Horsch sees strong future for spot spraying

Horsch is taking a strategic stake in SAM-Dimension, the Stuttgart based spot spraying specialist.Described as a logical step for both parties following a partnership that began in 2019, going forward, the focus will be on the joint development of spot and patch spraying technology, its deeper integration into Horsch equipment and to make it accessible as quickly and simply as possible.  With the SAM-Dimension offline method, the camera system is not permanently mounted on the boom but instead, the crop is surveyed by drone prior to application. The data is then analysed offline using AI and cloud servers. This approach is said to allow large volumes of data to be processed and AI models to be continuously refined for precise spot spraying maps. This includes an overview of all application zones and detailed area specifications for calculating the required mixture. Before application begins, sprayer operators know exactly where the crop will be treated and how much mixture will be required. Compatible with all Horsch sprayers, a prerequisite for both spot and patch spraying is section control, and the system can be implemented using either a pneumatic nozzle control or PrecisionSpray.The technical integration is already in place. Application maps from the SAM portal can be transferred directly to the Horsch terminals via myHorsch. The EOS terminal is capable of providing the processing power needed to handle large map files. The partners currently see the greatest potential in traditional row crops such as sugar beet, maize and soya, but add that spot spraying is becoming increasingly important in cereals. Both companies will remain independent, and machines and application maps will continue to be compatible with all manufacturers.