The DLG (German Agricultural Society) has recently announced the winners of the prestigious “DLG-Agrifuture Concept Winner” award, a recognition that focuses on technological possibilities in the next 5 to 10 years and explores their realistic chances of implementation. Out of the 10 nominated innovations, five concepts have emerged victorious, promising to shape the future of agriculture.
One of the winning concepts is the ISO Farm Research (IFR) system, developed by Fachhochschule Kiel Agrarwirtschaft. This innovative digital system leverages the ISOBUS standard to revolutionize on-farm research. By automating and enhancing the planning and execution of experiments, IFR makes on-farm research more user-friendly and secure. This system has the potential to “harvest” a wealth of knowledge and insights in agricultural practice.
John Deere Walldorf GmbH & Co. KG introduces Dual.Volt.24M, a revolutionary electric-hybrid herbicide technology. This concept enables crop treatment without non-selective herbicides, combining a broadcast and band spraying system for sustainable high efficiency. With a 24-meter working width and adaptive applicators, it allows for desiccation, intercrop and weed control, along with camera-controlled inter-row treatment.
Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel presents AgTech CoPilot, an intelligent architecture that integrates tractors, drones, and robots into a collaborative network. This precision farming system ensures efficiency and sustainability by facilitating seamless interaction between these technologies, optimizing their usage for more effective and responsible agricultural practices.
Fendt AGCO brings forth the E-Vario weeder concept, optimized for use with electrically powered tractors. This concept features electrically driven weeding modules that enhance power consumption efficiency. Its modular setup allows for easy adaptation to various farming conditions and crops. The incorporation of AI-based plant and weed detection, along with monitoring cameras, establishes the foundation for full autonomy in the weeding process.
In the realm of multi-cropping, the NEXAT plant production system by an undisclosed contributor enables the simultaneous cultivation of multiple plant species in the same field. This innovative approach combines plants with different growing and harvesting times, offering diverse crop production advantages. NEXAT promises to facilitate the technical and economical implementation of multi-cropping for enhanced agricultural productivity.
These winning concepts have the potential to revolutionize various aspects of agriculture. From automating on-farm research to sustainable herbicide technology and intelligent collaboration between different agricultural technologies, these innovations promise to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the industry.
The incorporation of electrically powered weeding and multi-crop cultivation further expands the possibilities for optimized agricultural practices. With the potential for full autonomy in the weeding process and the ability to cultivate multiple plant species in the same field, farmers can expect increased productivity and more diverse crop options.
The DLG-Agrifuture Concept Winner award not only recognizes the innovative ideas but also highlights the importance of technological advancements in shaping the future of agriculture. These concepts provide a glimpse into what the industry could look like in the next 5 to 10 years, demonstrating the potential for a more efficient, sustainable, and productive agricultural sector.