Brazil launches technology that automates application of agrochemicals

Brazilian agronomists, with the support of the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), have developed a new technology that promises to streamline the aerial application of agrochemicals. The technology, which involves an algorithm and equipment for automation, were made by NCB Sistemas Embarcados Ltda.

The traditional procedure involves flying through parallel and perpendicular track at the crop with some repeated passages over determined segments in an attempt to ensure the total coverage of the desired area.

The new technology replaces the procedure of control and manual operation by a device equipped with an embedded hardware and an electromechanical system with sensors that, integrated with other components of the platform, assists in the realization of standalone application, without pilot participation, generating a saving of at least 10% on agrochemicals and 5% on fuel.

Flowmeter

The main component developed is a flowmeter used to monitor in real-time the flowrate of the agrochemical. With it, the driver can calculate directly the ideal flow of application and the total volume of the input used through a totalizer.

Besides, it is possible to do a simplified calibration so that the monitored truly represents the input applied, avoiding waste. The equipment yet has a digital monitor, which should be installed at the aircraft panel, and type of sensor coupled to a filter, installed at the tubing of the external inferior part.