Machine-Vision Technology Shows Promise to Reduce Herbicide Use

Nov 27, 2024

Farmers and land-managers seeking to reduce their herbicide applications now have another promising option via machine-vision technology. That's the summary from a recently published research article in Weed Technology.

"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," says Tristen Avent, University of Arkansas, Senior Graduate Assistant in the Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Department, and corresponding author of the study.

"In addition to significant opportunities to lower herbicide costs and improve profits, our research also showed that the targeted applications from machine-vision technology can be utilized to provide some soybean health benefits and improve environmental stewardship."

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Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.