ANALYSIS ▶▶▶
Direct injection systems
Pros ✔ Water and chemicals kept separately ✔ No washings generated between jobs ✔ No residue build-up in main tank or spray lines ✔ Select from multiple products at the flick of a switch ✔ Enables spot and variable-rate spraying to reduce pesticide use
all growth stages in different conditions. It is hoped sensing drones can then be used
to scan fields ahead of a sprayer fitted with direct injection technology, spot spraying or varying dose according to weed spectrum and levels on the move. Variable-rate fertiliser and seed is already the norm on many farms, so it seems translating this into pesticide application is where we will see the real growth for direct injection systems – helping cut costs and use pesticides more judiciously.
Game changer However, there is a sense any game changer for the concept rests with the big sprayer and agrochemical manufacturers. Sprayer manufacturers need to see demand
increase before it becomes worthwhile to offer in-house systems for established sprayer models – which is key to gaining widespread trust in the technology among farmers. Agrochemical manufacturers need to come up with a standard packaging solution that incorporates reusable closed-transfer technology to eliminate operator exposure and contaminated waste at farm level. A fully integrated approach between agchem and applicator makers has already made direct injection standard for in-furrow applications on potato planters, with products such as Amistar delivered in a returnable 20-litre closed-transfer “Link-Pak”. Once this concept is transferred over to
large boom sprayers, perhaps direct injection will be the next technology to hit the big time.
Cons ✘ High cost and complexity of retrofit systems ✘ Lack of adequate after-sales support ✘ Problems with variation in chemical formulations ✘ Container and injection system rinsing generates contaminated waste ✘ Lack of standard packaging with closed-transfer capability to reduce operator exposure
The path ahead ▶ Agrochemical manufacturers need to agree on packaging solution ▶ Major sprayer manufacturers must integrate closed transfer into designs ▶ Push for variable-rate pesticide application will drive demand
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▶ FUTURE FARMING | 9 November 2017
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