Throughout the planting season, crop producers spend countless hours and put an abundance of energy into making sure they’ve put their property in the best position possible to generate fantastic yields.
After the seeds are in place and the growing process begins, producers must take the next step: protecting their fields. To address these needs, John Deere offers cutting-edge equipment and technology designed to help producers overcome any challenges they face throughout the growing cycle.
Crop protection products are applied inputs, such as herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Crop protection equipment works to apply those products. Lastly, crop protection technology helps guide, meter, target, or automate the application.
Let’s review what separates crop protection products from the equipment and technology used to apply them, and then explore 6 key John Deere solutions that help simplify the crop protection process.
Key Takeaways
- Crop protection equipment and technology help apply crop protection products, improving efficiency and field productivity.
- Crop protection products include herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides that help improve crop yield and quality.
- John Deere equipment includes sprayers and carbon fiber booms designed to help improve the effectiveness of crop protection products.
- Crop protection technologies such as ExactApply™ and AutoTrac™ help reduce product overlap and minimize waste, while also reducing operator stress.
- Understanding your farm’s row spacing, terrain, and scale can help you choose the right John Deere crop protection equipment and technology to best fit your needs.
What is Crop Protection Equipment and Technology?
Crop protection equipment and technology include both the machinery and the technological tools used to apply the crop protection products most effectively. When used together, they help ensure that the products, such as herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, are delivered to the crop precisely and efficiently, while also reducing waste and labor.
Crop Protection Equipment
Crop protection equipment refers to the physical machines and attachments used to apply crop protection products. Common examples of crop protection equipment include sprayers and carbon fiber booms designed to deliver inputs accurately across a field.
Crop Protection Technology
Crop protection technology, on the other hand, refers to the systems or innovations that connect to the equipment itself, enhancing how it operates. This includes tools such as ExactApply™ nozzle control, AutoTrac™ guidance, and See & Spray™ technology, which improves the automation of your machine.
6 Key Pieces of John Deere Crop Protection Equipment and Technology
John Deere crop protection equipment and technology are designed to help farmers apply crop protection products with greater accuracy, efficiency, and control. Below are 6 John Deere crop protection solutions that help optimize application:
- 400 & 600 Series Sprayers
- Carbon Fiber Boom
- ExactApply™ Nozzle Control System
- AutoTrac™ Vision
- AutoTrac™ RowSense
- See & Spray™
1. 400 & 600 Series Sprayers
The 400 Series and 600 Series sprayers are liquid crop sprayers designed for large-scale farming operations needing consistent application of crop protection products. The wide boom coverage on these sprayers allows operators to cover a large amount of ground in fewer passes to improve farmers’ productivity. Optional precision technology add-ons, such as nozzle control and GPS guidance, help reduce overlap and improve consistency, allowing the herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides to be applied accurately.
2. Carbon Fiber Boom
A carbon fiber boom is a piece of structural equipment attached to a sprayer that holds the spray nozzles on a large set of arms. Carbon-fiber booms are available in 120- to 132-ft widths on select John Deere sprayers and can help reduce boom weight while maintaining wide coverage. Their lighter weight design allows users to cover more acreage in less time to improve productivity.
3. ExactApply™ Nozzle Control System
A nozzle control system is an optional piece of sprayer technology that helps distribute crop protection products through nozzles along the boom. ExactApply works to maintain target rate, pressure, and droplet sizing across varying speeds, with individual nozzle control and turn compensation. The A-B nozzle control provides six nozzles of the operator’s choice in pairs, which can then be automatically switched as conditions change. Additionally, ExactApply’s turn compensation feature is designed to reduce overlap by adjusting output across the boom.
4. AutoTrac™ Vision
Approved for use in all 4 Series sprayers, this technology includes a camera-based guidance system that’s mounted to the front of the equipment so early-season crops can be seen as the spraying process is being conducted. AutoTrac Vision is able to determine the location of the row and then send that information to the AutoTrac system, which can then steer the equipment precisely.
5. AutoTrac™ RowSense
Using a paddle that’s mounted to the front wheel of sprayers, AutoTrac™ RowSense technology is able to “feel” its way down the crop row and sends signals to the equipment to steer the wheels accordingly. This technology allows operators to cover more acres per day, reducing operator fatigue and ensuring accurate application of the crop protection products.
