With row crops, application rates can be reduced substantially by using mechanical weed control between rows and at the same time applying band spraying within rows. That is why Lemken is expanding its Steketee range with the addition of the SprayHub front tank. The tank is connected to the rear-mounted hoeing machine via the SprayKit application. Combining the two elements ensures that concentrated spraying only takes place within rows and farmers can save between 40% and 60% of spraying agent. This combination is also interesting in terms of labour economy, as hoeing and spraying are carried out in a single pass.
Can be used with other implements
The SprayHub combines all necessary functions for the speed-responsive application of spraying liquids. The front tank is equipped with its own controls, agitator and cleaning system for this purpose. It is ISOBUS-controlled and can be intuitively operated via the MegaSpray software. The SprayHub comes with a tank capacity of 1,100 or 1,500 litres and features a clean water tank, hand wash canister and filling screen. An additional induction nozzle is available for dissolving solid agents. A CTS connection for contactless induction is also available.
The SprayKit can also be used with other implements and not just hoeing machines and it features mechanical section control. Single row control is planned as a next step, allowing automatic section control via GPS.
The application technology of the Steketee EC Weeder has been optimised for convenient use with the SprayHub. The height-adjustable nozzle holder is equipped with a scale to easily adjust the desired spraying height and position, which allows the width of the required spray band to be individually determined depending on row spacing, crop and type of application. Different nozzles can be used depending on the individual application. Special band spraying nozzles with spray cones that ensure a uniform concentration of spraying liquid across the set band width are particularly suitable for combining band spraying with hoeing technology.
The SprayHub with SprayKit will be launched in spring 2022. Equipment options allowing the system to be used with drop hoses, under-root fertilisation on hoeing shares and in combination with the Azurit precision seed drill, will follow.
