New K-State Technology Boosts Precision Crop Spraying

By Scout Nelson

Kansas State University (K-State) has developed a computer vision system that improves the accuracy of crop sprayers by precisely measuring boom movement during field operations. The technology aims to help farmers reduce waste and improve the efficiency of inputs such as seed, water, and fertilizer.

The project was led by Aryan Singh Dalal, a doctoral candidate in computer science at K-State and lead author of a study published in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. Dalal is also a co-inventor on a related U.S. patent developed in collaboration with CNH Industrial America.

Modern crop sprayers use booms that can extend up to 125 feet and operate at speeds approaching 19 mph. However, uneven terrain and sharp turns can cause boom tips to move by as much as 10 feet, leading to uneven application of crop protection products.

To address this challenge, the K-State team developed a system that uses a single camera mounted on the sprayer chassis to monitor a target attached to the boom tip. Artificial intelligence and neural network technology then track the target and convert its movement into highly accurate distance measurements.

Researchers initially tested traditional ArUco markers commonly used in robotics, but they proved ineffective under field conditions. As a result, the team designed a custom three-dimensional marker inspired by the scutoid, a geometric shape found in biological cell structures.

The system was validated through more than 20 field trials in corn and wheat fields using fully loaded sprayers. Results showed the technology could measure boom movement within approximately one inch while accurately tracking displacement of up to 10 feet.

The researchers also developed a patented concept that combines camera measurements with machine data, including speed and acceleration, to predict boom position. The system can then adjust nozzle output, reposition boom sections, modify travel speed, or alert operators to improve spraying accuracy.

Although the technology is still awaiting commercialization, it has the potential to advance precision agriculture by improving application accuracy, reducing input waste, and enhancing farm efficiency.

Photo Credit: kansas-state-university