Corn is one of the most demanding crops when it comes to spraying. Choosing the right sprayer directly impacts on the yield, application uniformity, and the reasonable usage of agricultural chemicals.
This article will help you choose the ideal sprayer for the corn crop by considering the area, terrain topography, planting type, and the on-board technologies that boost the field yield.
Why is the spraying operation crucial for the corn crop?
For corn management, the spraying operation ensures the control of pests, diseases, and weeds to protect the crop and boost the crop field yield.
Efficient applications result in healthier plants, more uniform corn cobs, and high-quality harvests.
Additionally, an efficient spraying operation allows the reasonable usage of the agricultural inputs, resulting in less product waste and less environmental impact, fundamental points for a more sustainable and profitable agriculture.
Types of agricultural sprayers and their applications for corn crops
Among the several types of sprayers available on the market, the self-propelled models stand out for their operation autonomy, precision, and operating yield. They are perfect for large crop fields such as corn.
Stara self-propelled sprayers
The Stara self-propelled sprayers such as Imperador 3000 and 4000 were developed to deliver uniform spraying and high-precise spraying operations even in bumpy terrains.
The central system of spray booms ensures more machine stability, less product drift, and better application of the chemical solution to the plants.
These models feature the following:
- the electronic Nozzle-by-Nozzle Control System, which ensures higher savings when using agricultural chemicals.
- the Up & Down - Hydraulic Lift System, featuring the highest ground clearance on the market, providing application after the corn tasseling stage;
- the Topper agricultural controller, which among other functions, adjusts the application rate according to the machine speed and manages the entire operation.
Additionally, technologies such as the Eco Spray and Conecta reinforce the Stara commitment efficiently and with technical support in the field, allowing smarter and more sustainable spraying operations.
How to choose the ideal sprayer for corn growing
Before making this decision, the farmer should assess the availability of spare parts, technical assistance, and the cost-benefit ratio of the spraying operation.
For corn crops, it’s crucial to consider factors such as the field area, terrain type, and stage of the crop plant to choose the proper self-propelled sprayer.
Area size and topography
The starting point is the farm size and the terrain conditions. For massive areas or bumpy areas, the Stara self-propelled sprayers deliver the best performance with operation autonomy and application precision.
The Imperador line models, such as Imperador 3000 and 4000, stand out due to their central spray booms, which provide higher efficiency and spraying uniformity, even in bumpy terrains.
They also feature the best technology package on the market, which includes remarkable features such as the Continuous Recirculating System, Nozzle-by-Nozzle Control System, and the 4-Wheel-Steering System.
Additionally, they are equipped with the Up & Down - Hydraulic Lift System, that allows the machine to enter the crop field when the corn plants are in tasseling stage, reducing the plant damage.
Crop plant type and management
The density of corn and the development stage of the crop plant directly influence on the chemical solution volume per hectare.
In average, applications may vary from 50 to 150 litres per hectare, depending on the agricultural chemical used, spray nozzle type, and weather conditions.
Choosing the proper spray nozzles and using controllers such as Topper ensure a proper spraying operation at the right measurement, with uniformity and efficiently all over the area.
For farmers that apply cover crop, Stara makes available the Imperador 2000 PV equipped with the Ponte Verde System.
In addition to apply chemicals efficiently and precisely, the machine allows the sowing of cover crops along the length of the spray boom to enable the farmer for cover management allied to the crop by using the same spraying path.
Such resource shortens the operating time, fuel consumption, damage losses, and keep the soil protected for a longer time to avoid waste.
Calibration and maintenance
The correct calibration of the sprayer prevents waste, overlap, and application failures.
Keeping the equipment in good operation conditions, by inspecting hoses, filters, and spray nozzles, is essential for a longer machine lifespan and the operator’s safety.
Criteria to choose the ideal sprayer
|
Criterion |
What to take into account |
Practical recommendation from Stara |
|
Area size to be planted |
Massive areas demand autonomy, yield, and operating stability. |
The Stara self-propelled machines deliver high performance in huge areas and long spraying shifts. |
|
Terrain topography |
When travelling in slopes, the machine stability is crucial. |
The hinged chassis, the central spray booms, and pneumatic suspension of Imperador machines ensure better adaptation to the terrain. |
|
Crop plant type and management |
The corn density and crop plant stage influence on the chemical solution volume and boom height. |
Topper automatically adjusts the application rate and the machine operation, while the Up & Down - Hydraulic Lift System allows the operator to work in crops in advanced development stage. |
|
On-board technology |
Automatic control systems reduce waste and optimize the usage of agricultural chemicals. |
Imperador Eco Spray is a version equipped with the spot spraying technology, which applies the product only where it is needed, optimizing the usage of agricultural chemicals. |
|
Easy to perform maintenance |
Complex pieces of equipment demand reliable after-sales and technical assistance. |
The Stara Conecta ensures the remote support in real time, reducing the stopped machine time. |
Contact: Quotation | Stara
Practical hints to boost the agricultural spraying efficiency in corn crop
Even with the ideal sprayer, the outcome depends on the way the operation is performed.
Minor routine adjustments, such as the application time, the choice of the spray nozzles, and following the weather conditions, make all the difference in the efficiency and performance of the agricultural chemicals.
Choosing the right moment to spray
Knowing the right time to spray avoids plenty of issues. Avoid spraying when the sun is shining is too strong or the wind is blowing hard. Prefer milder days or periods with temperatures below 30 °C, when there is less evaporation of the chemical solution. These conditions ease the penetration of the product and the application efficiency.
Consider the cost-benefit ratio
Investing in a sprayer should be given some thought, taking into consideration the operation autonomy, consumption, yield, and easy maintenance.
The Stara self-propelled machines gather mechanical robustness with cutting-edge technology to ensure low operational cost and high yields.
Talk to other farmers
Sharing experiences with farmers who already use a sprayer is a good way to make safer decisions.
Additionally, the after-sales services and technical assistance such as Conecta provide remote service in real time, ensuring a more reliable machine for operations.
See also: How to avoid drift in agricultural spraying by using a self-propelled machine.
See more Stara solutions for other crops
At Stara, you can find a complete line of products for different types of crops. Check it out:
- Solutions for soybeans growing | Stara
- Solutions for rice growing | Stara
- Bravíssima: a corn head for an efficient harvest | Stara
Conclusion
The spraying operation is crucial for the health and yield of the corn crop. Choosing the ideal equipment ensures higher precise and sustainable applications, and savings.
Thanks to the Stara self-propelled sprayer, the farmer is provided with cutting-edge technology, connectivity, and skilled technical assistance, ensuring the best result in the field, harvest after harvest.
Other frequent questions asked about sprayers for corn crop
Do you know which spray nozzle to use?
The nozzle type depends on the product applied and the spraying purpose. In general, the flat fan spray nozzles produce medium droplets and are recommended for herbicides, while the cone spray nozzles are recommended for fungicides and insecticides. The correct selecting reduces the drift and improves the foliar cover.
How many litres of water are recommended per hectare of corn?
The volume varies according to the agricultural chemical and the crop stage. In most situations, within 50 and 150 L/ha are enough. Topper automatically adjusts the application rate according to the agricultural machine.
Why is it so important to adjust the sprayer?
The correct adjustment ensures the uniform and precise application by avoiding overlap, failures, and the waste of agricultural chemicals.
Did you like the hints and want to find out the agricultural machine that best suits your crop field?
Stop by a Stara dealer and find the most suitable equipment to boost your crop production. Request a quotation.
