At the recent DLG Feldtage outdoor event in Erwitte, Germany, a variety of innovative precision farming techniques were showcased, offering a glimpse into the future of agriculture. Among the highlights were field robots ready for practical use and cutting-edge sensor technology for spot spraying, marking significant advancements in the field.
One of the standout innovations was the sensor technology for spot spraying, developed by Kubota in collaboration with the Norwegian start-up Dimensions Agri Technologies (DAT). This technology represents a leap forward in precision farming, as it can accurately identify and target black grass in grain fields. This capability is expected to significantly reduce the use of herbicides, promoting more sustainable farming practices.
Another noteworthy exhibit was presented by Team Robatic from Wageningen University & Research. The team showcased a small field robot designed to participate in the annual Field Robot Event. This robot is capable of autonomously navigating corn rows, counting the number of corn plants per row, and presenting the data in real-time. Additionally, it can autonomously trim grass edges, demonstrating its versatility and potential for various agricultural tasks.
One of the more intriguing demonstrations came from Escarda Technologies, a start-up focused on combating small weeds using diode lasers. While the current technology operates at speeds up to 1.1 km/h, the company aims to increase this to 1.6 km/h for crops such as tomatoes, garlic, melons, onions, and carrots. Each laser requires 1,700 Watts of power, highlighting the energy-intensive nature of this innovative weed control method.
Eidam Landtechnik introduced a different approach to weed control with its pneumatically operated hoe blades, mounted on a Schmotzer hoe beam. This technology, first introduced at Agritechnica, currently operates at 0.2 km/h but has the potential to reach speeds of 4 to 6 km/h. The price for this system is estimated at €10,000 per row. Additionally, Eidam Landtechnik is part of the German JaetRobi project, which aims to develop a weeding robot using a blue laser. This laser is cheaper but slower compared to CO2 or diode lasers, and the robot is designed to continue moving while the laser remains focused on the weeds.
The event also featured a notable collaboration between Kubota and Dimensions Agri Technologies (DAT) in the realm of field sprayers. Their sensor technology for spot spraying is a significant advancement, capable of distinguishing and combating black grass in grain fields. This partnership underscores the growing importance of precision farming technologies in enhancing agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
In addition to these cutting-edge technologies, the event also showcased traditional sowing techniques, such as the APV-mounted sowing machine for undersowing in maize. This blend of old and new technologies highlights the ongoing evolution of farming practices, driven by the need for increased efficiency and sustainability.
The DLG Feldtage event in Erwitte provided a platform for these innovative technologies to shine, demonstrating the potential to revolutionize agriculture. From advanced sensor technology and autonomous robots to laser-based weed control and pneumatically operated hoe blades, the future of farming is set to become more precise, efficient, and sustainable. These advancements promise to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture while enhancing productivity, paving the way for a new era in farming.