Trimble WeedSeeker offers selective spray technology

Trimble WeedSeeker technology uses sensors that emit a combination of infrared and red lights that, day or night, when reflected and captured by the sensor indicate the presence of green plants, sending a signal to activate a solenoid valve and apply the product in the exact location . For large systems, i.e. trailed or self-propelled sprayers of any brand, sensors and nozzles are installed at a distance of 38 cm between sensors and operate at a height of 70 cm from the ground.

WeedSeeker sensors can be used in various agricultural applications, such as: selective spraying of fruit trees and other trees, fertigation of vegetables, control of weeds in sugarcane and grain crops, the latter of which is already widespread in several countries.

This selective control of weeds generates savings of up to 90% of the product applied, reducing costs with herbicides and agrochemical residues in the environment. Other benefits are related to the system's greater operational efficiency (less number of stops for refueling), use of selective herbicides for better weed control (alternative active ingredient) and distribution of desiccation operations in the off-season to reduce the weed bank. weed seeds in the soil.

A good example of the use of sensors is in the province of Chaco, in Argentina, which is a region characterized by a high infestation of glyphosate-resistant weeds and rainfall of approximately 700 mm per year (low). These factors make the use of herbicides with a different mechanism of action (more expensive) essential for controlling invasives, ensuring the availability of the little water available in the soil, as well as nutrients and sunlight. The use of WeedSeeker sensors has enabled an average saving of 75% of the volume applied by farmers, reducing costs and making the operation economically viable.