Use of Information Technologies for Precision Crop Protection

Weed population dynamics in arable fields are influenced by several parameters such as soil characteristics, weather conditions and management practises thus the in-field weed seedling distribution is spatially heterogeneous.
Information on spatial and temporal dynamics of weeds is needed to precise decision algorithms, to control weeds effectively and to prevent colonisation of new areas. In order to study the spatial and temporal dynamics of weed populations under the influence of site-specific control, data of weed population dynamics (emergence, competition, mortality, herbicide efficacy, seed production and viability) are being collected in maize, sugar beet, winter and summer cereals.
Several studies on site specific weed management, based on weed distribution maps demonstrated that this practice is reasonable and has been successfully implemented in research experiments resulting in a significant reduction of herbicide use and environmental benefits. The spatial variation in weed density must be considered in the development of economic weed control thresholds. In order to analyse decision rules for site-specific weed management an on-farm research approach in consideration of heterogeneous weed distribution and varying in-field soil quality was conducted. A regression model separating yield variability caused by heterogeneity of soil characteristics, weed competition and herbicide treatments was generated.
Another aim of this work is to evaluate if the profitability of the site-specific weed management remains stable over multiple years, or if the site-specific weed control does lead to an increase in weed density at locations where no herbicides or reduced rates were applied and if high density patches are persistent in density and location overtime. In order to test this long-term effects population dynamics of blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.) managed using site-specific methods were studied. The results showed that site-specific management coupled with suppressive cereal grain crops in the crop rotation appears to be effective.