Height control for field sprayers - use of ultrasonic sensors in the agricultural sector

Automation of agricultural machinery is becoming increasingly important in modern agriculture in order to increase productivity and reduce costs.

Field sprayers are an essential piece of equipment in modern agriculture, which are used to distribute plant protection products, such as herbicides or fungicides, or fertilisers. This means they help to protect fields from weeds and harmful insects. Their application is essential in ensuring the health and yield of crops and therefore the productivity of farms.

It is important to bear in mind that crops do not grow uniformly even in fields where crop protection methods are used. This means that some of the pesticides or fertilisers can be wasted despite being applied evenly. Ultrasonic sensors enable modern field sprayers to detect vegetation in real time. This ensures that agricultural materials can be dosed with pinpoint accuracy, saving costs and reducing the environmental impact.

Ultrasonic sensors in the UFA2 series from WayCon Positionsmesstechnik are mounted on the booms of modern field sprayers. They continuously and precisely measure the distance to the soil or the surface of the plant, depending on the type of crop. The captured data are transmitted in real time to the sprayer’s control system, which then automatically adjusts the application rate and dosage of the agricultural materials. The compact ultrasonic sensors are easy to install and do not interfere with the structure of the machine due to their low weight. Thanks to their high protection class of IP67, the distance sensors are also well protected against dirt and liquids.

With measuring ranges from 1.5 m to 6 m, they are suitable for both small and large agricultural machinery. In addition, the industry-typical analogue output, which is available with a voltage of 0 to 10 V and a current of 4 to 20 mA, makes it easy to connect the device to all common control systems. A model with a switching output is also available for simple presence and absence detection.

In summary, the use of precise measuring systems, such as ultrasonic sensors, facilitates the digitalisation and automation of agricultural machinery. Sensors significantly increase the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of agricultural production and play a key role in safeguarding global food supplies.