Le 28/08/2026
Field Trials Confirm Precision Application Technology Reduces Chemical Use Without Compromising Crop Protection
John Deere’s Smart Apply® and GUSS Autonomous Sprayers work together to reduce costs while maximizing crop yields in orchards and vineyards
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Spraying is an essential part of maintaining a field, orchard, or vineyard, but it’s also one of the most labor-intensive activities. John Deere’s Smart Apply® Intelligent Spray Control System™ is designed to help growers reduce chemical and labor costs without compromising protection.
“One of the most common questions we get from growers is, ‘Will these automated systems work as well as my existing solution?’ —which is air-blast spraying material to provide maximum coverage and protection,” said Sean Sundberg, High-Value Crops Business Integration Manager at John Deere. “Growers will hesitate to utilize technology unless it is proven to work for them. They don’t want to save thousands on material savings if it means jeopardizing their yield.”
Proven Technology
Two independent field trials, one with the USDA and American Pistachio Growers and another with the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, found John Deere’s automated spraying solutions performed just as well as traditional spraying. According to the USDA, “Despite the large reductions in spray volume, no significant differences in insect control were observed between the Smart Apply treatments and conventional grower standard applications.” For growers, that means reducing spray materials and water use while maintaining protection against pests and disease.
The APG study also found Smart Apply reduced pesticide use by 55–60% in mature orchards and by 85–95% in young orchards where canopy density is lower. This reduction occurs because, instead of applying a constant spray of chemicals, Smart Apply automatically adjusts spray volume, applying only the amount needed to reach the tree or vine.
In Sonoma County, field tests took place on six pilot farms that varied in size from family ranches to operations with thousands of acres. The winegrowers reduced spray material by nearly 30% and water use by 38,000 gallons (143,846 liters) across 2,700 acres (1,092 hectares). One farmer estimated Smart Apply would save him $100 to $125 per acre per year on fungicide costs.
Smart Apply can also communicate with the John Deere Operations Center, a digital environment where farmers can:
- Track equipment
- Document and track spraying activities
- Create prescriptive maps
Smart Apply Works with Existing Equipment
Sundberg said one of Smart Apply's biggest advantages is that it can be added to existing equipment. “The beauty of Smart Apply is that it retrofits onto your current sprayer. It’s an upgrade kit; you don't have to buy a whole new system,” Sundberg said.
“With Smart Apply, your 500-gallon sprayer becomes the equivalent of an 800- or 1000-gallon sprayer because the tractor driver doesn't have to refill as frequently,” Sundberg added. “You can finance it like a traditional purchase, but you get the immediate return of saving on material and labor costs. It helps improve both economic and environmental efficiency for growers.”
GUSS Autonomous Field Sprayer
Labor availability remains one of the top challenges facing specialty crop producers. To help address that need, John Deere offers GUSS (Global Unmanned Spray System), an autonomous spraying platform that can be equipped with Smart Apply technology.
“I have yet to meet a farmer that has enough labor to do all their work,” Sundberg said. “With GUSS, a single operator can remotely manage up to eight machines using a laptop outside the spray zone.”
Sundberg added, “Autonomy gets people out of the dull, monotonous jobs. Workers can supervise GUSS rather than being out in an orchard or vineyard driving a tractor spraying material all night long.”
More than 250 GUSS machines have been deployed around the world, including Oregon, Washington, and California as well as Australia. Since 2018, GUSS has sprayed 3.2 million acres (1.25 hectares) and worked autonomously for more than 500,000 hours.
Ongoing Support
Adoption of new technology often depends on reliable service and support. John Deere dealers, including Papé Machinery, provide installation, training, and ongoing service for Smart Apply and GUSS customers.
Techs from our dealer network are available for in-field labor and service, Sundberg said. “Papé alone has 200 certified techs.”
FIRA USA 2026 Field Demos in Yakima, Washington
Growers can see GUSS, Smart Apply, and other new technology in action at FIRA USA, 20-22 October in Yakima, Washington, USA, as part of the GOFAR Tour 2026. The event will feature field demos and presentations from John Deere and other experts in the agtech community. Key topics include: irrigation, canopy management, tillage, and more.
Unlike traditional trade shows, FIRA USA showcases machines in real conditions. Farmers can find technologies that will support both financial and environmental sustainability and connect with manufacturer reps.
[Learn More or Register for FIRA USA]