Weed management is an essential aspect of tree nursery operations due to the competition between weeds and the target crops for resources such as nutrients, water, and light. Additionally, weeds can harbor parasites like insects, nematodes, and mites that may harm the crops. To combat weeds, nurseries often rely on herbicide spraying, a method that is both costly and environmentally damaging. The broad-spectrum application of herbicides leads to excessive use and potential damage to trees, which can render them unsellable. Current precision weed management techniques used in smaller crop farming are not directly applicable to tree nurseries due to the physical layout and the height of trees, presenting a challenge for autonomous solutions.
To address these issues, the project aims to develop an autonomous system capable of precision weeding using lasers within tree nurseries. This system aims to reduce the financial and environmental costs associated with traditional weed management methods. By precisely targeting weeds, the system could lower the total volume of herbicides used or even eliminate the need for them. However, implementing such a system requires overcoming challenges in accurately detecting and localizing weeds for effective targeting and manipulation in varied environmental conditions. The project will build on the existing moss© system for mapping and navigating tree nurseries, indicating a move towards innovative, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective weed management solutions.