Blue River See & Spray: Precision Weed Control

The global agriculture industry is facing numerous challenges, including the need to increase crop yields to feed a growing population, while also reducing the environmental impact of farming practices. One of the most significant challenges is the management of weeds, which can reduce crop yields, quality, and profitability. Traditional weed control methods, such as blanket spraying of herbicides, are becoming less effective and sustainable due to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds, the negative impacts on soil health and biodiversity, and the increasing consumer demand for organic and sustainable food products.

In response to these challenges, Blue River Technology, a subsidiary of John Deere, has developed a revolutionary weed control system called See & Spray. This innovative technology combines computer vision, machine learning, and precision spraying to identify and target individual weeds in real-time, while leaving the crops and soil unharmed. By applying herbicides only where they are needed, See & Spray can significantly reduce the amount of chemical inputs used in agriculture, while also improving the efficacy and efficiency of weed control.

Overview of See & Spray Technology

Computer Vision and Machine Learning

The core of See & Spray technology is its advanced computer vision and machine learning algorithms, which enable the system to accurately detect and identify individual plants in real-time. The system uses high-resolution cameras and sensors to capture images of the field, which are then processed by deep-learning neural networks to classify each plant as either a crop or a weed.

The machine learning models used by See & Spray are trained on vast datasets of plant images, which are annotated and labeled by expert agronomists and data scientists. The models are continuously updated and refined based on new data and feedback from the field, allowing the system to adapt to different crop types, growth stages, and environmental conditions.

Some of the key technical features and advantages of See & Spray's computer vision and machine learning system include:

High accuracy and precision: See & Spray's deep learning models can achieve over 95% accuracy in detecting and classifying plants, even in complex and variable field conditions. The system can distinguish between different weed species and crop varieties, and can even identify weeds that are partially obscured or overlapping with crops.
Real-time processing and decision-making: See & Spray's edge computing architecture allows the system to process and analyze plant images in real-time, without the need for cloud connectivity or data transfer. This enables the system to make rapid and precise spraying decisions based on the actual plant population in each field section, rather than relying on pre-programmed maps or averages.
Scalability and adaptability: See & Spray's machine learning models are designed to be scalable and adaptable to different crop types, geographies, and farming practices. The system can be trained on new datasets and fine-tuned for specific use cases, such as organic farming, specialty crops, or conservation tillage.
Continuous learning and improvement: See & Spray's machine learning system is designed to continuously learn and improve based on new data and insights from the field. The system can automatically detect and flag anomalies or errors in its classifications, and can incorporate user feedback and corrections to refine its models and algorithms over time.

Precision Spraying and Actuation

In addition to its computer vision and machine learning capabilities, See & Spray also features a highly precise and targeted spraying system that can apply herbicides only to the weeds identified by the system, while avoiding contact with the crops and soil. The spraying system is fully integrated with computer vision and machine learning algorithms, allowing for real-time and synchronized actuation based on the plant classification results.

See & Spray's precision spraying system uses advanced nozzle technology and control algorithms to achieve high accuracy and resolution in herbicide applications. The system can adjust the nozzle flow rate, droplet size, and spray pattern based on the size, density, and location of each weed, as well as the environmental conditions such as wind speed and direction.

Some of the key technical features and advantages of See & Spray's precision spraying system include:

Individual plant treatment: See & Spray's spraying system can target individual weeds with a resolution of 1-2 cm, allowing for highly localized and precise treatment of each plant. This enables the system to use the minimum amount of herbicide needed to control each weed, while also avoiding any unintended drift or runoff to adjacent plants or soil.
Multiple herbicide options: See & Spray's spraying system can be configured to apply multiple herbicides or tank mixes, depending on the weed species and resistance profile in each field. The system can also adjust the herbicide rate and mix based on the growth stage and vigor of each weed, allowing for more targeted and effective control.
Reduced chemical usage: By applying herbicides only where they are needed, See & Spray can reduce the overall amount of chemical inputs used in weed control by up to 90% compared to traditional blanket spraying. This not only reduces the cost and environmental impact of herbicide use but also helps to slow down the development of herbicide-resistant weeds.
Increased crop safety and quality: See & Spray's precision spraying system helps to minimize the exposure of crops to herbicides, reducing the risk of phytotoxicity, yield loss, and residue contamination. This can lead to healthier and higher-quality crops, as well as improved food safety and consumer acceptance.

