Researchers in Brazil have found that the costs of pesticide application can be significantly reduced through the use of real-time precision spraying systems in soybean and maize crops. The study, conducted by researchers from the Grosso State University and the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, highlights the importance of decreasing production costs to increase profitability for farmers.
The researchers analyzed data from pesticide applications on two farms in the municipality of Mineiros, Brazil. Both farms utilized a no-tillage system, and the spraying applications were conducted using a self-propelled sprayer equipped with a spray boom and a hydraulic stainless flat fan nozzle. For precision spraying, a Weed-it spraying system with real-time sensors for plant detection was used.
The results of the study showed that the costs of pesticide application via the real-time precision spraying system were 2.3 times lower than those of conventional spraying. The highest averages of pesticide reduction were observed in desiccation and pre-planting applications, with reductions of 76.0% and 72.1% respectively in the soybean crop. For the maize crop, the volume reduction of pesticides ranged from 53.7% to 36.6%.
The researchers emphasize that the use of precision spraying not only reduces costs but also has environmental benefits. Previous studies have shown that precision spraying systems can achieve significant reductions in herbicide usage levels, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
However, the researchers note that further investigation is needed to determine the extent to which these results can be applied to other crops, varieties, and types of applications. They also highlight that the potential profitability of precision technologies depends on various factors such as farm size, crop type, and access to finance. Implementation of precision spraying requires capital investment and farmers should consider a long-term perspective when adopting this technology.
In conclusion, the study conducted by Brazilian researchers demonstrates the potential benefits of real-time precision spraying systems in reducing pesticide application costs and improving environmental sustainability. As farmers face increasing pressure to decrease production costs without compromising crop yield, precision spraying offers a practical and efficient solution. However, further research is needed to fully understand the implications of this technology and its applicability to different crops and farming systems.