Description
Targeted spray systems identify a weed within a crop and then apply herbicide directly to that weed in real-time. The use of targeted spraying techniques allows growers to apply less pesticide to their crop and potentially extend their options for herbicide use. Technology has been developed using state of the art precision detection software to recognise weeds in wider row crop such as vegetables and use targeted spraying to reduce phototoxicity on crops and therefore increase yields. In the UK, this method is specifically useful in onion, carrot and sugar beet.
Explanation
The use of targeted spraying techniques allows growers to apply less pesticide to their crop and potentially extend their options for herbicide use, potentially reducing phototoxicity on crops and therefore increasing yields. Weed control in UK field vegetable crops is becoming more challenging due to the increasingly limited availability of herbicide products and greater pressure to reduce pesticide inputs.
Advantages
• Provides a strong cultural control option by naturally suppressing weed growth.
• Easy to select and implement through variety choice.
• Widens crop variety options, helping reduce the risks of monoculture.
• Supports reduced herbicide use and promotes biodiversity through crop diversification.
Drawbacks
• Effectiveness can vary depending on weather and soil conditions.
• May be less effective under high weed pressure.
• Relies on seed breeders to prioritize and develop competitive traits.
• Competitive seed varieties may be more expensive.
• Limited availability of comparative information between cultivars.
• No direct negative environmental impacts identified.
Technical Aspects
Technical readiness
A variety of precision application technologies are available both globally and in the UK to accurately identify and target weeds. However, challenges remain, particularly in determining the appropriate chemical dosage, meaning continued refinement and adaptation are still needed.
Ease and efficiency of implementation
These systems are typically high-tech and require trained operators to ensure effective and safe use.
Need for training and education
Specialised training is necessary due to the technical complexity of the equipment.
Need for investments
Equipment costs are very high, making significant investment necessary for adoption.
Policy Recommendations
Increase grant availability for equipment purchases and offer subsidies through schemes like the Sustainable Farming Incentive to support adoption of environmentally friendly technologies.
Economic Analysis
The CBA undertaken on this solution within this project was inconclusive on the economic benefits as data were limited. Overall, there is a very big initial investment in targeted spraying equipment. However, the return on investment should be seen due to the reduced pesticide input and high efficacy of the sprayer. There needs to be more data to be able to accurately assess this area.
Social Analysis
The traffic light score for the social impact of targeted precision spraying in field vegetable crops stands at 62.50%. This indicates a moderate overall social impact, reflecting that the technology offers notable improvements in labour conditions and agricultural management flexibility. However, substantial barriers, primarily the significant initial investment and operational costs, curtail broader social benefits and accessibility, especially for smaller farms. This moderate score points to existing benefits but highlights the need for additional financial support or policy interventions to extend these benefits more widely.
The social impact perceptions gathered from the questionnaire highlight significant positive effects in key areas such as improving farmers' education and skills, which scored 0.75, and enhancing working conditions, scoring 0.70. These findings suggest that targeted precision spraying is viewed favourably for its role in boosting operational expertise and fostering better labour environments. This perception indicates that the technology not only improves technical operations but also contributes meaningfully to the skill development and overall well-being of farm workers.
Social Analysis Percentage
62.50
Social Analysis Color
yellow
Environmental Analysis
The environmental traffic light score for targeted precision spraying in field vegetable crops stands at 59.12%. This indicates a moderate level of environmental benefit from the technology. While it successfully reduces chemical use and supports ecological sustainability, concerns about energy consumption have impacted the overall score negatively. Our findings show that despite the technology's ability to lower fuel consumption, perceived increases in other forms of energy use might contribute to less favourable evaluations of its environmental efficiency, suggesting a gap between actual performance and broader environmental perceptions.
It is difficult to align our findings and literature or public perception highlighting the need for further education and communication regarding the operational benefits and real-time energy efficiencies achieved by the technology. For example, this system scored highly for reducing external inputs (pesticides) and minimize the ecological footprint. However, there are discrepancies particularly in the context of energy use, that require more data to fully understand. It also underscores the importance of aligning evaluation frameworks more closely with actual performance data to ensure that environmental benefits are fully recognized and accurately represented.
Environmental Analysis Percentage
59.12
Environmental Analysis Color
yellow