Integration with John Deere Equipment and Services

As a subsidiary of John Deere, Blue River Technology has developed See & Spray as a fully integrated solution that can be deployed on John Deere's advanced spraying equipment and platforms. See & Spray is currently available as an option on John Deere's R4044 and R4060 self-propelled sprayers, which are designed for high-volume and high-speed spraying applications in row crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton.

The integration of See & Spray with John Deere's equipment and services provides several technical and practical advantages for farmers and agronomists, such as:

Seamless compatibility and operation: See & Spray is designed to work seamlessly with John Deere's spraying equipment and precision ag technology stack, including the Gen4 CommandCenter display, AutoTrac guidance system, and JDLink telematics platform. This allows farmers to easily monitor and control See & Spray's operation from the cab, as well as to integrate the system with other precision ag tools and data sources.
High-quality and reliable components: See & Spray leverages John Deere's high-quality and durable components, such as the carbon fiber boom, stainless steel plumbing, and high-flow solution system, which are designed to withstand the rigors of high-volume spraying applications. This ensures that See & Spray can maintain its accuracy and performance even in challenging field conditions and over multiple seasons.
Access to John Deere's dealer network and support: See & Spray is supported by John Deere's extensive network of dealers and technicians, who can provide expert installation, calibration, and maintenance services for the system. This ensures that farmers can get the most out of See & Spray's capabilities and can minimize downtime and repair costs.
Integration with John Deere's digital agriculture platform: See & Spray is fully integrated with John Deere's digital agriculture platform, including the Operations Center web portal and mobile app. This allows farmers to easily access and analyze the data generated by See & Spray, such as the weed maps, herbicide application rates, and spraying performance metrics, and to use this data to optimize their weed management strategies and decisions.

3. Benefits and Advantages of See & Spray

Economic Benefits

One of the main benefits of See & Spray is its potential to reduce the cost of weed control for farmers, while also increasing crop yields and profitability. By using targeted and precise herbicide application, See & Spray can help farmers to:

Reduce herbicide costs: See & Spray can reduce the amount of herbicide used in weed control by up to 90% compared to traditional blanket spraying, which can translate into significant cost savings for farmers. For example, a study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that See & Spray could reduce herbicide costs by $24-47 per acre in corn and soybean fields, depending on the weed pressure and herbicide program used.
Increase crop yields: By minimizing the exposure of crops to herbicides and reducing the competition from weeds, See & Spray can help to increase crop yields and quality. A study by Blue River Technology found that See & Spray could increase soybean yields by up to 5 bushels per acre compared to traditional spraying, by reducing the impact of herbicide drift and weed competition on crop growth and development.
Improve weed control efficiency: See & Spray can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of weed control by targeting the right herbicide rate and mix for each weed, based on its species, size, and growth stage. This can help to reduce the risk of weed escapes and resistance development and can allow farmers to use less herbicide overall while still achieving effective control.
Reduce labor and fuel costs: See & Spray can also help to reduce the labor and fuel costs associated with weed control, by reducing the number of spraying passes needed and the amount of herbicide handling and mixing required. For example, a study by the University of Illinois found that See & Spray could reduce the number of spraying passes needed in soybean fields by up to 50%, which could save farmers up to $10 per acre in labor and fuel costs.

Environmental Benefits

In addition to its economic benefits, See & Spray also has significant environmental benefits, by reducing the negative impacts of herbicide use on soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. By using targeted and precise herbicide application, See & Spray can help to:

Reduce herbicide residues in soil and water: See & Spray can reduce the amount of herbicide residues that accumulate in soil and water, by minimizing the off-target movement and runoff of herbicides. A study by the University of Missouri found that See & Spray could reduce the amount of glyphosate residues in soil by up to 90% compared to traditional spraying, which could help to improve soil health and reduce the risk of herbicide leaching and contamination of groundwater and surface water.
Protect non-target plants and organisms: See & Spray can help to protect non-target plants and organisms, such as beneficial insects, pollinators, and wildlife, by reducing their exposure to herbicides. A study by the University of California-Davis found that See & Spray could reduce the impact of herbicides on monarch butterfly populations by up to 90%, by reducing the off-target drift of herbicides to milkweed plants, which are the sole food source for monarch larvae.
Reduce the carbon footprint of weed control: See & Spray can also help to reduce the carbon footprint of weed control, by reducing the amount of herbicide production, transportation, and application required. A study by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers found that See & Spray could reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with herbicide use by up to 85% compared to traditional spraying, by reducing the amount of herbicide needed and the number of spraying passes required.
Support sustainable intensification of agriculture: See & Spray can support the sustainable intensification of agriculture, by enabling farmers to increase crop yields and profitability while also reducing the environmental impact of weed control. This can help to meet the growing global demand for food, feed, and fiber, while also conserving natural resources and biodiversity for future generations.

