In a significant stride towards precision agriculture, Fieldin and ARAG have joined forces to introduce a digital spraying solution tailored for permanent crop growers. This innovative system, now available to farmers on the U.S. West Coast, offers real-time monitoring of sprayer performance, marking a shift in how growers approach crop protection and input management.
At the heart of this collaboration is a digital flow rate monitor, designed for easy installation and compatibility with most existing sprayers. This device doesn’t just track flow rates; it links spray recommendations to actual application data and records weather conditions. This integration enables growers to optimize spray timing and coverage, leading to improved input efficiency and better regulatory compliance.
The implications of this technology are substantial. Real-time visibility into sprayer performance allows operators to detect and correct issues immediately, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. This is particularly crucial for growers of permanent crops like nuts, grapes, apples, and cherries, where over-application can lead to chemical runoff and soil degradation.
The partnership between Fieldin and ARAG, facilitated by Precision Ag Solutions (PAS) in California, aims to make precision spraying more accessible. While precision spraying is prevalent in countries like Australia, its adoption in California has been slow due to system complexity and lack of technical support. PAS’s involvement ensures that growers receive the installation and training support needed for a smooth transition.
The solution has already demonstrated its value in commercial use at Macadamia Farm Management (MFM) in Australia. During initial trials, the system identified a miscalibration in one of the sprayers, preventing unnecessary chemical use and soil impact. MFM has since expanded the trial, highlighting the system’s potential to revolutionize spray management.
Looking ahead, Fieldin and ARAG plan to build on this foundation. Future updates include automated flow control and variable rate application, further enhancing precision and efficiency. Deeper data integration is also on the horizon, supporting growers’ compliance and sustainability goals.
For growers, this means more than just improved spray management. It’s about gaining full visibility and documentation of spray programs, enabling better decision-making and resource allocation. It’s about reducing chemical costs and environmental impact, while ensuring compliance with regulations. It’s about embracing the future of precision agriculture, one spray at a time.