Sensor-based weed detection and application of variable herbicide rates in real time

An important step towards application of variable herbicide rates is the development of online sensors for detecting weeds. Field trials were conducted with a sensor-controlled field sprayer from the year 2000 to 2003 in cereals and pea. The aim was to quantify the influence of the real-time application of variable herbicide rates on the amount of herbicides used, grain yield and late weed infestation. In 13 field trials average herbicide savings of 24.6% were achieved (cereals: 22.8%, pea: 27.9%), and compared with conventional application on average no yield reduction was caused by sensor-based herbicide application. When late weed infestation was checked shortly before harvest, no differences in weed density were observed between areas with reduced and areas with standard dosage.