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AI-trained tech utilised to kill weeds with lasers

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sun, 28 Jul 2024, 12:33pm
Map & Zap uses AI software to detect unwanted weed species from pasture.
Map & Zap uses AI software to detect unwanted weed species from pasture.

AI-trained tech utilised to kill weeds with lasers

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sun, 28 Jul 2024, 12:33pm

New technology using AI and lasers is helping growers to safely tackle weeds without resorting to harmful chemicals.

Map and Zap detects weeds and kills them with a laser - leaving no chemical residue in the soil and not releasing additional carbon.

AgResearch expert Dr Kioumars Ghamkhar says the trials have been successful so far.

"In vineyards, you don't kill all weeds. You want to keep clover, for instance, because it fixes nitrogen and it's good for the soil. That gave us the option to kill other weeds... but clovers were kept alive."

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