Precision Spraying Technology Could Expand Future Weed Control Options
A recent article featured on GROW (Getting Rid of Weeds) explores how emerging precision spraying technologies may help address one of agriculture’s biggest challenges: the shrinking number of effective herbicide options available to growers. Researchers say ultra-targeted spray systems could eventually allow farmers to use a broader range of weed control products while dramatically reducing herbicide use and minimizing crop injury.
The issue is particularly important for non-GMO corn and soybean growers, who often have fewer postemergence herbicide options than producers using herbicide-tolerant crop traits. According to University of Wisconsin-Madison weed scientist Dr. Rodrigo Werle, herbicide resistance has already forced some farmers to reconsider traditional production systems because effective postemergence control tools are becoming increasingly limited.
One technology that could help change that equation is the Ecorobotix ARA sprayer, an ultra-precise, camera-guided application system designed to identify weeds and treat only the targeted areas. Rather than broadcasting herbicides across an entire field, the system applies product to a highly focused 2.4-inch-by-2.4-inch area when weeds are detected. This selective approach can substantially reduce overall herbicide use while maintaining weed control.
The sprayer also includes a “safety zone” feature that creates a buffer around crop plants, preventing applications when weeds are too close to the crop. This capability inspired researchers to investigate whether ultra-precise technology could one day allow non-selective herbicides, such as glufosinate, to be used in conventional row crops without causing unacceptable crop damage. Current herbicide labels and regulations do not permit such applications, so the work was conducted as a research trial to evaluate the concept.
Researchers found that the success of any precision spraying program still depends heavily on a strong foundation of residual herbicides. Fields that received robust preemergence weed control programs consistently delivered better overall outcomes, regardless of which postemergence strategy followed. In fact, the strongest weed control results came when effective residual herbicides reduced early-season pressure, allowing targeted applications to focus on the smaller number of weeds that escaped initial treatment.
The study also demonstrated significant potential for reducing postemergence herbicide use. Depending on the treatment program, herbicide savings ranged from 64% to 83% when stronger preemergence programs were combined with precision-targeted applications. For growers facing increasing input costs and stewardship pressures, that level of reduction could provide meaningful economic and environmental benefits.
Researchers successfully controlled a range of common weeds, including ragweed species, velvetleaf, and grass weeds. Crop injury remained minimal regardless of herbicide type or sprayer settings, suggesting that precision application technology could offer a workable path toward expanding future weed management flexibility. However, some weeds growing directly within crop rows were intentionally excluded from treatment to protect the crop, highlighting the continued need for integrated weed management approaches rather than sole reliance on a single technology.
For ag retailers, the research underscores the growing role precision application technologies may play in future weed management programs. As herbicide resistance continues to reduce the effectiveness of traditional approaches, targeted systems could help growers preserve existing chemistry, lower application volumes, and potentially gain access to new management strategies if regulations and product labels evolve accordingly.
While researchers caution that widespread adoption will depend on regulatory changes and further field validation, the technology offers a glimpse into how precision agriculture may help growers balance weed control, resistance management, and input efficiency in the years ahead.
Learn More at GROW
To learn more about the research behind ultra-precise spraying systems and what they could mean for future weed management programs, read the full article on GROW (Getting Rid of Weeds).
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