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

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 704-710
Author(s):  
Michael J. Walsh ◽  
Caleb C. Squires ◽  
Guy R. Y. Coleman ◽  
Michael J. Widderick ◽  
Adam B. McKiernan ◽  
...  

AbstractAustralian conservation cropping systems are practiced on very large farms (approximately 3,000 ha) where herbicides are relied on for effective and timely weed control. In many fields, though, there are low weed densities (e.g., <1.0 plant 10 m−2) and whole-field herbicide treatments are wasteful. For fallow weed control, commercially available weed detection systems provide the opportunity for site-specific herbicide treatments, removing the need for whole-field treatment of fallow fields with low weed densities. Concern about the sustainability of herbicide-reliant weed management systems remain and there has not been interest in the use of weed detection systems for alternative weed control technologies, such as targeted tillage. In this paper, we discuss the use of a targeted tillage technique for site-specific weed control in large-scale crop production systems. Three small-scale prototypes were used for engineering and weed control efficacy testing across a range of species and growth stages. With confidence established in the design approach and a demonstrated 100% weed-control potential, a 6-m wide pre-commercial prototype, the “Weed Chipper,” was built incorporating commercially available weed-detection cameras for practical field-scale evaluation. This testing confirmed very high (90%) weed control efficacies and associated low levels (1.8%) of soil disturbance where the weed density was fewer than 1.0 plant 10 m−2 in a commercial fallow. These data established the suitability of this mechanical approach to weed control for conservation cropping systems. The development of targeted tillage for fallow weed control represents the introduction of site-specific, nonchemical weed control for conservation cropping systems.

1991 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles T. Bryson ◽  
Edward M. Croom

Annual wormwood has been cultivated on a small scale for production of the artemisinin class of antimalarial drugs in sufficient quantities for preclinical and clinical trials. Large scale cultivation will require a reliable, efficient crop production system. Production systems using 32 herbicides alone or in combinations were evaluated in growth chamber, greenhouse, and field experiments at Stoneville, MS from 1985 through 1988. The herbicide treatments that provided the best weed control were (A) metolachlor at 2.2 kg ai ha-1preemergence (PRE), (B) chloramben at 2.2 kg ai ha-1(PRE), or (C) trifluralin at 0.6 kg ai ha-1preplant soil incorporated (PPI) followed by fluazifop at 0.2 + 0.2 kg ai ha-1postemergence broadcast (POST) and acifluorfen at 0.6 kg ai ha-1(POST). These herbicide production systems provided excellent weed control (≥85%) and minimal crop injury (≤10%) with no effect on crop height or weight at harvest. Production of artemisinin was not reduced by herbicide treatments A, B, and C in 1987 and treatments B and C in 1988 when compared with the hand-weeded plots.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saraswathi Shanmugam ◽  
Eduardo Assunção ◽  
Ricardo Mesquita ◽  
André Veiros ◽  
Pedro D. Gaspar

A weed plant can be described as a plant that is unwanted at a specific location at a given time. Farmers have fought against the weed populations for as long as land has been used for food production. In conventional agriculture this weed control contributes a considerable amount to the overall cost of the produce. Automatic weed detection is one of the viable solutions for efficient reduction or exclusion of chemicals in crop production. Research studies have been focusing and combining modern approaches and proposed techniques which automatically analyze and evaluate segmented weed images. This study discusses and compares the weed control methods and gives special attention in describing the current research in automating the weed detection and control. Keywords: Detection, Weed, Agriculture 4.0, Computational vision, Robotics


Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 246
Author(s):  
Markose Chekol Zewdie ◽  
Michele Moretti ◽  
Daregot Berihun Tenessa ◽  
Zemen Ayalew Ayele ◽  
Jan Nyssen ◽  
...  

