Farmers are increasingly turning towards smart, precision solutions to modernise crop spraying. This change is being driven by pressures of rising chemical costs and ever-growing environmental concerns. Specifically, traditional methods of spraying crops often lead to overuse of pesticides and herbicides, resulting in unnecessary costs and ecological damage, such as water pollution.
But as with other applications in agriculture – from livestock management and soil analysis to vertical farming – precision technology might also hold the answer here. This technology can boost the efficiency, reduce costs and minimise the environmental impact of crop spraying, all of which is good news for the farmer, the consumer and the planet.
The scale of the problem
It is estimated that we need to produce 50% more food by 2050 to feed the increasing global population. And as food production increases, so do the losses from pests: according to the FAO, up to 40% of crops are lost every year due to pests and diseases. So, treating crops to protect them from pests is undoubtedly vital, with long-term environmental sustainability also a key consideration.
It’s worth noting that the crop protection chemicals market is huge. It is currently worth US$79.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$101 billion by 2029. Alongside increasing food production, this growth is also being driven by warmer global temperatures and changing patterns of precipitation, which are expanding the range of some crop pests.
What are the agtech solutions for crop spraying?
1. Drone-based precision spraying
Description: Drones equipped with advanced sensors and GPS technology for detailed monitoring of crops and the precise application of chemicals.
Key features:
- Real-time data collection
- Variable rate application
- Minimal human intervention
Benefits:
- Reduces chemical use
- Increases efficiency
- Reaches difficult terrain
Case study: Agras MG-1P by DGI
This drone is fitted with the latest technology to enable precision spraying up to a range of 3km over variable terrain. It’s also possible for just one pilot to fly up to five drones simultaneously from the same controller.
In Xinjiang, China, one of DJI’s drones has been used to spray defoliants over cotton crops. This resulted in a 10% increase in yield and a 20% reduction in chemical usage. Also in China, the company reports a 10% reduction in fertiliser consumption in rice and wheat fields.
In a report published by Ipsos, partnered by DJI, it is estimated that manual spraying can only cover up to 0.13 hectares per hour, but drones can spray up to 13.33 hectares per hour. Plus, according to the same report, drone manufacturers estimate a saving of up to 60% of chemicals that would potentially have been over-applied.
In terms of preventing climate change, DJI suggests that replacing traditional machines with drones can reduce carbon emissions by 51.45 kg CO2e per hectare.
Source: DJI
2. Robotic sprayers
Description: Ground-based robots equipped with AI and machine-learning algorithms to navigate fields and apply treatments.
Key features:
- Obstacle detection
- Route optimisation
- Precise targeting
Benefits:
- Enhances precision
- Reduces labour costs
- Operates autonomously
Case study: WeedSpider by SeedSpider
The WeedSpider system combines a robotic weeder, robotic thinner and robotic sprayer into one platform (either autonomous or tractor-driven). The company claims that this can achieve a 95% reduction in labour costs and treat up to 3.5 acres (approx. 1.5 hectares) per hour. The precision spraying technology can be used for almost any chemical treatment and even in moderately windy conditions.
Source: Seedspider
3. Smart nozzles
Description: Nozzle systems that adjust spray patterns and droplet sizes based on real-time field data from sensors and cameras.
Key features:
- automatic calibration
- adaptable spray patterns
- reduced airborne drift of chemicals
Benefits:
- improves application accuracy
- reduces waste
- enhances crop protection
Case study: ExactApply by John Deere
In the US, John Deere’s ExactApply system adjusts spray patterns and droplet sizes dynamically. It can save 2–5% on herbicides and pesticides by adjusting the target rate and pressure over varying speeds. This reduces over-application, crop burn and chemical drift.
Source: Deere
4. Variable rate technology (VRT) sprayers
Description: Sprayers that use VRT to adjust the amount of chemicals applied based on the specific characteristics of soil and crops.
