Tillage based, site-specific weed control for conservation cropping systems

Walsh, Michael; Squires, Caleb C.; Coleman, Guy; Widderick, M.; McKiernan, Adam B.; Chauhan, Bhagirath Singh; Peressini, Carlo; Guzzomi, Andrew

doi:10.1017/wet.2020.34

Cited by 9 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Coupling the GPIO pins of the Raspberry Pi with a relay control board makes identifiable interactions between the camera input, image-based detection output and actuation. The use of the OWL for SSWC requires coupling with external actuators such as solenoids for spot spraying or targeted tillage 40 . The OWL platform combines simple assembly and software designs with practical fallow field detection outcomes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

OpenWeedLocator (OWL): an open-source, low-cost device for fallow weed detection

Coleman

Salter

Walsh

2022

Sci Rep

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The use of a fallow phase is an important tool for maximizing crop yield potential in moisture limited agricultural environments, with a focus on removing weeds to optimize fallow efficiency. Repeated whole field herbicide treatments to control low-density weed populations is expensive and wasteful. Site-specific herbicide applications to low-density fallow weed populations is currently facilitated by proprietary, sensor-based spray booms. The use of image analysis for fallow weed detection is an opportunity to develop a system with potential for in-crop weed recognition. Here we present OpenWeedLocator (OWL), an open-source, low-cost and image-based device for fallow weed detection that improves accessibility to this technology for the weed control community. A comprehensive GitHub repository was developed, promoting community engagement with site-specific weed control methods. Validation of OWL as a low-cost tool was achieved using four, existing colour-based algorithms over seven fallow fields in New South Wales, Australia. The four algorithms were similarly effective in detecting weeds with average precision of 79% and recall of 52%. In individual transects up to 92% precision and 74% recall indicate the performance potential of OWL in fallow fields. OWL represents an opportunity to redefine the approach to weed detection by enabling community-driven technology development in agriculture.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

OpenWeedLocator (OWL): an open-source, low-cost device for fallow weed detection

Coleman

Salter

Walsh

2022

Sci Rep

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“…For physical weed control in tree crops, there is also potential to develop precision agricultural machinery. Site‐specific mechanical weeders or camera‐guided hoes might be adaptable to remove weeds between rows and/or in‐row, depending on the set‐up and cost‐effectiveness (Fernández‐Quintanilla et al, 2018; Walsh et al, 2020).…”

Section: Options For Reducing Glyphosate Use In Europementioning

confidence: 99%

Current and future glyphosate use in European agriculture

Neve,

Matzrafi,

Ulber

et al. 2024

Weed Research

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There has been a longstanding and contentious debate about the future of glyphosate use in the European Union (EU). In November 2023, the European Commission approved the renewal of the use registration for glyphosate for a further 10 years. Nevertheless, the EU Farm to Fork strategy calls for a 50% reduction in pesticide use by 2030. In November 2022, the European Weed Research Society organised a 2 day workshop to identify critical glyphosate uses in current EU cropping systems and to review the availability of glyphosate alternatives. Workshop participants identified four current, critical uses in EU cropping systems; control and management of perennial weeds, weed control in conservation agriculture, vegetation management in tree and vine crops and herbicide resistance management. There are few herbicide alternatives that provide effective, economic, broad‐spectrum control of weeds, particularly perennial weeds. Mechanical weed control, and in particular, soil cultivation is the most obvious glyphosate alternative. However, this is not possible in conservation agriculture systems and, in general, increased soil cultivation has negative impacts for soil health. Emerging technologies for precision weed control can enable more targeted use of glyphosate, greatly reducing use rates. These technologies also facilitate the use and development of alternative targeted physical weed control (e.g. tillage, lasers, electricity), reducing the energy and environmental costs of these approaches. In tree crops, the use of organic and inorganic mulches can reduce the need for glyphosate use. In general, reduced use of glyphosate will require an even greater focus on integrated weed management to reduce weed establishment in agroecosystems, increase weed management diversity and limit the use of alternative resistance‐prone herbicides.

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“…The use of the OWL for SSWC requires coupling with external actuators such as water solenoid valves for spot spraying. Alternatively, other non-chemical SSWC devices could be used, including hydraulic solenoids such as those on a targeted tillage platform (Walsh et al, 2020). The OWL platform combines simple assembly and software designs with practical fallow field detection outcomes.…”

Section: Openweedlocator and Weed Recognition Technology Developmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

OpenWeedLocator (OWL): An open-source, low-cost device for fallow weed detection.

2021

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The use of a fallow phase is an important tool for maximizing yield potential in moisture limited environments. There is a focus on ensuring these phases are maintained weed-free as even low weed densities can be detrimental to fallow efficiency. Repeated whole field herbicide treatment to control low-density weed populations is expensive and wasteful. Site-specific application of herbicide treatments to low density fallow weed populations is currently facilitated by sensor-based devices that detect chlorophyll fluorescence from living plant tissue. The use of image-based weed detection technology for fallow weed detection is an opportunity to develop an approach that can be translated for in-crop weed recognition. Here we present the OpenWeedLocator (OWL), an open-source, low-cost image-based approach for fallow weed detection that improves accessibility to this technology for the weed control community. A comprehensive repository, containing all code and assembly instructions, has been developed that will allow for community driven improvement over time. Four different colour-based weed detection algorithms were tested with the OWL system over seven fallow field scenarios under varying light, soil and stubble conditions. Across all scenarios, the four algorithms were similarly effective in detecting fallow weeds with average precision and recall of 79% and 52%, respectively. In individual transects, precision and recall values of up to 92% and 74%, respectively, suggest the potential fallow weed detection performance of the colour-based system. OWL represents an opportunity to redefine the approach to weed detection by enabling community-driven technology development and implementation in the weed control industry.

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Tillage based, site-specific weed control for conservation cropping systems

Cited by 9 publications

References 15 publications

OpenWeedLocator (OWL): an open-source, low-cost device for fallow weed detection

OpenWeedLocator (OWL): an open-source, low-cost device for fallow weed detection

Current and future glyphosate use in European agriculture

OpenWeedLocator (OWL): An open-source, low-cost device for fallow weed detection.

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