Tillage and crop care equipment specialists Horsch has acquired a stake in SAM-Dimension, a fellow German company and specialists in spot spraying.

The companies have been collaborating on spot spraying systems since 2019.

However, the recent move is intended to improve the integration of spot spraying technology on Horsch sprayers and ensure such technology becomes available more quickly.

The SAM-Dimension approach uses camera imaging from a drone as opposed to boom-mounted cameras.

Having scanned the field (up to 60ha/hr), a map is then created to millimetre accuracy. From here, grass weeds can be detected using AI and application maps created for targeted spray applications.

Benefits

The main benefits here are that the operator knows the where crop is to be treated and how much spray will be required.

From here, application maps are transferred from the SAM portal via the myHorsch portal and to the sprayer control terminal. Section control sprayers can then spray the targeted spot or patches.

Both companies will remain independent, therefore meaning that machines and application maps will continue to be compatible will all manufacturers.