BASF launches Smart Spray Solution to optimize application of agrochemicals

BASF, in partnership with the Institute Dashen, has announced the creation of the consultancy Smart Spray Solution, which will operate in 12 planting regions in Brazil. The service will offer technical support to manage mechanized systems for agrochemical applications on crops such as corn and soybeans.

"Agrochemical application technology must pass several important stages. The first is to identify the correct equipment that meets the different goals of the application. The second step is to verify the configuration and the maintenance needs of the machine, such as the calibration and distribution mechanisms. And the third stage involves the reduction of environmental risks. Finally, we have the operational costs, such as water consumption, fuel, and proper distribution of the product,” noted Marco Antônio Gandolfo, CEO of the Dashen Institute.

According to Gandolfo, the initiative shows farmers how adjustments to certain procedures can contribute to the reduction of costs associated with growing crops. According to BASF, an adequate machinery used according to regulations can lower operational costs by up to 30%.

The Smart Spray Solution offering is divided into two phases. During the first phase, which ends in October, the hydraulic and electrical parts of the spraying machine are evaluated for proper calibration, based on regulations, while the machine is in use in the field. After the evaluation, a report is generated, providing information on costs, inefficient management of the sprayers, and procedures that can be optimized and corrected to avoid losses.

During the second phase, scheduled to start in November, the technicians return to the properties to repeat the analysis and compare the results with those of the first one. The service contract is valid for two years, after which the producer can request an extension.

"We expect the service offered by BASF will help producers improve their processes. It is important to optimize resources and use more sustainable spraying methods to guarantee the quality of the product and human and environmental safety,” stated Manoela Lima, manager of Services for Crop Protection at BASF.