Title: The future adoption of automation in weed control

Abstract: The future adoption of automated weed control, either chemical or mechanical or otherwise, depends on a number of driving forces as well as on constraints that affect the diffusion of innovations. Some driving forces are the high labor requirements for weed control in organic agriculture, the development of herbicide resistance of weeds, and societal pressure for reduction of chemical use in agriculture and for traceability of cultivation practices. In addition, financial stimulation by government programs may accelerate acceptance. The constraints can be either technical in terms of working speed or reliability of technology, but also the relative age of existing chemical sprayers may slow down the diffusion. A number of examples of new technology introduction in agriculture are discussed to find similarities that can be a base for forecasting the adoption rate. We find some of the constraints and drivers for technology adoption and also if and how these drivers and constraints were really effective or were surpassed by other social or behavioral phenomena. It is expected that during the initial phases of adoption of automated weed control, a number of technology advances will be made that can enhance the acceptability by farmers as well as the willingness to invest by manufacturers. A 20-year period for a substantial market share of automated weed control equipment is expected. [Josse De Baerdemaeker (2014). Automation: The Future of Weed Control in Cropping Systems, Springer, 221-234] Comment

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Article: WeedsNews4717 (permalink)
Categories: :WeedsNews:non-chemical control, :WeedsNews:research alert, :WeedsNews:economics, :WeedsNews:physical weed control
Date: 6 December 2013; 8:51:51 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time

Author Name: Zheljana Peric
Author ID: zper12