Tech reduces herbicide use in farming

Study shows major savings with machine vision

A breakthrough in agricultural technology offers new hope for reducing herbicide use, according to a study featured in Weed Technology.

Researchers at the University of Arkansas have demonstrated that machine-vision technology can significantly decrease the amount of herbicide needed in soybean farming.

The study, spearheaded by Tristen Avent, used John Deere’s See & Spray™ Technology to compare the effectiveness of machine-vision targeted sprays against traditional herbicide applications. The findings were conclusive - targeted spraying can reduce herbicide usage by 28.4 to 62.4%, depending on the conditions.

“Our research showed that, on average, this technology’s targeted sprays saved a range of 28.4 to 62.4% on postemergence herbicides compared to traditional broadcast applications,” stated Avent.

Conducted over two years in Arkansas and Mississippi, the experiments highlighted not only the economic benefits but also the potential for improving soybean health and environmental conservation.

The advantages of machine-vision technology encompass more than just economic savings. It represents a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices, addressing both profitability and environmental concerns. 

The detailed findings are available in the article 'Comparing Herbicide Application Methods with See & Spray™ Technology in Soybean,' underscoring the role of innovative technologies in contemporary agriculture.

Weed Technology continues to be a pivotal platform for disseminating research on managing weeds effectively and sustainably, promoting new technologies that can lead to better management practices in agriculture.