By Jamie Martin
A recent study has found that laser weeders can effectively replace herbicides in controlling weeds on East Coast farms.
Previously popular in West Coast farming, this new technology uses deep learning and high-powered lasers to identify and kill weeds without harming crops.
In the study, conducted in New York and New Jersey, researchers tested the laser weeders on spinach, peas, and beets.
Plots were treated with either herbicides, lasers, both, or left untreated. After multiple passes, the laser-only plots showed weed density reductions of up to 66% and a 97% drop in weed biomass compared to untreated areas.
The results showed lasers were equally effective as common herbicides like S-metolachlor and bentazon in managing annual weeds. They performed especially well against lambsquarters and ragweed.
However, they were less effective on grasses and purslane, which have hidden growing points that lasers struggle to reach.
Laser weeding also offered added benefits. It caused less than 1% crop stunting and increased crop biomass by up to 30%, while herbicides delayed crop growth. The laser technology also allowed farmers to target weeds too small for human eyes.
"We wanted to know if laser weeders are going to perform as well as business as usual here on the East Coast, and it turns out, they can," said a lead researcher from Cornell AgriTech.
Although each laser machine can cost up to $1.5 million, some East Coast onion farms have already adopted them. With fewer chemicals, more precise weed control, and growing interest in sustainable farming, laser weeders may become a mainstream tool.
Future research will focus on improving speed, power, and effectiveness for different crops and conditions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoomtravels
Categories: National