Laser weeding

For more sustainable agriculture, LZH is researching light-based weed control using lasers. With our weed treatment demonstrator, we can visualize how unwanted plants can be treated precisely and selectively using laser technology: The laser beam specifically destroys sensitive plant parts such as the apical meristem or the stem base. The lasers used have a beam diameter of just a few millimeters and work without contact, which means this technology can treat weeds in close proximity to crops without damaging them.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to control the laser treatment. Image recognition distinguishes between crops and weeds and determines the target points for the laser.

This method makes it possible to treat individual plants in a highly targeted manner: Based on various parameters, some plants could be left standing while others are irradiated. Additionally, treatment does not necessarily have to be lethal. The plant can also merely be damaged so that it needs time to recover (growth retardation). This leads to less competition for crops while simultaneously promoting greater biodiversity.

Motivation

• Development of a more ecologically sustainable alternative to herbicide use in agriculture
• Contribution to herbicide resistance prevention in weed control
• Development of a mechanical alternative to manual weed control within plant rows

Applications

• Weed control in close proximity to even very young crops
• Selective weed control

Advantages

• Automated process: no labor required for manual weed treatment
• Thermal process, therefore no development of resistance
• Enables growth advantage for crops while maintaining biodiversity
• Selective treatment of individual plants possible