6. See & Spray™
See & Spray™ is an advanced crop protection technology that uses camera vision and machine learning to detect and spray weeds with herbicides. See & Spray uses camera vision and machine learning to distinguish crops from weeds and target herbicide only where needed. By targeting individual weeds instead of entire fields, See & Spray™ reduces herbicide use and lowers costs. Availability and compatibility with other precision agriculture technologies vary by See & Spray version, sprayer model, model year, boom configuration, and software requirements, so producers should confirm fit with a John Deere dealer.
What are Crop Protection Products?
There are a variety of crop protection products available, but they are typically categorized based on how they protect crops from threats during the growing season. Each category of crop protection plays a role in helping farmers protect crops from weeds, pests, and diseases. Breaking down the different types of crop protection products will help you better utilize the capabilities of your crop protection equipment and technology.
Herbicides
Herbicides are a type of crop protection product designed to control weeds that compete with your crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Using crop protection equipment such as sprayers and technology such as nozzle control systems will help ensure the herbicides are applied accurately for uniform coverage and reduced waste.
Fungicides
Fungicides are a crop protection product built to prevent your plants from the growth of fungi or spores. Fungicides are used on a variety of crops such as fruits, vegetables, soy, and corn. Crop protection equipment is a useful tool for targeting large-scale farms with sprayers to improve effectiveness.
Insecticides
Insecticides help your plants stay free from insects that feed on your crops’ stems and leaves. Insecticides either kill the insect or prevent them from hurting your crops by affecting their nervous system. Crop protection equipment will also greatly aid in the application of insecticides for long-lasting protection.
Other Crop Inputs
Other resources that can help grow and protect your crop include seed treatments and fertilizers. While not specifically classified as crop protection products, these inputs greatly help improve crop resilience and yield. Seed treatments protect young plants from diseases, while fertilizers give essential nutrients to crops. Equipment such as nutrient applicators helps provide effective fertilizer application. Together with the rest of the traditional crop protection products, these inputs help farmers maintain healthy, productive crops.
Choosing the Right Crop Protection Equipment and Technology
Crop protection is critical to maximizing yields and profit throughout the growing season. While these are by no means all of the John Deere crop protection equipment and technology solutions available, they are valuable tools to improve crop protection if put to work.
When selecting crop protection equipment or technology, consider factors such as the type of crop protection products being applied, the field conditions, and the scale of your operation. John Deere offers equipment that can suit a variety of farm sizes, helping ensure that crop protection products are applied accurately to save time and resources.
If you have any questions about other crop protection equipment or solutions, contact your local John Deere dealer.
Crop Protection FAQs
What are crop protection products?
Crop protection products are tools used by farmers to protect their crops from weeds, pests, and diseases. These products will help improve crop yield and quality, and can be used with crop protection equipment to enhance productivity.
How do farmers apply crop protection products?
Farmers apply crop protection products by using crop protection equipment and technology that help deliver the product with ease and reduce overlap. Typical equipment includes sprayers, nozzle control systems, and carbon fiber booms. This equipment is often paired with precision agriculture technology, including ExactApply™ and AutoTrac™, that delivers efficient and automated application.
What are the benefits of using crop protection technology?
Crop protection technology helps farmers apply products more accurately and efficiently. John Deere’s solutions, such as ExactApply™, help deliver products through advanced nozzle control systems. AutoTrac™ guidance technologies, including AutoTrac Vision and AutoTrac RowSense, help guide sprayers using camera, sensor, GPS, and feeler inputs depending on the system and field conditions.
Can John Deere sprayers be used for all types of crop protection products?
John Deere sprayers are built to handle a variety of crop protection products, including herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Optional features, such as ExactApply™ nozzle control systems and carbon fiber booms, can help ensure precise application across the different products.
What crops can benefit from John Deere crop protection equipment?
John Deere crop protection equipment can be used on a range of crops, including corn, soybeans, and cotton. Tools such as sprayers and carbon fiber booms can help disperse these products accurately across your fields.
How do I choose the right crop protection equipment?
Choosing the right crop protection equipment to apply depends on the types of crops you grow, your field conditions, row spacing, and the scale of your operation. John Deere has solutions designed to cover a variety of terrains, including sprayers and carbon fiber booms.
