Magnetic technology improving the efficacy of spraying

Wind drift can easily take expensive chemicals away from their intended target, and run-off can also pose a significant risk to the environment. So, with many growers facing tight margins already, it can be easy to see the value in technologies which can improve the accuracy – and even the effect – of crop spraying.

Magrowtec UK, a subsidiary of Industrial Magnetics Limited based in Dublin, is aiming to help growers with this through the development of its innovative magnetic-assist spraying technology.

 

What is magnetic-assist spraying?

Professor Anthony Furness, Chief Scientific Officer at Magrowtec UK, says: “Magrowtec is concerned primarily with a revolutionary technology called magnetic assist spraying, with significant benefits associated with spray performance, particularly with regard to reduction in inputs, reduction in water usage, better coverage, and better penetration.”

Essentially, the technology works by ensuring the droplets put out by the sprayer are the perfect size to enhance the efficacy of the chemical they’re delivering. Doing this ensures they adhere better to crops, ensuring more of the spray reaches its target. 

This results in a reduction of spray drift by up to 70% and an increase in coverage by more than 20%. And, according to Magrowtec’s trials, farmers using the system can reduce their chemical costs by up to 25%, making it a cost-effective solution which clearly offers significant environmental benefits too.

William Evans, a research development engineer at Magrowtec, says: “The essential thing is all those benefits are significant in relation to food security and environmental protection. And ultimately, you've got reductions in costs as well as those environmental benefits.”

By reducing the amount of chemicals needed, farmers can lower their environmental footprint while maintaining or even increasing their crop yields.

Magrowtec is also developing other technologies to help growers improve their efficiencies. One such technology is nanobubbles – tiny bubbles that are one-fifth the size of a bacterium. These bubbles are created with a magnetic charge at their surface and they can be used to carry different nutrients to help the crop grow. The bubbles’ surface magnetic charge helps prevent them from combining, meaning the crops can absorb the nutrients in the water that much easier.

 

Challenges in adopting new technologies

Magrowtec has performed extensive trials of its magnetic-assist spraying technology, with some farmers going on the record as saying the system has helped them completely eliminate drift in some situations or that the surface plastic around crops has remained dry through spraying.

So, how does Magrowtec intend to convince growers of the benefits of nanobubble technology, when these bubbles are so small they can’t even be seen by the human eye?

Professor Furness says: “In the past, there has been a lot of skepticism over magnetic treatment of water and magnetic assist, particularly in the scientific community. But that's now changed due to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved.

“Having that level of understanding where growers can see the benefits of this and the investment potential is critical. The cost of these units is perhaps quite high for one to see it in as an initial investment. But once we prove the benefits of the systems, well, the return on investment can be quite fast.”

William Evans adds that the volatile nature of farming, including changing weather conditions and regulatory issues, can make it risky for farmers to invest in new technologies. 

He says: “It's the risk to them of weather conditions, regulations and other aspects that make it difficult to see a quick return on investment.”

Farmers often face high initial costs, skepticism about the effectiveness of new technologies, and the volatile nature of farming itself.

 

Overcoming barriers to technology adoption

Magrowtec is actively working to help farmers overcome concerns around initial costs, an understandable level of skepticism and marked volatility issues by providing clear evidence of the benefits of their technology and offering support to farmers during the adoption process. 

The company emphasises the importance of understanding the scientific principles behind their technology and demonstrating its effectiveness through real-world applications. 

Professor Furness: “In the application, we're very concerned with understanding the scientific principles involved. That's just so important.”

Being able to show the long-term savings and increased efficiency their magnetic-assist technology provides is critical. By reducing chemical usage and improving coverage, farmers can see a significant return on investment over time. Additionally, Magrowtec is exploring ways to make their technology more accessible, such as offering financing options or leasing programs.

Bringing technologies together for even greater gains

Looking ahead, Magrowtec is committed to continuous innovation and research to further enhance their technologies. The company is exploring the integration of nanotechnology and artificial intelligence to improve the precision and effectiveness of their spraying systems. 

By leveraging advanced technologies like nanobubbles, Magrowtec aims to provide even greater benefits to farmers and contribute to the sustainability of agriculture.

Visit the Magrowtec website to find out more about how their magnetic-assist technology can help improve the efficiencies of spraying.