Soils, Inputs & Water: AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

Towards Optimized Application of Biopesticides: Impact of Nozzles and Droplet Size on Microbial Efficacy

A study evaluated the foliar application of biopesticides by analyzing the droplet sizes produced during spraying. The range of 100 to 300 μm, deemed optimal for leaf penetration and microorganism viability, was examined based on different types of hydraulic nozzles and application pressures. Results show that these parameters significantly influence droplet distribution. Despite slight variations from water, biological solutions remain suitable for effective foliar application with conventional equipment.

Digital Biocontrol: Koppert Launches AI Tool to Optimize Natural Pest Predator Application

Koppert introduces Timing Expert, a new feature of the Koppert One app that assists farmers in determining the optimal timing for the foliar application of beneficial nematodes (microscopic natural pest predators) in outdoor crops. By combining biological expertise with weather data, this tool enhances treatment efficiency.

Laser Weeding: Carbon Robotics Unveils a New Generation of Lighter, Modular AI Robots

At Macfrut 2026, Carbon Robotics launched the LaserWeeder G2 series, marking a breakthrough in weed control through artificial intelligence and laser technology. This modular platform adapts to farms ranging from 30 to 300 hectares. It employs a 240-watt laser and high-resolution cameras for precise plant identification. The technology has already treated over 250,000 acres, eliminating more than 15 billion weeds, demonstrating its scalability.

Biostimulants and Specialty Fertilizers: Market Growth Becomes More Selective

At the NewAG International Annual 2026 session, DunhamTrimmer highlighted a transformation in input markets, where growth persists but becomes more complex to capture. Innovation is shifting towards advanced delivery systems and biological integration rather than just nutrients. Companies must navigate an uneven market, where the ability to demonstrate return on investment and integrate into real agricultural systems becomes crucial to capture value.

UV-C in Agriculture: Kubota Invests in UV Boosting to Cut Fungicide Use

Kubota strengthens its commitment to agricultural sustainability by investing in UV Boosting, a French startup that uses UV-C flashes to enhance crops' natural defenses. This technology promises to reduce fungicide use by 25% to 75% and improve plant resistance to abiotic stress while increasing yields. It is being applied to various crops (grapes, peaches, and other fruits and vegetables) across several European countries.

Giant Ragweed: TerraClear Uses AI to Map Infested Areas in Organic Crops

TerraClear, an agritech company, has launched a giant ragweed mapping service that employs drone imagery and artificial intelligence to assist large-scale organic crop producers. This service enables precise identification and localization of escaped ragweed plants, providing a targeted solution for their removal before they can produce seeds.

Decarbonized Fertilizers: Towards a Global Market for Low-Carbon Ammonia Certificates

PepsiCo and TalusAg announce an innovative partnership to promote the decarbonization of fertilizers through a low-carbon ammonia certificate model. This agreement covers 30,000 tons of ammonia, and through a book-and-claim model (a system where carbon impact is purchased without necessarily receiving the corresponding physical product), companies can buy ammonia certificates in the form of digital tokens, thus facilitating a transition to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Wheat in Bloom: The Key Role of Trapping in Managing Hessian Fly Treatments

Managing Hessian flies, pests of wheat, requires rigorous observation to determine intervention thresholds. Sensitive varieties must be closely monitored, especially during flowering when females lay their eggs. An intervention threshold has been established for orange Hessian flies, while some wheat varieties show resistance.

Fertilizers: Argentina and Brazil Face Soaring Energy Costs and Hormuz Strait Tensions

Methanization: A Finnish Startup Turns Digestate into Strategic Fertilizer

NPHarvest, a Finnish cleantech company, has inaugurated a pilot facility at Biogas Westerbakum GmbH in Lower Saxony, aiming to recover nutrients from liquid digestate. This membrane technology, capable of recovering up to 90% of nitrogen and phosphorus, meets increasingly stringent fertilizer application regulations in Germany.