Understanding Sustainable Spraying: Essential for Effective Crop Management

Understanding Sustainable Spraying: A Shift in Agricultural Practices

As the agricultural industry pivots away from chemical pesticides towards environmentally friendly alternatives, the importance of tailored spraying techniques has never been more evident. The transition to these green crop protection methods necessitates optimization of spraying technology to ensure effective coverage. Recently, I spoke with project leader Sergio Harinck from Vertify, who highlighted that the mechanisms of action for this new generation of biological and low-risk pesticides differ significantly from traditional chemical methods.

"Modern contact pesticides require that the plant receives treatment thoroughly to effectively contain pests and diseases," he explained. With current spraying technologies, parts of the plant, especially the undersides of leaves, often remain untreated. Consequently, the challenge for farmers is to adapt their equipment and practices to ensure that every part of the crop is reached, enabling a successful and complete application of these revolutionary products.

Facing Challenges: Insights from Recent Pilot Studies

Through a pilot program on precision crop protection, conducted from 2021 to 2024 by Vertify, Botany, and Glastuinbouw Nederland, critical bottlenecks were identified in the adoption of more sustainable practices. Harinck noted that the need for this pilot was paramount due to evolving regulations and reductions in available chemical pesticides. The program's purpose was to develop and demonstrate improved application techniques, thereby reducing dependency on crop protection products.

Recently, results were shared with various stakeholders, including farmers and suppliers. These discussions focused on enhancing three main areas: efficiency in fluid application, refining equipment setup prior to spraying, and exploring alternative nozzle types. Different settings can contribute to lower emissions and better liquid distribution across crops, addressing both efficacy and safety concerns.

Optimizing Equipment: Best Practices for Farmers

One of the most impactful findings from the pilot suggests that adjusting spray pressure and water volume can significantly improve outcomes. For instance, while typical practices involved using pressures of up to 10 bar, tests showed that operating in the range of 4 to 6 bar yielded better leaf coverage. This attention to detail ensures that droplets penetrate deeper into the crop, reducing the risk of drift and increasing treatment effectiveness.

Furthermore, researchers learned that reducing water usage while maintaining effective treatments is possible. By changing nozzle angles from the conventional 80 degrees to a more intentional 40 degrees, the liquid can penetrate more effectively into the crop with less volume used—a critical finding for improving sustainability while maintaining effectiveness.

Implications for Future Agricultural Practices

The shift from traditional chemical pest control to innovative contact methods is here to stay, and it demands an evolution in farm practices. Integrating new techniques such as specific nozzle types and pressure adjustments will require ongoing education and adaptation on the part of farmers. As Harinck advises, each application setup should be evaluated to determine the best configuration based on specific crop conditions, emphasizing the importance of precision in the age of sustainable agriculture.

Although the learning curve may appear steep, mastering these new techniques ensures that farmers can effectively manage their crops while minimizing environmental impact. As the agricultural world embraces these transformative methodologies, the future of farming might very well depend on how well practitioners adapt to these changes.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

For those in the agriculture sector, understanding and implementing sustainable spraying practices is not just beneficial; it's essential. As we strive for a greener future, tailored and precise spraying techniques will help ensure that crops are healthy and agricultural landscapes sustainable. If you are a farmer or involved in agriculture, consider re-evaluating your practices to embrace this transition effectively. The path to sustainability is paved with knowledge and adaptation.