Drones and AI used to help farmers control weeds

Some of the latest technologies could be used to help farmers tackle one of their oldest problems.

Researchers at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, are using drones and AI to scan fields and identify weeds.

Controlling weeds can be difficult and time-consuming for farmers. It is hoped the new technology will save time and reduce the need for large-scale spraying of chemicals.

“(This way) you identify exactly the area where weeds are located. This means that instead of applying pesticides or herbicides to an entire field, you select specific areas,” said Dr. Emmanuel Zuza, lecturer in environmental management and sustainability at the university.

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“That means you release fewer herbicides and pesticides into the environment, but you also reduce production costs on your farm,” he said.

Some weeds have also become resistant to types of herbicides and it is hoped this will help reduce the amount of chemicals used…