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Target Spray Efficiency Evaluation on Soybeans

Applied Research

Amanda Douridas
Extension Educator
OSU, Madison County
London

Abstract

Targeted broadcast spray application is a new technology that utilizes camera technology and machine learning on a sprayer to identify weeds in a field and apply herbicide only to weeds present while maintaining label rates. The spray in this project was equipped with John Deere See and SprayTM Ultimate which is a two-tank system allowing for the application of a residual to all acres while target spraying emerged weeds. The objective of the project was to evaluate potential herbicide cost savings with a target spray application system compared to broadcast applications on soybeans. We evaluated six pre-planting (PRE) and eight post-planting (POST) spray applications across multiple fields. These fields had a combination of no-till and tillage. Weed control historically across this farm has been excellent. In 2024 there was a technology fee of $1 per acre for PRE applications and a $4 per acre fee for POST applications. This fee was applied to all acres where the technology was turned on. Costs of broadcast applications were calculated to determine cost savings with a target spray application. No broadcast application was actually made. The herbicide cost for PRE ranged from $5.47 to $12.29/ac. The herbicide cost for all POST applications was $15.05 per acre. Since only target spray was used in 2024, visual observations were used to evaluate weed control effectiveness. It was determined that weed control was as good as broadcast expectations. Cost savings were seen in all but two field application, one in PRE and one in POST saw negative returns. The formulas used to calculate costs were: PRE = (Acres x $1) + (Acres Applied x Herbicide Cost);  POST = (Acres x $4) + (Acres Applied x Herbicide Cost). The total was then subtracted from the herbicide cost for total field acres to determine herbicide cost savings. The farm saved $1,788.25 on PRE application and $1,075.06 on POST. The percent acres not applied across both applications averaged 54%. Average savings per acre on PRE was $3.76/ac and $5.12/ac on POST.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: Amanda Douridas, Nathan Douridas
  1. Douridas, A. Extension Educator, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 43140
  2. Douridas, N. Farm Manager, Molly Caren Ag Center, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 43140