Spot.ag Tracker: A device for tracking pesticide application in spraying systems with hand-held lances

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Crop pests, diseases and weeds are a major constraint to higher agricultural productivity, accounting for losses of over 40% of the total crop in tropical and subtropical countries. In order to control these pests and diseases, many farmers still use backpack sprayers and hand-held long-hose systems. An estimated 7.5-9 million backpack sprayers are sold globally. This project specifically aims to create new technology for monitoring and guiding operators of backpack sprayers and long-hose systems.Any number of issues can go wrong, particularly when coordinating teams of sprayers. If sprayers walk too fast, pesticide coverage is inadequate for effective pest and disease control and pesticide resistance will build; if sprayers walk too slowly, pesticides will be used up before the entire crop area is covered leading to new outbreaks. Poorly maintained equipment may not be delivering what it should, while carelessness and negligence may exasperate the issues further. Managers need a better way of keeping a close watch of the process.This project will finalize the development of a tracking device and embedded software that will enable farm managers to track the speed, flow and location of the sprayed solution and gain the insights to manage and train backpack sprayers to carry out effective targeted sprays. The main challenge lies in the flow sensing issues caused by the corrosive properties of pesticides, the adhesives commonly added, suspended particles in the solutions, and the high pressure at which they are applied. We believe that we have solved these issues.The spray tracking will complement Scarab's pest and disease monitoring systems enabling agricultural producers to avoid crop losses, reduce their use of pesticides, and help create a culture of excellence.