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As the Smart Droplets project enters its third year, substantial advancements have been made toward developing a holistic, sustainable smart-spraying solution. A critical component of this progress lies in the Direct Injection Spraying (DIS) system developed by our partner, AGROMA S.A., a pioneering crop sprayer manufacturer based in Greece.
With the DIS technology now nearing readiness for deployment, this blog post provides an in-depth look at the technology’s capabilities, development process, and readiness for pilot testing. AGROMA has designed and produced two state-of-the-art sprayers incorporating DIS technology alongside ISOBUS communication systems.
Technology Overview: A New Standard in Precision Agriculture
The DIS system achieves its precision by dynamically adjusting application rates to meet specific field demands, guided by detailed prescription maps. The integration of innovative hardware with sophisticated software enables a significant reduction in the environmental impact of chemical applications, fulfilling Smart Droplets’ mission to achieve more with less. This approach not only conserves resources but also ensures a targeted application that minimizes chemical waste, resulting in less environmental runoff and healthier soil and crop ecosystems.
Technology Readiness Level: Starting from Scratch to Achieve Sustainability
Given that DIS technology is relatively new in Europe and sourcing specific components posed some challenges due to supplier limitations and parts scarcity, AGROMA took proactive steps to address these issues. They explored alternative suppliers and developed innovative solutions to meet the DIS technology standards. Through their dedication and adaptability, AGROMA ensured the system is ready for pilot deployment, contributing significantly to Smart Droplets’ vision for sustainable agriculture.
To accommodate a wide variety of crop types and spraying needs, AGROMA engineered a high-pressure mixing tube for the mist blower variant, surpassing conventional low-pressure sprayers’ capabilities. As Europe has strict environmental compliance standards, our partner has ensured its DIS system is adaptable to meet these regulations, reinforcing its readiness for European markets.
Deployment Timeline: Ready for the Next Phase with the Spanish Pilot
The project is on the cusp of entering its pilot phase, with the Orchard Sprayer—destined for deployment in Spain—having completed comprehensive testing. AGROMA anticipates shipping the sprayer before November 5, 2024, allowing ample time for setup and calibration at the pilot site. These calibrations are essential for ensuring that the sprayer performs to its fullest potential in real-world conditions, setting the stage for a robust pilot phase.
This readiness to move forward underscores the significant progress made by AGROMA and Smart Droplets, demonstrating the viability of DIS technology in a field setting. The results from this pilot will provide valuable insights into the technology’s performance, ultimately shaping the path toward commercialisation and widespread adoption.
Pilot Hardware and Environmental Impact: Designing for Precision and Efficiency
At the centre of the DIS technology lies a water pump system that efficiently delivers water through the spray booms and mixing tube. This system operates dynamically, adapting the water-to-chemical ratio in response to speed and prescription demands. A flowmeter meticulously regulates water flow into the mixing tube, with any excess water routed back to the tank before the DIS pump introduces the precise chemical dosage.
By integrating an ISOBUS controller, AGROMA has ensured seamless communication among all system components, allowing for pinpoint accuracy in chemical application. This careful orchestration of hardware and software results in a more sustainable approach to spraying, significantly reducing chemical waste and environmental impact.
With these features, the DIS technology allows farmers to apply only the necessary amount of chemicals exactly where they are needed, maximising both efficacy and environmental benefits but also protecting them from consequences they might have faced should they have used heavy conventional sprayers. This level of precision is critical as agriculture faces the dual challenge of feeding a growing population while preserving natural resources.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
