Computer Video System Maps Weeds In Fields

Computer Video System Maps Weeds In Fields COMPUTERS A U S -based computer scientist is helping build a weed control system that ID’s and maps weeds in fields Bob Pilgrim Murray State University is working with British researchers to develop the mapping system They have received a 4-year grant for more than $1 3 million to refine it Not only can the system tell you what weeds are in your field and where it will be able to estimate crop yields as well “We are using cameras with such high resolution that we can measure the length of the grain kernel and count the kernels on the grain head ” says Pilgrim “Other systems have been developed that can pick out weeds or green plants against brown dirt Ours can pick out green grassy weeds against green cereal plants and identify them ” The GPS-linked digital camera system is not designed to work in real time That is if mounted on a sprayer boom as planned it won’t activate the sprayer to treat the weed Currently only mature grass weeds can be identified too late for control to be economically effective “The damage to yield is already done ” says Pilgrim adding that identification and mapping of the weeds is still important As the equipment is driven through a field cameras record and georeference tag the image with location data passing vegetation The controller identifies the weeds for later placement on a field map “Growth of weed patches are predictable ” he says “The map can be used the following year to place a buffer zone around the area for treatment before the weeds emerge ” Such planned treatment can reduce herbicide costs allow targeted spray for particular weed species and differential spraying across the field Pilgrim says such a system has immediate application in Great Britain and Europe where environmental rules on herbicide applications are much more stringent “As herbicide resistant weeds become even more of a problem in the U S it may have more application ” says Pilgrim “You could change rates or even change the herbicide being sprayed depending on the weeds likely to emerge in a given area of the field ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Bob Pilgrim 1216 Wilkins Rd Benton Ky 42025 ph 270 752-2657; bob pilgrim@murraystate edu

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