Agronomic Benefits

See & Spray also has several agronomic benefits, by enabling farmers to optimize their weed management strategies and decisions based on real-time and site-specific data. By using computer vision and machine learning to detect and map weeds in real-time, See & Spray can help farmers to:

Identify and target specific weed species: See & Spray can help farmers to identify and target specific weed species in their fields, based on their visual characteristics and growth patterns. This can allow farmers to select the most effective and economical herbicide program for each weed species, and to avoid unnecessary or ineffective herbicide applications.
Adapt to changing weed pressures and distributions: See & Spray can help farmers to adapt to changing weed pressures and distributions in their fields, by providing real-time and high-resolution weed maps that can be used to guide scouting, monitoring, and treatment decisions. This can allow farmers to respond quickly and effectively to new weed outbreaks or shifts in weed populations, and to optimize their weed management strategies over time.
Integrate with other precision agriculture tools and data: See & Spray can be integrated with other precision agriculture tools and data sources, such as yield maps, soil maps, and weather data, to provide a more comprehensive and holistic view of crop and weed performance in each field. This can allow farmers to identify patterns and correlations between weed pressures, soil properties, and crop yields, and to develop site-specific and data-driven weed management plans.
Enable participatory and adaptive weed management: See & Spray can enable participatory and adaptive weed management, by providing farmers with the tools and data needed to engage in collaborative and iterative learning and experimentation with their peers and advisors. This can help to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in weed management and to accelerate the adoption and scaling of best practices and technologies across the agriculture industry.

Limitations and Challenges of See & Spray

Technical Limitations

Despite its many benefits and advantages, See & Spray also has several technical limitations that can affect its performance and applicability in certain situations. Some of the main technical limitations of See & Spray include:

Sensitivity to environmental conditions: See & Spray's computer vision and machine learning algorithms can be sensitive to environmental conditions, such as lighting, shadows, and plant morphology, which can affect the accuracy and reliability of weed detection and classification. For example, the system may have difficulty distinguishing between weeds and crops in low-light or high-contrast conditions, or fields with complex canopy structures or plant architecture.
Limited weed control spectrum: See & Spray's precision spraying system is currently optimized for post-emergent weed control in row crops, and may have limited effectiveness against certain weed species or growth stages that are not easily detectable or controllable with herbicides. For example, the system may not be able to control weeds that emerge after the crop canopy has closed, or weeds that have developed herbicide resistance or tolerance.
Dependence on herbicide efficacy: See & Spray's weed control performance is ultimately dependent on the efficacy and selectivity of the herbicides used, which can be affected by factors such as weed size, herbicide rate, and environmental conditions. Even with precise and targeted application, the system may not achieve complete or consistent weed control if the herbicides used are not effective against the target weeds, or if the weeds have developed resistance to the herbicides.
Potential for false positives and negatives: See & Spray's computer vision and machine learning algorithms are not perfect, and may occasionally generate false positives (identifying crops as weeds) or false negatives (failing to identify weeds) in certain situations. While the system has been designed to minimize these errors and to allow for user feedback and correction, there is still a potential for suboptimal weed control or crop damage if the system makes incorrect decisions.

Economic and Practical Challenges

In addition to its technical limitations, See & Spray also faces several economic and practical challenges that can affect its adoption and scaling in the agriculture industry. Some of the main economic and practical challenges of See & Spray include:

