A research center in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, is testing a new way to use artificial intelligence (AI) to detect weeds directly in farmers' fields. Cameras mounted on crop sprayers can identify a weed known as black-grass at various stages of growth. The system then ensures that herbicide is applied only to the parts of the field where it is needed. The entire project combines long-standing knowledge of the black-grass problem with modern technology.
How Weed Detection Works
Researchers at Rothamsted Research have developed a system in which cameras made by Bosch photograph crops and weeds from a fixed height. These images are used to train an AI algorithm that learns to distinguish black-grass from the surrounding cereal crops. Then, as the sprayer moves through the field, the cameras capture real-world field conditions. Rather than targeting individual plants, the system creates an infestation map. Based on this map, the sprayer applies herbicide precisely where it detects weeds.
Dr David Comont, an evolutionary ecologist at Rothamsted Research, explains that black-grass is a particularly troublesome weed for farmers. According to him, this approach reduces the amount of herbicide used while saving growers money and maintaining weed control. Experiments showed that the ideal setup consists of 28 cameras positioned at a height of 1.1 meters. This setup makes it possible to cover large areas efficiently.
Project Progress
The project lasted three years and involved taking thousands of photographs directly in the field. In total, black-grass infestations were mapped across more than 100 hectares of land. Muhammad Kassem, a data scientist at Bosch, says they scanned approximately 5,000 images from different times of the year. These images covered black-grass growing among wheat, barley, and beans.
Each pass of the sprayer through the field generated so much data that downloading it took several days. The team then used coding to clean the images and train the AI. The result? Detection accuracy reached around 85%. This success means that farmers can apply herbicides more precisely, minimizing unnecessary spraying on weed-free parts of the field.
Practical Applications
This approach not only helps combat resistant weeds but also contributes to more sustainable agriculture by reducing the overall use of chemicals. Researchers at Rothamsted Research emphasize that the combination of cameras, AI, and sprayers provides tangible benefits for farmers. The system is designed to be practical and easy to integrate into routine farming operations.
Source: bbc.com
