Weed Mapping—A Way to Reduce Herbicide Doses

ISSN： 0014-3065

Source： Potato Research, Vol.53, Iss.4, 2010-12, pp. : 359-371

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Abstract

Six-year field trials performed during 2004-2009 focused on the study of weed distribution on selected plots cropped with potato. In the period of potato emergence, coordinates were determined for each point in a grid of 20 × 20 m using global positioning system (GPS) kit GPSMap 276 and values of distribution of all present weed species (g green mass/m²) were assigned to the coordinates. Results were derived of critical amount of present weed species per unit area in relation to yield reduction. Based on these findings and maps of weed distribution on a concrete field plot, data for map construction of treatments (spraying) were designed. The results are recommendation maps of herbicide application. The results confirmed the possibility to obtain data on spatial variability of weeds according to species using GPS and mapping software, and to respect this variability while managing mono- and dicotyledonous weeds. In this way, costs could be saved, and pesticide loading of the environment could be reduced. This solution was followed by verification in a semi-pilot trial in 2008.