From Agrimetrix News www.Agrimetrix.ca
Tramontana Agro Technologies is pleased to announce a new business relationship with Agrimetrix Research & Training of Saskatoon to introduce a new selective spray technology to Canada.
WEEDit is a system of sensors and pulse-width-modulated (PWM) spray nozzles that are capable of sensing plants and triggering a spray for those plants, and nothing else.
“The environmental and economic benefits of precision spot spraying are tremendous”, says Andries Mellema of Tramontana. “Users of WEEDit in Australia have demonstrated savings of 75 to 90% while obtaining weed control in a chem-fallow situation. Initial data from Canada are also very promising.”
The WEEDit sensors emit a red light that returns a near-infrared signal on striking chlorophyll. Nozzles located at 8” intervals along the boom are activated to spray the sensed plant. The technology is designed to work at speeds up to 15 mph.
Dr. Tom Wolf, co-owner of Agrimetrix Research & Training, is an application technology specialist with 30 years international experience. He is well known to Canadian producers through his public appearances, articles, and through Sprayers101.com, the world’s most popular sprayer website. He will continue to offer independent information on application issues.
“I’ve been watching both weed sensing and PWM with interest for over 20 years”, says Wolf. “I believe that this technology is part of agriculture’s future. It addresses many economic and agronomic needs of producers, while also advancing agriculture’s commitment to environmental protection.”
With PWM capability, the system allows a simultaneous broadcast spray of a low herbicide dose in the background, activating the full dose for larger weeds. This ensures that weeds too small to be detected are still controlled. The ability to selectively spray green material has additional potential in desiccation and pre-harvest treatments.
WEEDit may be eligible for Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP) rebates in some provinces, reducing cost to producers.
“Tramontana wants to emphasize a research and service focus with its introduction of WEEDit to Canada”, says Mellema. “We are committed to advancing the technology to meet our clients’ needs and to developing the necessary infrastructure to provide superior service as we grow in Western Canada.”
“We are excited to welcome Tom and his team at Agrimetrix on the WEEDit team”, says Mellema. “With his help, we want to raise awareness of the advantages of precision spot spraying in agriculture. All of us believe in this technology’s potential to protect the environment, fight herbicide resistance, and make agriculture more sustainable.”
For more Information, please contact:
Andries Mellema
2 St. Clair Avenue West
18th floor
Toronto ON M4V1L5
647-863-5989
info@tramontana.ca
Tramontana.ca
Tom Wolf, Ph.D. P.Ag.
Agrimetrix Research & Training
#105-111 Research Drive
Saskatoon SK S7N 3R2
306-241-1795
agrimetrix@gmail.com
agrimetrix.ca
Source: Agrimetrix
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See a video of WEEDIT in action in Brazil.
https://www.farms.com/videos/tractor-videos/weedit-spray-technology-located-120320.aspx