Farmers are struggling with herbicide-resistant weeds, which can be controlled with cover crops. However, more tools are needed to support farmer success. The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) partners, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Texas A&M University, and Iowa State University, are developing technology to help. They are using 3D computer imagery to map cover crops and weeds with precision, allowing farmers to make informed decisions on how to control weeds. The technology can lead to improved herbicide resistance management, reduced herbicide use, better soil health, and improved water quality. The project began in 2021 and uses a hand-held GoPro camera to take aerial videos of cover crops, which are then analyzed using 3D imaging. The resulting map shows cover-crop biomass throughout the field, helping farmers predict expected weed suppression levels. The project has focused on cereal rye, a widely used cover crop, and aims to test the accuracy of the method in predicting late-season weed escapes.
CIG Partners Unveils 3D Solution to Enhance Weed Control for Farmers
