Laser versus weeds: LZH shows Farming 4.0 at the Agritechnica

The new approach of the LZH is based on the non-contact, optical interaction of light with biological material: cameras can be used to distinguish weeds from crops.

This is the basis for using laser radiation to precisely damage weeds and thus help crops to gain a decisive growth advantage.

The use of herbicides can be drastically reduced with such a process. Since laser radiation acts purely physically, no resistances are formed, the soil can be preserved and beneficials are protected.

In addition, the laser-based approach can easily be integrated in Digital Farming.

Removing weeds from carrots, sugar beets and onions

The first application areas are crops with a high added value in organic farming, such as carrots, sugar beet and onions.

The operation of such a laser-based system is possible on different platforms: autonomous, self-driving, front-mounted or rear-mounted.

PD Dr. Merve Wollweber, m.wollweber@lzh.de