PHOTO | More precision farming techniques at DLG Feldtage

A number of precision farming technologies were on display for the first time at the DLG Feldtage, including the spot spraying sensor technology from Kubota in collaboration with the Norwegian start-up Dimensions Agri Technologies (DAT), pictured above left. Photo's: René Koerhuis

In addition to the field robots that are ready for practical use, more interesting precision farming techniques were recently on display at the DLG Feldtage outdoor event in Erwitte, Germany. Some of them for the first time, such as the sensor technology for spot spraying from Kubota in collaboration with the Norwegian start-up Dimensions Agri Technologies (DAT). Team Robatic from Wageningen University & Research showed a small field robot. The students used it to participate in the annual Field Robotic Events.

Is this the little brother or sister of the large VTE field robot/autonomous tractor from Combined Powers? No, this is the small robot from team Robatic of students from Wageningen University & Research. With this robot they participate in the annual Field Robot Event.

A number of assignments of the Field Robot Event are carried out on this small corn plot. For example, it navigates autonomously between the rows and counts the number of corn plants per row and presents them directly. This team determines the right strategy for this.

Of course, grass edges van be autonomously.trimmed.

Of course, grass edges can be autonomously trimmed.

Fun pastime: trying to make your robot bury itself.

Not yet a mobile application with the generator next to it, you might say, but start-up Escarda Technologies wants to show how it combats small weeds with diode lasers. This is currently still possible at speeds of up to 1.1 km/h, but must be increased to 1.6 km/h in crops such as tomatoes, garlic, melons, onions and carrots. Each laser requires 1,700 Watts of power.

A completely different technique to combat small weeds in the row comes from Eidam Landtechnik. Introduced at the last Agritechnica and (coincidentally) mounted on a Schmotzer hoe beam during the DLG Feldtage. Hoeing is done with pneumatically operated hoe blades. This is currently done at 0.2 km/h but will be 4 to 6 km/h. Price indication: € 10,000 per row.

In addition to the hoeing blades from Eidam Landtechnik, there is also a laser module for weed control. This is part of the German JaetRobi project that will run until the end of 2025. JaetRobi means weeding robot. No CO2 or diode lasers here, but a blue laser. This is cheaper but also slower. Hence the rails on the left and right, so that the vehicle can continue while the laser remains above the weeds.

Back to the field sprayers, with a small first in this case. Kubota is entering a partnership with Norwegian startup Dimensions Agri Technologies (DAT), which develops sensor technology for spot spraying. According to machine manufacturer Kverneland, a subsidiary of Kubota, the technology can even distinguish and combat black grass in grain.

And with this back to sowing technology that was introduced long ago. In this case in combination with an APV-mounted sowing machine for undersowing in maize.