Any Horsch Leeb sprayer fitted with AutoSelect – an automatic nozzle control system – can carry out patch spraying using data collected by a drone, removing the need for an expensive camera on the sprayer or tractor.
“We’re seeing some confusion in the industry,” says general manager at Horsch UK Stephen Burcham.
“Horsch has been offering this system for the past two years, but it should be noted this is really ‘patch spraying’ as opposed to true ‘spot spraying’ which targets individual weeds.
“We are working hard on that too, but nobody can truly offer Green-on-Green spot spraying yet, despite the term becoming more encompassing.”
AutoSelect has been available since Horsch began selling sprayers, meaning most customers can already use this targeted spraying system. It works with application maps to reduce chemical use significantly, without the high cost of camera-based systems.
Using drones to map weeds before spraying allows operators to mix only the amount of chemical needed. This avoids waste, which can be a problem with real-time spot or patch spraying systems that may leave leftover chemical in the tank.
Drone mapping
Horsch has partnered with Agrovista for drone-based precision mapping. Agrovista’s precision services technical manager, Richard Dulake explains: “During the summer months, our soil sampling team can turn their hands to drone operation. We have 10 sophisticated drones that can map our customers’ fields and create Green-on-Green data maps highlighting areas of weed growth.”
Once a few weed areas are manually marked, Agrovista’s AI software identifies similar patches across the field. Spray areas are minimised – typically using 1m grids.
These maps guide the sprayer’s nozzles and sections to apply product only where it’s needed. Two types of maps are used:
Point and radius: Marks the centre of each weed patch, drawing small circles that can overlap. This provides more data points and can be adjusted if weeds have grown since scanning.
Polygon: Creates simpler shapes around weed zones. It contains fewer data points but is compatible with older terminals.
The eosT10 terminal
Launched at Agritechnica 2023, the Horsch eosT10 and eosT10 Pro are 10-inch ISOBUS compatible touchscreen terminals built for performance and ease of use.
They can handle large amounts of data and allow wireless uploading of application maps. The standard version supports ISOBUS SectionControl and can operate a boom with up to 120 sections.
Users of the eosT10 can take full advantage of point-and-radius maps for more precise chemical application.
Patch vs spot spraying
Selective spraying is becoming a key focus in improving plant protection.
True spot spraying assesses and treats individual plants, making spraying more efficient but requiring high-end camera systems, especially for Green-on-Green (GOG) applications.
Spot spraying is particularly challenging in northern Europe where weeds and crops can be difficult to distinguish. While effective, GOG systems are costly and not yet consistent.
In contrast, patch spraying is simpler and more affordable. AutoSelect allows the sprayer to activate small sections, sometimes as little as one to two metres – instead of the full boom.
Patch spraying still delivers big savings in chemical use without the need for complex equipment.
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