BASF opens new Application Technology Center to improve testing of crop protection products

The facility is equipped with a large-scale commercial sprayer capable of conducting controlled testing of new crop protection products under real agricultural conditions. The new equipment consolidates BASF's efforts to develop consistent formulations and promote easier, safer and more efficient application of its products.

Until now, formulation testing has been carried out on a smaller scale. Because crop protection spraying is increasingly complex, plant protection products and their testing have gained importance. Multiple products are mixed in the sprayer tank and growers often face time pressures and logistical challenges while spraying. All of this requires a fast filling process and better product handling. Therefore, crop protection products must meet more stringent criteria for optimal use and best performance. For example, they must be stable when mixed with other products and safe to apply. BASF has opened the new Application Technology Center to solidify these benefits and further increase the quality of its crop protection products.

"The new Application Technology Center is another step in further improving our formulations. By evaluating the application process with a large-scale commercial sprayer we can optimize product application properties for greater consistency. Producers will be capable of achieving better spraying results. This is important to us as we want farmers to be able to produce better quality food, more efficiently and safely," explained Lars Wittkowski, Global Vice President of Formulation Development & Analytics division of BASF crop protection.

The new center will test products sold on a global scale across a wide range of crops. The Center is now a permanent part of BASF's research facilities. To carry out the tests, BASF is using a commercial sprayer supplied by John Deere. Both companies, in collaboration, will use the test results.