New Holland Agriculture has won an Agritechnica Silver Medal for Innovation for its new combine residue automation system that features the use of 2D radars and a patented closed-loop algorithm. The innovation was selected for the award by the independent expert commission appointed by the German Agricultural Society (DLG).
“We’re very pleased that the commission has recognised this innovation that takes spreading automation to a new level, making our customers’ lives easier when combining and improving their efficiency and profitability,” New Holland’s head of harvesting product management, Lars Skjoldager Sorensen, said. “Our combine residue automation system takes away the need for the operator’s constant attention on the residue spreading, continuously fine tuning in changing conditions – they can remain entirely focused on harvesting, knowing that their following crop will thrive in the best conditions.”
The new combine residue automation system uses 2D radars to obtain an accurate spreading pattern image of the residue particles behind the combine. They detect the position and speed of the flying residue particles just before they land on the ground to provide the true spreading pattern. This means that, unlike systems that predict a spreading pattern, it doesn’t require any input about wind, moisture or particle characteristics to achieve high accuracy.
The system’s innovative solution also includes a patented closed-loop algorithm that continuously changes the adjustments of the OptiSpread system to ensure even residue coverage behind the combine, consistently throughout the day – with no intervention from the operator.
The even residue distribution achieved with the new combine residue automation system provides the best soil conditions for the following crop. The resulting even seedbed leads to even crop and weed seed emergence, allowing for dedicated and reduce application of fertiliser and herbicides. This, in turn, will increase the uniformity and yield of the following crop, improving the farmer’s profitability.
The uniformly covered stubble field also has environmental benefits as it reduces the risk of erosion. It also requires less tillage, reducing ground compaction, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per hectare of farmland.
The interface of the residue automation system can be user-friendly and intuitive because the radars can see the spreading pattern through the dust cloud, whatever the side wind, moisture or particle characteristics. The operator can concentrate on the harvesting process, with the assurance of full and even residue coverage in changing conditions.
