Machine vision technology promises to reduce the use of herbicides

Researchers show that targeted sprays reduce post-emergence herbicide use compared to traditional broadcast applications

PUBLISHED ON November 29, 2024

WESTMINSTER, Colo. – Farmers and land managers looking to reduce their herbicide use now have another promising option with image processing technology. This is the summary of a recently published research article in Weed technologya journal of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA).

“Our research has shown that this technology’s targeted sprays save an average of 28.4 to 62.4% in post-emergence herbicides compared to traditional broad-spectrum applications,” says University of Arkansas senior graduate assistant in crop production, soil Tristen Avent and Environment Department of Natural Sciences and corresponding author of the study. “In addition to the significant opportunities to reduce herbicide costs and increase profits, our research has also shown that the targeted applications of image processing technology can be used to achieve some health benefits for soybeans and improve environmental protection.”

In this study, researchers used John Deere’s See & Spray™ technology to compare machine vision targeted spray technology to traditional broadcast applications. The researchers conducted the experiments for two years in Keizer, AR, and Greenville, MS, to compare timing of residual herbicides and targeted spray applications to traditional herbicide programs for glyphosate/glufosinate/dicamba-resistant soybeans.

For more information on the power of machine vision to reduce herbicide use, see the article “Comparing Herbicide Application Methods Using See & Spray™ Technology in Soybeans.” The research is presented in issue 38, 2024 of Weed technologya journal of the Weed Science Society of America, published online by Cambridge University Press.

Um Weed technology

Weed technology is a journal of the Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society focused on weeds and their environmental impact. Weed technology publishes original research and scientific findings in the form of peer-reviewed articles focused on understanding weed control. The journal focuses on applied aspects of weed control in agricultural systems, weed/crop management systems, emerging weed problems, new weed control technologies, herbicides to control unwanted vegetation, and special articles that emphasize technology transfer to improve weed control. To learn more, visit www.wssa.net.

–Cambridge University Press
via EurekAlert!