In the past decade, to improve crop production and productivity, Ethiopia has embarked on an ambitious irrigation farming expansion program and has introduced new large- and small-scale irrigation initiatives. However, in Ethiopia, poverty remains a challenge, and crop productivity per unit area of land is very low. Literature on the technical efficiency (TE) of large-scale and small-scale irrigation user farmers as compared to the non-user farmers in Ethiopia is also limited. Investigating smallholder farmers’ TE level and its principal determinants is very important to increase crop production and productivity and to improve smallholder farmers’ livelihood and food security. Using 1026 household-level cross-section data, this study adopts a technology flexible stochastic frontier approach to examine agricultural TE of large-scale irrigation users, small-scale irrigation users and non-user farmers in Ethiopia. The results indicate that, due to poor extension services and old-style agronomic practices, the mean TE of farmers is very low (44.33%), implying that there is a wider room for increasing crop production in the study areas through increasing the TE of smallholder farmers without additional investment in novel agricultural technologies. Results also show that large-scale irrigation user farmers (21.05%) are less technically efficient than small-scale irrigation user farmers (60.29%). However, improving irrigation infrastructure shifts the frontier up and has a positive impact on smallholder farmers’ output.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-505
Author(s):  
Tameka L. Sanders ◽  
Jason A. Bond ◽  
Benjamin H. Lawrence ◽  
Bobby R. Golden ◽  
Thomas W. Allen ◽  
...  

AbstractRice with enhanced tolerance to herbicides that inhibit acetyl coA carboxylase (ACCase) allows POST application of quizalofop, an ACCase-inhibiting herbicide. Two concurrent field studies were conducted in 2017 and 2018 near Stoneville, MS, to evaluate control of grass (Grass Study) and broadleaf (Broadleaf Study) weeds with sequential applications of quizalofop alone and in mixtures with auxinic herbicides applied in the first or second application. Sequential treatments of quizalofop were applied at 119 g ai ha−1 alone and in mixtures with labeled rates of auxinic herbicides to rice at the two- to three-leaf (EPOST) or four-leaf to one-tiller (LPOST) growth stages. In the Grass Study, no differences in rice injury or control of volunteer rice (‘CL151’ and ‘Rex’) were detected 14 and 28 d after last application (DA-LPOST). Barnyardgrass control at 14 and 28 DA-LPOST with quizalofop applied alone or with auxinic herbicides EPOST was ≥93% for all auxinic herbicide treatments except penoxsulam plus triclopyr. Barnyardgrass control was ≥96% with quizalofop applied alone and with auxinic herbicides LPOST. In the Broadleaf Study, quizalofop plus florpyrauxifen-benzyl controlled more Palmer amaranth 14 DA-LPOST than other mixtures with auxinic herbicides, and control with this treatment was greater EPOST compared with LPOST. Hemp sesbania control 14 DA-LPOST was ≤90% with quizalofop plus quinclorac LPOST, orthosulfamuron plus quinclorac LPOST, and triclopyr EPOST or LPOST. All mixtures except quinclorac and orthosulfamuron plus quinclorac LPOST controlled ivyleaf morningglory ≥91% 14 DA-LPOST. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl or triclopyr were required for volunteer soybean control >63% 14 DA-LPOST. To optimize barnyardgrass control and rice yield, penoxsulam plus triclopyr and orthosulfamuron plus quinclorac should not be mixed with quizalofop. Quizalofop mixtures with auxinic herbicides are safe and effective for controlling barnyardgrass, volunteer rice, and broadleaf weeds in ACCase-resistant rice, and the choice of herbicide mixture could be adjusted based on weed spectrum in the treated field.


Weed Science ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 762-767 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. C. Glaze ◽  
C. C. Dowler ◽  
A. W. Johnson ◽  
D. R. Sumner

Six multiple-cropping systems composed of: a) turnip (Brassica campestrisspp.rapifera), corn (Zea maysL.), and snapbean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.); b) turnip, peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.), and snapbean; c) turnip, corn, and turnip; d) turnip, peanut, and turnip; e) snapbean, soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.], and cabbage (Brassica oleraceaL.); and f) turnip, cucumber (Cucumis sativusL.), cowpea [Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walp.], and turnip were subjected to nematicide and weed control programs of cultivation or herbicides. Herbicide programs were superior to cultivation in control of weeds. Weeds remaining in the row following cultivation competed severely with crops. Weed species remaining were altered depending on the method of control and crop. Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentusL. ♯3CYPES) increased rapidly in all herbicide programs but not in cultivated plots. Pigweeds (Amaranthusspp.) were controlled by herbicides but increased in cultivated plots. Corn, peanut, soybean, and spring snapbean yields were higher in herbicide treatments than in cultivated treatments. Cucumber was the only crop that had increased yields for both main effects, herbicide and nematicide. Turnip was consistently injured in herbicide treatments, which was believed to be caused by residues from previous crops interacting with pathogens and possible allelopathic effects of decaying organic matter.


