fendt Rogator sprayers, while also developing additional, new features
In May 2021, AGCO and Bosch BASF Smart Farming started the first trials of Bosch BASF Smart Farming’s innovative Smart Spraying Solution, which will deliver optimal herbicide savings without compromising weed control and enable targeted spraying during day and night-time conditions. In addition to targeted spraying, the system will deliver integrated digital tools to turn the application data into actionable insights and improve yields and efficiency for farmers.
Herbicide savings are delivered through sophisticated sensoring, automated sensitivity thresholds, access to Bosch BASF Smart Farming’s pest identification technology, and the use of Fendt Rogator’s robust application platform. AGCO plans to offer the system in the US and Europe from 2024.
Moreover, farmers will also be able to benefit from customised agronomic recommendations and reliable documentation within the same solution. The system will offer an end-to-end user experience through AGCO on-board and off-board controls and Bosch BASF Smart Farming’s integrated digital platform from xarvio Digital Farming Solutions, with insights into the data gathered during the application.
Supported crops currently include corn, soy, cotton, canola, sunflower, and sugarbeet, with capabilities for more crops such as small grains being added over time.
Furthermore, a combination of superior precision, digital tools and agronomic expertise is what makes the system unique. A 24/7 application capability creates exceptional green-on-green and green-on-brown performance. "This type of precision agronomics offering is a breakthrough to support farmers with less impact and higher yields,” said Matt Leininger, Bosch BASF Smart Farmings managing director for North America.
