SENSOR-CONTROLLED HOODED SPRAYER FOR ROW CROPS

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.