Higher demand for broader and possible growth of the problem of state instability. Nothing more than a problem triggers social conflict on a small scale to a large scale. This study aims to identify and study various reasons in Indonesia and also formulate conceptions to increase the responsibility of communities in remote areas. The qualitative method in this study was carried out descriptively based on literature studies. The approach used in this study is integral to the national paradigm and applicable regulations. The results of the study show that the concepts that are following the conditions of the community, increase competitiveness among the environment that can be accessed by the government and facilitate people to manage the natural resources of the region, conduct and implement site-specific management and develop economic management to produce superior products.


2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy Coleman ◽  
William Salter ◽  
Michael Walsh

AbstractThe 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.


Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1710
Author(s):  
Leslie Beck ◽  
Mark Marsalis ◽  
Leonard Lauriault ◽  
Matteo Serena

Broadleaf (Plantago major L.) and buckhorn plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) are perennial weeds that are notoriously difficult to control in alfalfa cropping systems. Sharpen® (saflufenacil) herbicide has been registered for broadleaf weed control in dormant alfalfa, although it has not been evaluated on plantain control. Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of saflufenacil on plantain control with assessments of damage to alfalfa and effects on yield. In the greenhouse, applications of saflufenacil alone caused greater injury to both broadleaf and buckhorn plantain compared to the non-treated control (NTC). Additionally, applications of saflufenacil in combination with other herbicides (imazethapyr or imazamox) caused the greatest amount of injury to both broadleaf and buckhorn plantain compared to all other commercially available herbicide treatments. However, this injury was not enough to effectively control the weeds and prevent recovery and regrowth over time. In the field, alfalfa did not exhibit damage symptoms, or have reduced yield when treated with saflufenacil compared to the NTC. This research indicates that applications of saflufenacil provided temporary injury throughout the duration of the study to both broadleaf and buckhorn plantain with few negative effects to alfalfa in the field.


Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmine Neupane ◽  
Wenxuan Guo

Agriculture faces the challenge of feeding a growing population with limited or depleting fresh water resources. Advances in irrigation systems and technologies allow site-specific application of irrigation water within the field to improve water use efficiency or reduce water usage for sustainable crop production, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This paper discusses recent development of variable-rate irrigation (VRI) technologies, data and information for VRI application, and impacts of VRI, including profitability using this technology, with a focus on agronomic factors in precision water management. The development in sprinkler systems enabled irrigation application with greater precision at the scale of individual nozzle control. Further research is required to evaluate VRI prescription maps integrating different soil and crop characteristics in different environments. On-farm trials and whole-field studies are needed to provide support information for practical VRI applications. Future research also needs to address the adjustment of the spatial distribution of prescription zones in response to temporal variability in soil water status and crop growing conditions, which can be evaluated by incorporating remote and proximal sensing data. Comprehensive decision support tools are required to help the user decide where to apply how much irrigation water at different crop growth stages to optimize water use and crop production based on the regional climate conditions and cropping systems.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holger Kirchmann

The aim of this article is to provide information about crop production data based on large-scale organic farming and to point toward major consequences. National statistics show lower organic yields than compiled in meta-analyses from farm- and plot-scale. Yields of organically cropped legumes were 20% and nonlegumes 40% lower than those of conventionally grown crops. Area estimates showed that almost two of three crops were legumes or legume mixtures in organic farming, whereas one of three crops was a legume in conventional cropping. Doubling land use for legumes in organic farming affected the type of food produced, being dominated by milk products and red meat. Over all crops, the organic yield gap was 35%. Since yields are lower under organic than conventional practices, more land is required to produce the same amount of agricultural crops. A 35% yield gap means that 50% more arable land is required. A demand for 50% more farmland imposes huge land use changes and makes one realize the wide-ranging environmental consequences that follow when converting to organic farming. In a relevant comparison between organic and conventional cropping systems, environmental consequences caused by land use change such as lost products (timber, fiber, energy, etc.) and lost ecosystem services (sequestered carbon in soil, wildlife, biodiversity, etc.) must be included. The concept of organic farming was founded on philosophical views about nature, not biological science. Natural means and methods were assumed to be superior. Verification of the reasoning and statements of the founders on why to abandon mineral fertilizers cannot be corroborated by science and is incorrect. Scientific evidence for the concept to abandon synthetic mineral fertilizers as nutrients for crops is lacking. The scientific community is obliged to follow rigorous scientific criteria—not biased views, prejudices, or beliefs.


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