In the ever-evolving landscape of agricultural technology, innovation continues to drive efficiency and sustainability in crop protection. Among the latest advancements, the Ecoshield windbreak wing system has emerged as a noteworthy contender, challenging established names like Wingssprayer and Dubex Wave. This system, developed by Rense Wijbenga from the Dutch village of Marrum, promises significant benefits in drift reduction and spray coverage, all while addressing some of the practical limitations of its predecessors.
Wijbenga, a seasoned SKL inspector with extensive experience in sprayer maintenance and repair, identified a critical issue with existing windbreak wing systems: weight. Traditional systems, such as Wingssprayer and Dubex Wave, add considerable weight to the boom ends, which can strain the boom structure and folding mechanism. Wingssprayer, a further development of the Swedish Släpduk system, uses fibre-reinforced polycarbonate panels mounted on gas springs. Dubex Wave, introduced in 2017, suspends its panels from stiff springs. Both systems, while effective, can add around 3 kg per metre to the boom, posing challenges for wider booms.
Ecoshield, on the other hand, is designed with weight reduction in mind. The system consists of lightweight polyester panels mounted in aluminium profiles and suspended from rubber air-inflated hoses. This design adds only 1.7 kg per metre of working width, making it a more feasible option for wider booms. The rubber hoses, when inflated, provide adjustable stiffness, allowing the panels to yield upon contact with the crop or soil while dampening bouncing. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining consistent spray coverage and reducing drift.
The implications of Ecoshield’s design are significant. By reducing the weight added to the boom, it minimizes the strain on the sprayer’s structure, potentially extending the lifespan of the equipment. Moreover, the system’s lightweight design makes it easier to retrofit onto existing sprayers, providing growers with a cost-effective upgrade option. The Ecoshield system is available as a kit for around €400 per metre of working width, with an additional €1,000 for a small compressor if the tractor does not have air brakes. This pricing makes it a more affordable alternative to Wingssprayer and Dubex Wave, which can cost up to €1,000 per metre for similar setups.
Drift reduction is a primary concern for growers, and windbreak wing systems have proven effective in this regard. With nozzles classified as class F, a sprayer with a windbreak wing system can achieve a 75% drift reduction. With drift-reducing nozzles from the DRD list, a 50% drift reduction nozzle can be upgraded to 99% drift reduction. These improvements not only enhance environmental sustainability but also enable savings on crop protection products, as less drift means more product reaches the target area.
The Ecoshield system has been in operation for three seasons, with 26 sprayers currently equipped with the technology. Its success is a testament to Wijbenga’s innovative approach and the practical benefits of the system. As more growers seek efficient and sustainable solutions for crop protection, systems like Ecoshield are likely to gain traction. The agricultural industry is always looking for ways to improve efficiency and sustainability, and Ecoshield’s lightweight design and effective drift reduction make it a promising addition to the market. With distribution handled via local mechanisation dealers, the system is poised to reach a broader audience, potentially revolutionizing the way growers approach spray applications.