Mapping weed ground cover using a weed-activated sprayer

Abstract

Studies were conducted to develop a monitoring and weed mapping system for a weed-activated sprayer (WAS). Research developed a prototype that combined electronic logging of spray occurrences with location data from a global positioning system (GPS). The system was used to map and measure weed ground cover, and comparisons to random measurements obtained by traditional scouting and imageanalysis revealed that although random scouting provides precise, accurate ground cover estimates in small areas, they do not provide accurate estimations over the entire field. Studies were conducted to provide calibration techniques for the WAS, and models were developed to minimize overspray and underspray while maximizing leaf spray. To maximize performance, the WAS should be calibrated on the darkest and wettest area of the field. Weed populations were accurately mapped with a WAS. These maps can be used to make future weed control decisions.