Weed control with laser beams: An eco-friendly alternative to herbicides and mechanical weed control

Abstract

In the EU, we apply ca. 130 million tons of herbicides every year. However, this enormous herbicide consumption has negative site-effects such as the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds and pollution of the environment. Substituting herbicides with mechanical solutions may result in soil erosion and deterioration of soil properties. Harrowing also affects beneficial insects and soil organisms negatively and provides poor results for in-row weeding. Therefore, farmers are interested in new technologies to control weeds. Small autonomous laser-equipped robots could contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly weed control strategy by replacing or supplementing herbicide application and mechanical weed control.