OPICO is launching a series of new options for FarmDroid's FD20 weed-and-seed robot at LAMMA.

To help cater for a broader range of soil conditions throughout the growing season, the Danish manufacturer has introduced A-shares and L-shaped knives to fit to the machine’s inter-row weeding arms.  Where previously the only option had been low-draft weeding wires, the new blades are designed to deal with larger, more mature weeds and help in getting closer to the crop plants.

This is particularly important in a growing season when poor weather stretches the interval between hoeing passes, allowing weeds to grow on and get ahead of the crop. The more aggressive action of the new shares also helps to break up capping and surface compaction, particularly in the wheelings, aiding rainfall penetration and providing a flush of mineralised nitrogen for the crop.

In addition, FarmDroid's new spot-spraying system is on show for the first time on the OPICO stand. Designed for either in-row or inter-row applications of pesticides and micro-nutrients, it provides targeted doses rather than broad-brush, blanket coverage.

The new set-up can be used to target either the crop plant or the bare ground in between. In that way insecticide, fungicide, fertiliser and selective herbicide rates can be cut to a fraction of the normal broadacre rate. Studies conducted in Denmark have shown that the system can lead to reductions in herbicide use of up to 94%. It also means cheaper non-selective herbicides can be used between the crop rows.

While FarmDroid has gained a name for herbicide-free weed control in row crops over the last five years, this latest development broadens the energy-independent machine’s appeal and extends its reach to conventional growers looking to reduce their reliance on agro-chemicals.

Recognising the increased pressure UK farming businesses are under, OPICO has put together a 0% finance package spread over three years that should help to make a standard 6 row FD20’s £77,089 purchase price affordable to all.