Key features:
- GPS integration
- Real-time monitoring
- Data-driven decision-making
Benefits:
- Optimises chemical use
- Improves crop health
- Reduces environmental impact
Case study: Easy Farm VRT by CIMA
This is an electronic system that uses VRT methodology. By using data in “prescription maps”, the dose of chemicals to protect the plant is automatically varied according to specific requirements. The sprayer is also fitted with a GPS system to allow accurate dosing and monitoring of each predefined area in the field.
Source: CIMA
5. Internet of Things (IoT) integrated systems
Description: Spraying systems connected to IoT networks for continuous monitoring and control.
Key features:
- Remote monitoring
- Automated adjustments
- Data analytics
Benefits:
- Provides real-time insights
- Enables remote control
- Improves overall efficiency
Case study: Connected Farmer by Dimitra
Dimitra is a global Agtech company that aims to help smallholder farmers across the world, alongside working with governments and NGOs. The platform is built on blockchain technology and incorporates IoT devices, along with other technology. Dimitra says that “every smallholder farmer, regardless of economic standing, should benefit from simple, beautiful, and useful technology”.
With this platform, Dimitra has “a vision to democratize access to farming technology by making our ‘Connected Farmer’ mobile application available to farmers in need globally. Our ‘Connected Farmer’ platform provides a variety of functionalities to support a farmer running a small business.” This is achieved initially through basic data collection, after which farmers can add in modules for sensor management, satellite analysis, genetic analysis, farm management etc.
The ‘My Crops’ module tracks the inputs of seeds, fertiliser etc, as well as monitoring crop yield.
It also incorporates field sensors and integrates satellite imaging to provide real-time data and AI-based analytics.
6. AI-powered decision support systems
Description: Advanced AI algorithms analyse field data to provide recommendations for spraying schedules and techniques.
Key features:
- Predictive analytics
- Machine learning
- Real-time recommendations
Benefits:
- Enhances decision-making
- Optimises spraying schedules
- Reduces unnecessary applications
Case study: Ag Assistant by Taranis
Taranis uses AI to analyse high-resolution aerial imagery and field data to detect early signs of pest infestations and crop diseases. According to Taranis, “Ag Assistant will revolutionize the agriculture industry by providing field-specific, detailed, comprehensive insights and actionable recommendations to advisors and growers with unprecedented timeliness and accuracy, introducing an entirely new approach to farm management for the age of AI.” This advanced level of crop intelligence allows precise spraying actions, leading to a reduction in chemical use and crop damage.
Source: Taranis
7. Ultrasonic and LiDAR-based systems
Description: Spraying systems that use ultrasonic sensors or LiDAR to map field conditions and adjust spraying in real time.
Key features:
- High-resolution mapping
- Obstacle detection
- Precise targeting
Benefits:
- Increases accuracy
- Reduces chemical use
- Improves crop yield
Case study: Intelligent Spray Control System by Smart Apply
The Smart Apply system uses LiDAR technology to create a 3D map of the canopy. This allows the precise targeting of spray applications, leading to huge efficiency savings, such as reducing chemical and water use by an average of 50% while decreasing run-off by up to 93% and drift by up to 87%. Crop quality is also increased by minimising the presence of unwanted chemical residues.
Skills and expertise of EMS suppliers
These examples highlight how cutting-edge smart spraying solutions are being used globally to boost efficiency, sustainability and profitability in agriculture. But the process to actually bring this tech to market isn’t always simple.
As with other sectors, innovations in smart farming depend on partnerships – for example, to bring the microelectronic capabilities of specialist EMS suppliers to support the development of agricultural machinery. Getting the technology, such as sensors and cameras, just right – in terms of not only the basic spec but also calibration, insulation, protection and so on to survive in harsh rural conditions – is hugely challenging. This is where the skills and expertise of EMS suppliers become invaluable.
As farmers, tech companies and agricultural experts continue to collaborate, we can expect to see further innovations that not only enhance productivity but also contribute to more sustainable farming practices. The challenge now lies in getting these technologies out onto farms, particularly smaller farms and in developing regions, to create a global agricultural landscape that is both high-tech and environmentally responsible.
