Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
to their current labeling methods aimed at reducing and regulating drift (Spray Drift
Workgroup, 2007). This revision aimed to create more standardized, concise, and
enforceable statements directly related to reducing drift, similar to the more stringent
documentation and regulations already present in many European countries (DEFRA,
2001; Rautmann, 2003; Kuchnicki et al., 2004). With the potential acceptance of this
regulation, the agriculture industry must continue to develop systems that maintain
efficient application while complying with ever-increasing regulations. Innovative
techniques are required to continue to maintain effective pest control while reducing
pesticide uses, off-target application, and operator contact with the pesticide.
Over the past decade, new regulations have been introduced in Europe and the
United States to avoid or minimize the use of certain highly toxic pesticides that
pose greater risk to human and environmental health (e.g., azinphosmethyl in the
United States). In the absence of such wide spectrum chemicals, growers are relying
on selective, reduced-risk pesticides for effective pest management. For the reduced-
risk pesticides to be effective, a highly uniform coverage is essential. Therefore,
improved uniformity of chemical distribution is another essential characteristic of
future application technology (Threadgill, 1985). It is also essential to identify pests
using models and/or near-real-time sensing to apply a particular type of chemical
for more effective pest control. These new regulations also underscore the fact that
minimizing the risk of chemical exposure to farm workers has been and will always
have to be the crucial attribute of any new application systems.
Lastly, future automation in chemical application technology should incorporate
aspects of Integrated Pest Management systems, which “use current, comprehensive
information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment in
combination with available pest control methods” (USEPA, 2011) to lower pest density
to acceptable levels (Barrett and Witt, 1987). A systems approach that includes the
development of pest-resistant crop varieties, crop structure adjustment, pest preven-
tion, pest monitoring and identification, biological pest control, and advanced chemical
application systems is expected to be the pest management system of the future.
In summary, the future application automation technology will strive to achieve a
goal of
improved coverage and efficacy with decreased levels of off-target applica-
tion and overall chemical use
. In addition to decades of advancement in fixed-rate
mass spraying technologies, a variety of methods and systems have been developed
to improve the precision, efficiency, and effectiveness of pest control through selec-
tive, variable rate, and robotic spraying. These advanced technologies have been used
with limited success in both research and commercial operations. Errors caused by
variable machine speed, errors in sensor-based estimations of physical parameters,
system delays, and actuation inaccuracies continue to present challenges and thus
opportunities for further research and development in this important area.
REFERENCES
Adhikari, B., and M. Karkee. 2011. 3D reconstruction of apple trees for mechanical pruning.
ASABE Paper No. 1111613
,
St. Joseph, MI.
Al-Gaadi, K. A., and P. D. Ayers. 1993. Monitoring controlled and non-controlled field sprayer
performance.
ASAE Paper No. 93-1049
, June 1993.
