Harnessing the power of the WAND network for safer and more efficient farming
Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, innovation plays a vital role in helping farmers achieve sustainable and efficient practices. One such ground-breaking innovation is the Weather And Networked Data (WAND) network, developed in collaboration between the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), and Goanna Ag. WAND is a game-changer for growers and spray operators, providing real-time weather data that can help prevent harmful chemical drifts and improve the overall efficiency of farming operations. In this article, we'll explore what WAND is, its benefits, and why every grower should sign up for this free invaluable resource.
Understanding WAND
WAND is a spray drift hazardous weather warning system that aims to keep farmers and spray operators informed about the presence or absence of hazardous temperature inversions. It accomplishes this through a network of 100 profiling inversion towers strategically placed across the grain and cotton regions of New South Wales and Queensland. These towers are equipped with remote sensing technology and proprietary software, allowing them to provide growers and spray contractors with real-time weather data that is updated every 10 minutes. This data is crucial for determining whether it's safe to spray, helping to reduce the risk of spray drift. Since its launch in December 2022, WAND has seen remarkable growth with over 2400 people now actively using it.
The benefits of using WAND
Improved spray efficiency
One of the primary advantages of WAND is that it informs growers when they can safely spray, rather than when they can't. This proactive approach enables farmers and spray applicators to plan their operations more efficiently, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
Early detection and management
Spray drift onto neighbouring fields can have devastating consequences, and symptoms often don't appear until 7 to 14 days later when it's too late to act. With WAND, you can detect drift events early, allowing you to implement management techniques right away to reduce their impact.
Free and user-friendly
WAND is accessible to everyone at no cost. To get started, simply visit wand.com.au and create an account. The real-time data provided by WAND gives you a significant advantage in making informed decisions about spraying and workload management.
Extended spray windows
Since its launch, WAND has collected a wealth of observations, helping determine optimal spray conditions. On average, it provides an additional four hours per day for growers and spray applicators to work safely. For an operator covering 50 hectares per hour, this means potentially covering an additional 200 hectares daily.
Technology behind WAND
WAND relies on real-time determinations of local vertical turbulence characteristics, comparing them against predetermined thresholds. This assessment determines whether there is sufficient turbulence for adequate deposition and dispersion of spray droplets, irrespective of temperature inversion conditions. The scientific methods behind hazard detection in WAND have undergone peer review, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Understanding hazardous inversions
A hazardous temperature inversion is a meteorological phenomenon where warm air is trapped above cooler air near the surface, reversing the typical temperature profile of the atmosphere. This stable condition restricts vertical air movement, making it particularly problematic for spray applications. During inversions, spray particles can linger near the surface, potentially leading to contamination and exposure issues. Additionally, the lack of vertical air mixing allows sprayed droplets to travel unpredictably and over longer distances, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and management.
Exciting upgrades and premium features
In response to user feedback, WAND is set to undergo significant enhancements this season, with the introduction of a premium version set to debut in January 2024. The upgraded features include a 24-hour forecasting capability and an extension of historical weather data graphs up to two years. During a two-month trial, all users will experience the benefits of these advanced features. Starting March 2024, a subscription model will be introduced, inviting growers and spray contractors to continue accessing the premium version. Crucially, core features such as real-time weather updates, hazardous condition detection, and the two-hour 'nowcast' prediction will remain entirely free for all users. This strategic shift to a premium version underscores the platform's sustainability, ensuring that vital research and development levy funds can be invested into new projects for the ongoing benefit of growers in the grains and cotton industries. We will provide more information as we approach the launch date.
Conclusion
In the pursuit of sustainable and efficient farming practices, tools like the WAND network are indispensable. By offering real-time weather data and hazard warnings, WAND empowers growers and spray operators to make informed decisions, reduce the risk of spray drift, and enhance their operations. Best of all, WAND is freely accessible to everyone, ensuring that safer and more efficient farming practices are within reach for all. Embrace the power of WAND and take your farming to new heights.
A WAND network profiling inversion tower.