The Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena has long been a 'shop window' at the Cereals Event for the latest innovation and technologies – and this year will be no different, with a display of new developments in pioneering precision application practices.

These new developments could herald a step change in approaches to agronomy decisions and sprayer technologies, according to Harry Fordham, Syngenta's new farming technology lead. He believes that precision application and artificial intelligence are opening opportunities to be far more targeted in product application for more specific treatments.

"This will deliver both agronomic advantages and reduced environmental impact," says Mr Fordham. "Ultimately growers can achieve better results, from reduced overall product use, and Sprays and Sprayers is a showcase for these new technologies."

Along with the chance to experience the very latest in current sprayer technology, Mr Fordham says that Syngenta application specialists will also be on hand at the event to offer insight into the future, too. "The immense potential of precision application includes innovative concepts of satellite mapping with variable rate treatment, prescription application, optical sensor spot spraying, and drones - along with other techniques.    

"The move towards more precise techniques that allow better targeted application is essential for the efficiency of farm production. And with better targeting comes the chance to meet regulatory objectives that will assure future product availability."

In the demonstration arena, more than 10 manufacturers will be showcasing their kit. So what can visitors expect to see? Here's just a sample of some of this year's demonstrators.

Amazone

Amazone will be sticking with its usual trio of the UX 01 Super – a top of the range UX 4201 with 36, 24, and 12m Super-L3 boom options – a UF 1602/24m with FT1502 front tank, and a Pantera 4504 with the 36, 24, and 12m Super-L3 boom, plus all the latest gadgets.

On the stand will be the new Pantera 7004 with its variable front and back track adjustment and self-levelling suspension, along with an 8,000-litre UX 7601 - which will be used to demonstrate the functionality of AmaSelect individual nozzle control technology, alongside AmaSelect Row, AmaSelect Spot, and CurveControl.

"Our aim at Amazone is to provide responsible and sustainable spraying technology which maximises chemical efficacy and minimises input costs," says the firm's Simon Brown.

"Using our hi-tech features like the DirectInject, ContourControl, and AmaSelect Spot, the complete wet system and boom technology is designed to have the correct nozzle size and type, applying the most appropriate tank mix at the right rate, to the selected plants, with minimum drift and overlap."

Fendt

Fendt will also be returning to the arena with a much-loved favourite – the Fendt Rogator 600 self-propelled sprayer.

"The Fendt Rogator 600 continues to be popular amongst farmers and contractors alike, with various boom widths, axle configurations and two ride heights available across the range," says Ed Dennett, Fendt marketing manager, UK and Ireland.

"The MY24 model features recent developments, including improved nozzles, plumbing, and easier options for tank cleaning, which are all aimed at maximising uptime and output without compromising on the job. 

"We look forward to demonstrating this machine once again, and welcoming customers to our stand throughout the show."

John Deere

A trio of sprayers from the John Deere household will be making their way around the arena at this year's Cereals Event, including the R740i 24m trailed sprayer, the R9620 36m trailed sprayer, and the 340M self-propelled sprayer.

The event will be the first large outing for the 340M and its Cereals debut, says the firm's Mark James. "All three of the machines we are showing have our unique PowrSpray dual-circuit solution system, with benefits including fast filling for a quick turnaround and more hectares sprayed per day.

"They also all feature our in-house developed individual nozzle control system, reducing overlaps and misses to the minimum, helping to reduce input costs."

In terms of their connectivity, the trio also boasts John Deere's ISOBUS control systems capable of variable rate applications, spot-spraying, documentation, and work planning with synchronisation to the John Deere Operations Centre.

Kuhn

Kuhn will be showing the benefits of its Metris 4102 trailed sprayer in the Sprays and Sprayers arena, which is claimed to offer users increased output and technology to improve application uniformity.

The sprayer has a 4,100-litre polyester tank featuring a deep sump, offering a low centre of gravity. Application is controlled via Kuhn's Diluset+ system which gives users the benefits of semi-automated filling with a pause mode, in-cab display, and partial rinsing of the sprayer from the tractor.

Continuous Circulation – Electric circulation (CCE) offers electronic continuous circulation to increase spraying quality and ensure each nozzle is primed to apply the correct amount of liquid, while the RHPA 24m tri-fold booms give operators a lightweight boom option. The sprayer also includes Kuhn's Boom Assist Slant, which features two ultrasonic sensors for height and tilt boom control, combined with a CCI A3 joystick. This gives users up to 30 controls via one joystick, for quick and simple operation and folding.

"Cereals also provides us with a great opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of our Metris 2 sprayer range," adds Edd Fanshawe, Kuhn's arable and connected services product specialist. "With a 4,100-litre capacity, it has wide appeal to many users looking to increase output and maximise spray quality via the latest technology."

Visitors can expect to see the below list of manufacturers demoing in this year's Sprays and Sprayers Arena – but more demonstrations are soon to be announced, so keep an eye on the website:

·        Amazone

·        Bargam Agriculture

·        Bateman

·        Berthoud

·        Chafer

·        DroneAg (robotic demos),

·        Fendt

·        Hardi

·        Househam

·        John Deere

·        Knight

·        Kuhn

·        SAM crop sprayers