A Low-Cost Precision Sprayer for Farmers

ARS researchers are helping farmers save money on pesticide use with a low cost precision sprayer for small and medium-sized farms. Pesticide applications with conventional sprayers generally provide sufficient crop protection but are not efficient as pesticides are applied to non-target areas. ARS engineers in Wooster, OH, previously developed an advanced intelligent spray system guided with a laser sensor to greatly reduce pesticide non-target area waste. The spraying system was commercialized and rapidly adopted worldwide by specialty crop growers to reduce pesticide use by more than 50% — a significant savings for farmers. While the laser sensor was very accurate, the sprayer was too expensive for small to medium-sized farms.    

ARS engineers investigated using a low-cost stereo vision system (costing around 10% of the laser sensor’s price) as an alternative to the laser sensor. A new algorithm was developed for the stereo vision system that could detect a 2.5-centimeter-wide target at more than 3 meters away from the system. Laboratory and field tests demonstrated that the stereo vision system would be a more affordable device with sufficient accuracy to detect tree crops for variable rate spray applications. The sprayer could also be cost effective for small to medium sized farms.