March 2024 - 20

VEG CONNECTIONS
Tips on choosing
robotics
NOVEL WEED CONTROL TECHNOLOGY
FOR THE FARM
BY LYNN M. SOSNOSKIE AND THIERRY E. BESANÇON
W
eeds threaten the $79 billion specialty crop
industry in the U.S. by reducing yields, harboring
pests and pathogens and impeding harvest efforts.
The evolution of herbicide resistance, a changing
regulatory environment and shifting perceptions about
pesticides can also affect herbicide selection and use.
Given the constraints, many companies have entered
the agricultural technology sector with the intention of
developing and marketing novel tools to provide effective
weed control while reducing or eliminating the need
for synthetic herbicides and extensive hand weeding
crews. The types of technologies that are available or
under development are diverse and include GPS-guided
autonomous weeders, vision-guided cultivators, targeted
sprayers and laser weeders.
The second FIRA USA AgTech event was Sept. 19-21, 2023,
in Salinas, California. Many presentations mentioned the
drivers of adoption as well as the barriers to widespread
implementation. While not comprehensive, several factors
should be considered.
Costs
The units can range from tens of thousands of dollars
to more than $1 million, and parts and services must be
considered. Subscription fees for software and data access
should also be considered. Onboard software will likely
have to be updated on a regular basis and some parts may
have to be changed on a frequent basis; thus make sure
that technical support is included in the cost evaluation.
Determine if the technology will require changes to
production systems and practices, such as the alteration
of row spacing or planting density, which could require
new equipment. Not all technology is available for
purchase and some companies may make machinery
available on a contract basis.
Adaptability and versatility
Many companies are developing their systems and
actively operating in California, Arizona, Oregon and
Washington. It's important to remember that western and
eastern U.S. farms differ greatly with respect to soil and
terrain, weather patterns, field sizes and shapes, weed
species, available capital and more.
20 | MARCH 2024
A tractor
mounted
WeedSpider
robotic weeding unit from SeedSpider. This model
features mechanical weed removal implements. Photo
courtesy of SeedSpider.
How much does the equipment weigh? How long can it
autonomously operate? How many acres can it cover in
a day? Does the equipment have utility across multiple
crops or is it specialized for a unique set of conditions?
Ask if the technology has been evaluated in local
conditions. If not, what needs to be done to ensure the
tools can be integrated into your operation?
Infrastructure and labor
Are your cellular and internet services sufficient to
support the needs of both current and future novel
technology? If the equipment is autonomous, does your
state have any laws requiring the presence of a user?
Does your farming operation have personnel on staff with
the needed mechanical, electronic and programming
skills to operate and service new technology?
Steps before adopting novel technologies
Engage - repeatedly - with companies before deciding.
Ask for demonstrations across production conditions and
environments. Collect your own data about performance
and crop safety.
Despite their engagement with the industry, technology
companies may not fully understand specialty crop problems.
Growers should work with industry partners to develop and
refine tools. If feasible, consult with Extension specialists
to integrate this knowledge into your decision process.
Consider if you are a candidate for direct sales versus
service contracts. If you want to own, have a team in place
that is comfortable using and servicing the technology. This
will likely require familiarity with mechanics, electronics,
computer programming and data analysis.
Lynn M. Sosnoskie is an assistant professor of weed
ecology and management for specialty crops at Cornell
University. Thierry E. Besançon is associate professor
and Extension weed science specialist for specialty crops
at Rutgers University'.
March 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March 2024
