Field applications of automated weed control: Northwest Europe

Abstract

In Northwest Europe there is high need for advanced weed control methods. The use of crop protection chemicals has become stricter, and integrated pest management is required by regulations from the European Union. This need has resulted in the development of several advanced weed control principles based on a combination of proven technologies in combination with decision systems. A major problem with full-field-based methods is that the required settings depend very much on the specific conditions. Use of decision systems helps to improve these methods. Emerging new technologies as machine vision and GPS enabled more precise methods focused on the interrow and intrarow zone and on the plant itself. Some of the methods have already achieved a high level of development and resulted in commercially available weed control equipment with sensors and actuators for precise control. This chapter discusses the advancements achieved in NW Europe on mechanical weed control (full field, interrow and intrarow), physical weed control (steaming and flaming) and chemical weed control (full field, spot and plant oriented).