Innovative solutions from HARDI for precision application and sustainable agriculture

Published on: 24 october 2023

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Agriculture for the future
With climate change accelerating, resource depletion and threats to natural ecosystems, one of the main challenges facing the industry is meeting future food needs in a sustainable way.

HARDI is at the forefront of precision application solutions, actively working to promote agricultural practices through innovative solutions. Embracing the EU’s Farm to Fork initiative, HARDI is introducing the latest technologies to ensure selective and needs-based application, maximizing efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. In the following lines, we will briefly describe HARDI’s latest achievements in pioneering next-generation precision application technologies.

HARDI PulseSystem – Precision in every drop
The HARDI PulseSystem is the foundation for rapid response with on/off nozzle control. The PulseSystem also tackles the challenge of under- or over-dosing when performing wide-area treatments. By opening and closing the nozzles, the HARDI PulseSystem can keep the nozzles open from 30-100% at the same pressure, while ensuring that the droplet size is not affected. The same nozzle can therefore be used at several different forward speeds.

The CurveControl technology in the HARDI PulseSystem ensures that the individual nozzles are controlled so that the spray application is uniform across the entire boom. This prevents under- and over-dosing of crop protection products, thus saving farmers’ crops

Hardi’s dual approach: offline and online SpotSpray solution
The efficiency of spot spraying depends on the size of the spot: smaller spots can lead to greater savings. In addition, the precision of the application map and the degree of pinpoint accuracy at different application speeds are decisive factors.

Application maps can be created using an offline method with a pre-defined prescribed map or an online approach that uses real-time sensor data, aided by AI, to detect specific targets.

HARDI GeoSelect - Precision Agriculture, Powered by Patented Geospatial Technology GeoSelect
GeoSelect is a precision spraying solution that uses high-resolution spatial data to maximize spraying efficiency. Currently operating in Australia and undergoing testing in the United States, Geoselect separates sensors from sprayers, using state-of-the-art detection technology from drones, manned aircraft and satellites to provide real-time guidance on spraying practices.

This innovation minimizes overlaps and missed areas, reduces chemical waste by up to 90% and achieves an accuracy rate of up to 99.7% in targeting weeds. With the GeoSelect savings calculator, farmers can optimize operations for significant cost savings while minimizing environmental impact, marking a significant step forward in precision farming.

HARDI SpotSelect – The Future of On-Board Monitoring
Soon to be launched, the new HARDI SpotSelect, co-developed with our subsidiary, Exxact Robotics, is set to set new standards in precision application.

HARDI SpotSelect uses advanced on-board cameras to detect weeds on bare ground (GoB) as well as to identify weeds, diseases and pests in crops (GoG) using artificial intelligence (AI). By capturing images in real time, the system continues to analyze the data, instructing the sprayer to deliver the right dose to the right location in milliseconds.

HC 8700 and HC9700 – Agrirouter ready
Fully integrated with Agrirouter, HARDI controllers enable manufacturer-independent data sharing. Whether it’s an application or a SpotSpray job generated in a Farm Management Information System (FMIS), it can be quickly transferred to the controller via Agrirouter and started with just the push of a button. Once your job is complete, the HC9700 and HC 8700 effortlessly forward the data back to your FMIS.

In its quest to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact, HARDI remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of precision application in agriculture. These innovations not only meet today’s challenges, but also pave the way for an environmentally responsible future in agriculture.