Growers looking to enhance the precision of their air-blast spraying will benefit from Deere & Company’s recent acquisition of Indianapolis-based Smart Apply, Inc.
The Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System™ is an upgrade kit that improves the performance of air-blast sprayers used in orchards, vineyard, and tree nursery settings and helps growers tackle some of the toughest challenges associated with spraying applications.
Smart Apply’s technology is designed to reduce chemical usage, airborne drift, and run-off — all while helping to maximize crop yields and contribute to sustainability efforts. In addition to the benefits Smart Apply brings to the fields themselves, the Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System™ can help growers better address labor, regulatory requirements, environmental objectives, and input costs challenges.
The Smart Apply system lives up to its name. Using LiDAR technology — sensitive enough to detect individual vines and trees — the system automatically adjusts spray volume based on foliage density. The system can auto-stop between trees and rows without human intervention, while GPS-enabled software captures comprehensive data on chemical savings, tree/vine counts, canopy volume, and health status.
Growers also have the option to share their Smart Apply data with John Deere's Operations Center™ farm management software, unlocking further insights and expert support. Founded in 2014, Smart Apply employs approximately 20 people and primarily sells its products through John Deere dealers in several countries. The availability of Smart Apply will expand in North America and Australia, with opportunities in other markets being explored for further expansion in the future.
More information on the agricultural equipment John Deere offers can be found by contacting your local John Deere dealer.