Precision farming in the fruit sector focuses on:
- Reduction of pesticides use in fruit growing
- Simplification of the adjustment of orchard sprayers for individual tree types
- Introduction of tree-specific management for inputs and yield.
The project Precispray has been set up to meet this objective. This project includes:
- Development and construction of a prototype orchard sprayer for individual treatment of trees.
- The use of GPS in orchards
- Quantification of leaf contours of individual trees with 3D aerial mapping
- Building and testing of an Orchard Management System
- Field testing in the orchard
- Comparison with conventional spraying technique: deposition + biological effectivity, spray drift.
Result of the research will be an orchard sprayer controlled by an Orchard Management System. The plant protection products are applied to individual trees. Dose and place of spraying depend on leaf mass and tree shape.
Development, building and testing of the sprayer has yielded knowledge and experience about the application of GPS and other advanced techniques in fruit growing.
Much insight has also been gained into the possible contribution of technical solutions for environmental care in the fruit sector. This knowledge and experience can also be used in other (small/fruit) crops.