In a significant development for precision agriculture, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has completed a three-year field trial of John Deere’s See & Spray™ technology in soybeans. The results, announced from Fayetteville, Arkansas, reveal that proper use of this innovative system can dramatically reduce post-emergence herbicide use by up to 59 percent, potentially saving Arkansas soybean producers millions of dollars annually. The trial, initiated in 2022, utilized a See & Spray™ prototype to assess the technology’s capabilities in targeted herbicide applications.
The See & Spray™ system employs machine learning and real-time imagery from cameras to selectively spray herbicides on weeds in row crops, a method that contrasts with traditional broadcast applications. This targeted approach not only reduces herbicide use but also minimizes environmental impact. The trial, led by Jason Norsworthy, Distinguished Professor of weed science, focused on the system’s effectiveness in managing weeds and its economic implications.
The field trial demonstrated that operating the See & Spray™ system at a low sensitivity setting can significantly reduce herbicide use. However, this setting also allows more weeds to escape initial treatment, potentially leading to increased weed populations in subsequent years. At higher sensitivity settings, the system becomes less selective, spraying more areas and using more herbicide. Norsworthy noted that while low sensitivity settings offer short-term herbicide savings, they can result in long-term increases in weed populations and potential herbicide resistance.
The economic analysis of the trial revealed that Arkansas soybean producers could see herbicide cost savings ranging from 13 percent to 80 percent, translating to annual savings of $1.6 million to $48 million. However, improper use of the technology could lead to a 280 percent increase in Palmer amaranth pigweed each year, potentially costing producers up to $60 million annually in additional herbicide applications.
The See & Spray™ technology, originally developed by Blue River Technology for thinning lettuce fields, was acquired by John Deere and adapted for weed control in row crops. The system uses digital cameras mounted on tractor booms to identify and spot-spray weeds, offering a more precise and efficient alternative to traditional herbicide application methods. Norsworthy’s trials compared broadcast applications to targeted applications at various sensitivity settings, evaluating herbicide savings, weed control, and yield impacts.
The study highlighted the importance of proper settings and application methods. Norsworthy recommended using the high-sensitivity setting for most scenarios, as it provides the best return on investment. He also noted that broadcasting residual herbicides at planting, followed by targeted post-emergence herbicide applications, is the most effective strategy. The See & Spray™ Ultimate model, which allows for dual-tank applications, offers the highest return on investment, while the Premium model requires multiple passes for optimal results.
Tristen Avent, Norsworthy’s Ph.D. student, conducted economic analyses to determine the breakeven points for both the Premium and Ultimate models. Assuming a $25,000 upgrade cost, the high sensitivity setting saved $30.49 per acre over the entire season, with the sprayer paying for itself after treating 819 acres for a $25,000 upgrade or 2,460 acres for a $75,000 upgrade. Avent and Norsworthy are collaborating with Lanier Nalley, head of the agricultural economics and agribusiness department, to develop various scenarios for producers, considering machine and herbicide costs, efficiency, and different crop types.
The implications of this trial are far-reaching. As more companies invest in targeted spraying technology, the See & Spray™ system offers a promising solution for sustainable weed management. By reducing herbicide use and minimizing environmental impact, this technology could revolutionize precision agriculture, benefiting both farmers and the environment. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture continues to lead in agricultural research, providing valuable insights and innovations for the industry.
