| Researcher(s) |
Simon Craig (BCG) Nicole Dimos (SPAA) Tom Lyons (Southern Precision) Tim McClelland (BCG) |
|---|---|
| Year(s) | 2011 |
| Contributor | Society of Precision Agriculture Australia |
| Trial location(s) |
Birchip, VIC
|
To demonstrate the effectiveness of weed sensing technology (WeedSeeker) for controlling problematic low population weeds (e.g. Prickly Lettuce).
This study has shown that substantial savings can be made with the use of this technology. It essntially allows the farmer to have a zero tolerance on summer weeds, without having to apply economical thresholds. The study also identified that the savings will not always result. If there is consistently, 60-70% ground cover, the economical returns may not be as great. This is due to the way the technology is designed. Often in relatively high densities, two sensors would come on to spray one weed, hence twice the amount of water. This is most likely the cause of more water being used in the areas with the High density. Overall, the Weed Seeker technology has the potential to reduce chemical costs and increase the efficiency of spray applications.
| Lead research organisation |
Society of Precision Agriculture Australia |
|---|---|
| Host research organisation | N/A |
| Trial funding source | GRDC SPA000010 |
| Related program | N/A |
| Acknowledgments |
This project was funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and run in conjunction with Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) |
| Other trial partners | Morgan Farms (site hosts) |
| Crop type | None: No crop specified |
|---|---|
| Treatment type(s) |
|
| Trial type | Precision agriculture |
| Trial design | Not applicable |
| Sow date | Not specified |
|---|---|
| Harvest date | Not specified |
| Plot size | Not specified |
| Plot replication | Not specified |
| Other trial notes |
To quantify the actual savings or benefits where WeedSeeker can be used, we attempted to measure the amount of water sprayed on the same strips (using GPS) for a blanket. Blanket spray compared to the amount used using Weed Seeker. |
| # |
Treatment 1
|
Treatment 2
|
Spray application rate (L/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | █ Low weed density (5-10% weed ground cover) | █ Weed Seeker | 36 |
| 2 | █ Low weed density (5-10% weed ground cover) | █ Blanket spray | 75 |
| 3 | █ Medium weed density (10-20% weed ground cover) | █ Weed Seeker | 52 |
| 4 | █ Medium weed density (10-20% weed ground cover) | █ Blanket spray | 75 |
| 5 | █ High weed density (60-80% weed ground cover) | █ Weed Seeker | 120 |
| 6 | █ High weed density (60-80% weed ground cover) | █ Blanket spray | 75 |
SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to
construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol
16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.
