Greeneye Technology Expands Precision Spraying to Transform Cotton Farming

Greeneye Technology is making significant strides in the agricultural sector with the expansion of its precision spraying system to include cotton crops. This innovative technology has already proven its worth in corn and soybean farming, demonstrating an impressive average reduction of 87% in non-residual herbicide use. With cotton farmers grappling with a unique set of challenges, Greeneye’s AI-enabled system offers a promising solution that could transform weed management practices in this critical crop sector.

Cotton farming presents specific hurdles, including extended growing seasons that necessitate multiple herbicide applications, wide row spacing that encourages weed proliferation, and the escalating issue of herbicide resistance. Traditional methods often fall short, leaving farmers like Texas producer Dudley Pohnert feeling the pressure. Pohnert, who manages around 8,000 acres of various crops, highlights the inadequacies of current herbicide practices. Despite using effective tank mixes, he finds that he should be spraying more frequently to combat persistent weeds. However, the prohibitive cost of chemicals has made this impractical.

The Greeneye system addresses these concerns by enabling precise herbicide application that targets weeds with sub-millimeter accuracy in real-time. This capability allows for both pre- and post-emergence applications, giving farmers the flexibility to spray more often, including under less-than-ideal conditions such as at night or during dust storms. By retrofitting existing sprayers rather than requiring the purchase of new equipment, Greeneye lowers the financial barrier for farmers while enhancing operational efficiency. The dual-line configuration of the system allows for simultaneous precision and broadcast spraying, which aligns with agronomic best practices.

Research and development efforts have been robust, with extensive field trials capturing hundreds of thousands of images of cotton plants and common weeds. This data has been instrumental in training the system’s artificial intelligence to accurately differentiate between crops and weeds at various growth stages and under changing weather conditions. Such precision not only optimizes herbicide use but also significantly reduces overall costs, with Pohnert expecting to cut his herbicide usage by 25-40% and recoup his investment within two to three seasons.

The implications of Greeneye’s technology extend beyond cost savings. By improving weed control efficacy and reducing the reliance on chemical herbicides, the system promotes greater sustainability in cotton farming. As cotton producers face increasing scrutiny over their environmental impact, adopting such innovative solutions may also enhance their marketability and compliance with evolving agricultural regulations. Greeneye’s CEO, Nadav Bocher, emphasizes the transformative potential of this technology, positioning it as a game-changer for U.S. cotton farmers who are in dire need of effective, economical, and sustainable weed management solutions.

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