Vantage New Zealand – Weedseeker 2: Smarter Spot Spraying

WEEDSEEKER 2:

SMARTER SPOT SPRAYING

Thanks to Trimble’s latest advance in spraying technology, application of herbicide to control weeds can now be reduced by up to 90 percent, saving money and reducing environmental impacts.

There is no doubt that horticulture is benefitting from technology advances when it comes to crop management. Trimble Agriculture has done it again with Weedseeker 2, utilising advanced optics to detect and apply herbicides to weeds, avoiding wasted spraying of bare soil. This targeted approach means that significantly less spray is needed, with the specialised sensors communicating with the linked spray nozzle once a weed is detected to deliver the right amount of herbicide to kill the weed. In addition, Weedseeker 2 ‘learns’ where weeds are located or are more prevalent across the area to be sprayed, meaning even more accuracy in future spraying sessions. Sensors have a wide detection width of 50cm which means fewer sensors are needed to cover the length of the spray boom. Weedseeker 2 does not require the operator to reduce the speed of passes, operating comfortably and accurately at up to 40km/h. With the ability to operate at normal speeds there isn’t a trade off on labour costs due to a need to slow down. In addition, Weedseeker 2 sensors have an automatic turn calibration and will adjust on the run to changes in ambient light, temperature, background soil or stubble, ensuring sensor accuracy in all conditions.

Weedseeker 2 can be used with any ISOBUS compatible display, including all Trimble GFX series displays

Weedseeker 2 can be used with any ISOBUS compatible display, including all Trimble GFX series displays. The simple and intuitive interface allows most users to easily track herbicide use and log coverage maps.

Weedseeker 2 sensors ready for action

Vantage New Zealand (formerly Agri Optics New Zealand) has grown to become New Zealand’s leading precision agriculture solutions provider and the New Zealand dealer for world-renowned precision ag providers Trimble Agriculture, AquaChek, and Halo Systems. Founded in 2010 and rebranded in 2020 as Vantage New Zealand, bringing together highly skilled teams from Agri Optics NZ and GPS Control Systems. Says founder and director Jemma Mulvihill, “With a highly skilled and knowledgeable team across New Zealand, we have the expertise, technology and skills to deliver leading precision ag products, services and solutions tailored to our customer’s needs.”

“We work alongside the agronomist, fertiliser or field rep, or direct with you the grower, to achieve real environmental, profit and production gains through the implementation of precision ag technologies leading to better and more informed management decisions.”

For more information visit vantage-nz.com or call 0800 482 682 to connect with an advisor.