Weed seeker demonstration

2011
CC BY 4.0

Research organisaton
Funding source

Trial details

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
Weed seeker demonstration locations
Aims

To demonstrate the effectiveness of weed sensing technology (WeedSeeker) for controlling problematic low population weeds (e.g. Prickly Lettuce).

Key messages

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)
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop type None: No crop specified
Treatment type(s)
  • Herbicide: Application Method
Trial type Precision agriculture
Trial design Not applicable

Birchip 2011

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.

Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information

Download results

Trial results Table 1

# 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

Spray application rate L/ha


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Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Not specified
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Birchip, VIC Not specified
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Birchip, VIC Vertosol
Soil Moisture Source: BOM/ANU
Average amount of water stored in the soil profile during the year, estimated by the OzWALD model-data fusion system.
Year Birchip VIC
2011 431.2mm
2010 344.5mm
2009 292.7mm
2008 275.5mm
2007 274.8mm
2006 283.6mm
2005 316.0mm
2004 281.0mm
2003 275.8mm
2002 240.1mm
2001 285.1mm
2000 290.6mm
National soil grid Source: CSIRO/TERN
NOTE: National Soil Grid data is aggregated information for background information on the wider area
Actual soil values can vary significantly in a small area and the trial soil tests are the most relevant data where available

Soil properties

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Climate

Derived climate information

No observed climate data available for this trial.
Derived climate data is determined from trial site location and national weather sources.

Birchip VIC

NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
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Some data on this site is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology

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.

Trial report and links

2011 trial report



Trial last modified: 30-09-2019 16:22pm AEST