SENSOR-CONTROLLED HOODED SPRAYER FOR ROW CROPS

Authors
Citation
Je. Hanks et Jl. Beck, SENSOR-CONTROLLED HOODED SPRAYER FOR ROW CROPS, Weed technology, 12(2), 1998, pp. 308-314
Citations number
15
Categorie Soggetti
Agriculture,"Plant Sciences
Journal title
ISSN journal
0890037X
Volume
12
Issue
2
Year of publication
1998
Pages
308 - 314
Database
ISI
SICI code
0890-037X(1998)12:2<308:SHSFRC>2.0.ZU;2-E
Abstract
Methods were developed and evaluated that utilize state of the art wee d-sensing technology in row-crop production systems. Spectral differen ces in green living plants and bare soil allowed 'real-time' weed dete ction, with intermittent spraying of herbicide only where weeds were p resent. Sensor units were mounted in 0.7-m-wide hooded sprayers provid ing sensors with an unobstructed view of the area between soybean rows . Single hood and commercial-size eight-row systems were evaluated, an d savings in glyphosate spray solution applied using sensors ranged fr om 63 to 85%, compared to conventional hooded spray systems with conti nuous application. Weed control by the sensor-controlled spray system was equal to the conventional system. This technology can significantl y reduce herbicide usage and decrease production cost without reducing weed control.