Focus topic: Efficient in rows – Band spraying with Lechler ARE 30 nozzles

Band spraying is a precise, resource-saving crop protection technique for row crops. The crop protection agent is applied specifically over or between the row of plants, which can save up to 50% herbicide in the case of weed control, depending on the crop and row spacing. This method maximizes active ingredient efficiency, minimizes stress on plants and promotes higher yields.

Band spraying – Sustainable care for row crops

The band spraying method is particularly effective in the early stages of growth, when the soil is not yet completely covered with biomass.

Typical applications:

Band spraying above the plants: Use of fungicides, herbicides or insecticides, e.g. against aphids in potatoes

Band spraying between the rows: Selective herbicide application for weed control

Flexibility thanks to modern technology

Weed control is a key application for band spraying: while herbicides are applied specifically to the rows of plants, weeds are controlled mechanically between the rows using hoeing equipment.
There are also plans to concentrate insecticides (e.g. in sugar beets or seed potatoes) and fungicides specifically on the rows, especially in early growth phases. For a valid assessment of the plant protection products savings, longer periods (e.g. five years) should be considered rather than individual years.

Band spraying with or without hoeing equipment?

For optimum results, band spraying should be carried out according to plant growth and weather conditions.

Weather-appropriate use: Hoeing equipment works best in dry, sunny weather - uprooted weeds dry out more quickly. Spraying, on the other hand, requires windless, overcast conditions.
Impact power: Hoeing machines are usually 3 – 6 m wide and work at 2 – 10 km/h. They have limited power and specialized band sprayers have not yet been able to keep up with the working rate or comfort of modern field sprayers. The latter enable faster, more extensive treatment with less effort.

Band spraying remains an efficient and resource-saving alternative to broadcast spraying – especially in row crops. It can be flexibly adapted and promotes more sustainable agriculture.

From specialized band sprayer to field sprayers with band application

While specialized band sprayers show their advantages especially in combination with hoeing technology, modern field sprayers with band application function open up a new dimension of precision and efficiency. Technical innovations now make it possible to combine the advantages of band spraying with the convenience, power and flexibility of classic field sprayers.

Precision is crucial

Several factors are important for the efficient use of band spraying:

Nozzle holders and automatic change of nozzles: Systems from different manufacturers allow easy adjustment between band and area spraying.
Optimum application height: The height of the spray boom affects the width and concentration of the spray bands. If the boom is too high, the band will be wider but less concentrated. If it is too low, the band becomes narrower and the center concentration increases.
Sensitivity to wind: Conventional band spray nozzles are sensitive to wind. The new ARE 30 from Lechler was developed specifically for band spraying and offers new possibilities with better drift stability and planned JKI approval for high drift reduction.
Precise alignment: Especially in row crops such as corn, potatoes or sugar beet, precise application is crucial. For crops with special row spacing such as sugar beet (45 cm), conversions or a change to 50 cm spacing are often necessary - which in turn has an impact on the hoeing and harvesting technology. The Lechler relocation kit ensures a precise positioning above the crop rows by means of individual nozzle carrier displacement.

Band spraying: Your advantages at a glance

Savings on plant protection products: Herbicide costs can be reduced by up to 50% as only part of the area is treated. In combination with mechanical weed control, the savings can amount to up to EUR 100/ha
Increased efficiency thanks to specialized technology: On farms with a high proportion of row crops such as sugar beet, a dedicated spraying technique can reduce cleaning processes and prevent plant damage
Positive side effects: The combination of mechanical soil cultivation and chemical weed control can result in better soil loosening and potentially higher yields
Precise application by exact adaptation to the row spacing
Flexibility for different crops and row widths
Efficient crop protection by targeted application
Easy integration into existing field sprayers

Lechler ARE 30 band spay nozzles

Maximum precision - minimum drift

Efficient and sustainable crop protection activities require innovative technology – this is exactly what the ARE 30 band spray nozzle from Lechler stands for. This high-precision, extremely low-drift flat spray nozzle was specially developed for the targeted application of crop protection products on narrow strips or bands.

The ARE 30 impresses with a narrow spray angle of 30°, which enables strip widths of 5 – 30 cm. Thanks to its rectangular distribution, the nozzle ensures even and precise application, ensuring that crop protection products are applied exactly where they are needed – and not in the surrounding area.

Product site ARE 30 nozzle

ARE 30 nozzle – Your advantages at a glance

Non-venturi nozzle – for maximum efficiency without air intake
Narrow spray angle (30°) – ideal for precise band spraying
Rectangular distribution – uniform application across the entire band width
Maximum drift reduction – reduces volatilization and unwanted drift to a minimum
Suitable for PWM – ideal for modern, pulse width modulated spraying systems
Tool-free removable pre-atomizer – for easy cleaning and maintenance
Compact and robust design – protects the mouthpiece from damage
Wide pressure range (1.5 – 6 bar) – flexible adaptation to different operating conditions

How to find the right nozzle

For further information on selecting the right nozzle size for band spraying, please refer to our flyer.

With the corresponding application parameters for band spraying and nozzle size determination, you will find the right nozzle size for your crop.

Flyer ARE 30 nozzle

CONCLUSIONS

Band spraying, which has fallen out of fashion for various reasons, has a lot of potential. However, certain challenges associated with this method should be carefully considered:

High acquisition costs: purchasing special band spraying technology requires an additional investment that is only worthwhile for larger cultivation areas.
Time required: Band spraying is significantly more time-consuming than area spraying. While a field sprayer with a large working width can treat a hectare in just a few minutes, a band sprayer with a hoeing unit takes considerably longer due to its lower speed and width.
Limited application possibilities: The method is less suitable for mulch sowing or irregularly shaped fields. On slopes, repeated hoeing can also increase the risk of erosion.

But: The advantages of band spraying outweigh the disadvantages!

Modern nozzle technology is making band spraying more attractive again, as it enables considerable savings to be made on pesticides. Flexible systems that can switch between band and surface spraying make it easier to use in practice. Nevertheless, the method remains demanding, as it requires precise control of the technology and adaptation to weather and cultivation conditions.

Contact

Lechler India Pvt. Ltd.Business Division AgriculturePhone +91-22-40634444Fax +91-22-40634498lechler(at)lechlerindia.com

Further information

Flyer ARE nozzle Product site ARE nozzle Lechler band spray nozzle E