Study Shows Lasers Work Well in East Coast Crop Fields
Laser technology is now proving itself on East Coast farms as a powerful alternative to traditional herbicides. A new study tested laser weeders on crops like spinach, peas, and beets and found their performance matched or exceeded herbicide effectiveness in many cases.
The laser weeding machines use AI to scan rows, detect weeds, and zap them with lasers. In the study, treatments included herbicides, lasers, a combination of both, and a control with no treatment. Trials were conducted in New York and New Jersey.
The results were promising. Laser weeders reduced weed density by 66% and weed biomass by 97% by season’s end. They worked best on small weeds like lambsquarters and ragweed, but struggled with purslane and grasses due to underground growing points.
While herbicides stunted crops and delayed growth, laser treatments resulted in less than 1% stunting and increased crop biomass by up to 30%. This makes lasers a safer and more crop-friendly option.
“We wanted to know if laser weeders are going to perform as well as business as usual here on the East Coast, and it turns out, they can,” said a study author.
Despite the high cost—up to $1.5 million per machine—some East Coast farms have started using them, especially in onion fields. The technology helps farmers reduce chemical use and labor, both important for organic and conventional growers alike.
With more research underway to improve speed and effectiveness, laser weeders may soon become a more common sight on farms focused on sustainable and high-tech solutions.