High upfront costs and investments: See & Spray is a relatively new and advanced technology that requires significant upfront costs and investments for equipment, installation, and training. The system currently retails for around $250,000 as an add-on to John Deere's 4-Series sprayers, which can be a substantial capital expense for many farmers, especially those with smaller or less profitable operations.
Need for technical expertise and support: See & Spray is a complex and sophisticated technology that requires specialized technical expertise and support for installation, calibration, and maintenance. Farmers who adopt the system may need to invest in additional training and education for themselves and their employees and may need to rely on John Deere's dealer network and technical support services to ensure optimal performance and uptime.
Limited compatibility and interoperability: See & Spray is currently only available on John Deere's spraying equipment and precision ag technology stack, which may limit its adoption and scaling by farmers who use other brands or platforms. While John Deere has a significant market share in the agriculture equipment industry, there are still many farmers who may not have access to or preference for John Deere's products and services.
Potential for increased herbicide resistance: While See & Spray can help to reduce the overall amount of herbicide used in weed control, it may also inadvertently increase the selection pressure for herbicide-resistant weeds, by applying higher rates and more frequent applications of herbicides to the same weed patches over time. This could accelerate the development and spread of herbicide-resistant weeds, and could ultimately reduce the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the system.

Social and Ethical Considerations

Finally, See & Spray also raises several social and ethical considerations that need to be addressed and debated by the agriculture industry and society at large. Some of the main social and ethical considerations of See & Spray include:

Impact on rural employment and livelihoods: See & Spray's automation and precision capabilities could potentially reduce the need for manual labor in weed control, which could have negative impacts on rural employment and livelihoods, particularly for low-skilled and seasonal workers. While the system could also create new jobs and opportunities in precision agriculture and data science, there is a risk that these benefits may not be evenly distributed or accessible to all members of the rural community.
Ownership and control of agricultural data: See & Spray generates and collects vast amounts of data on crop and weed performance, which could be valuable for research, marketing, and policy purposes. However, there are concerns about the ownership, control, and use of this data, particularly by large agribusiness companies like John Deere. Farmers may be hesitant to share their data with third parties, or may not have the legal rights or protections to control how their data is used or shared.
Potential for misuse or unintended consequences: Like any powerful technology, See & Spray could potentially be misused or have unintended consequences if not properly regulated or monitored. For example, the system could be used to apply herbicides in environmentally sensitive areas or to target non-weed plants for political or economic reasons. There is also a risk that the system could be hacked or sabotaged by malicious actors, which could have serious consequences for food safety and security.
Equity and access to precision agriculture technologies: See & Spray is a relatively expensive and advanced technology that may not be accessible or affordable for all farmers, particularly those in developing countries or smallholder operations. This could exacerbate existing inequalities and power imbalances in the agriculture industry and could limit the potential benefits and impacts of precision agriculture for global food security and sustainability.

Case Studies and Examples

To illustrate the potential benefits and applications of See & Spray in real-world settings, we will now present some case studies and examples of farmers and agronomists who have adopted and tested the technology in their operations.

Case Study 1: Weed Control in Midwestern Corn and Soybean Fields

One of the early adopters of See & Spray is Josh Anson, a farmer from Iowa who grows corn and soybeans on 2,000 acres of land. Josh was interested in using See & Spray to reduce his herbicide costs and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of his weed control program, which had been increasingly challenged by the development of herbicide-resistant weeds such as waterhemp and marestail.

In 2022, Josh installed See & Spray on his John Deere R4044 sprayer and used it to apply post-emergent herbicides in his soybean fields. He worked with his local John Deere dealer and agronomist to calibrate and optimize the system for his specific weed pressures and herbicide programs, and to integrate the system with his other precision ag tools and data sources.

The results of using See & Spray in Josh's soybean fields were impressive:

The system was able to detect and spray over 90% of the waterhemp and marestail plants in the fields while avoiding contact with the soybean plants and soil.
Josh was able to reduce his herbicide use by 70% compared to his previous blanket spraying program, which translated into a cost savings of $35 per acre.
The soybean yields in the sprayed fields were on average 3 bushels per acre higher than in the unsprayed control fields, due to the reduced competition and damage from weeds.
Josh was able to cover more acres per day with See & Spray than with his previous spraying system, due to the increased efficiency and precision of the system.

Based on these results, Josh plans to expand his use of See & Spray to his corn fields in the next growing season and to share his experience and data with other farmers in his network. He believes that See & Spray has the potential to significantly improve the profitability and sustainability of weed control in Midwestern row crop operations and to help farmers stay ahead of the curve in managing herbicide-resistant weeds.

Case Study 2: Weed Control in Southern Cotton Fields

Another example of See & Spray's application is in the cotton fields of the Southern United States, where farmers face significant challenges in controlling glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth, a highly competitive and prolific weed that can cause up to 90% yield losses in cotton if left uncontrolled.

One of the farmers who has tested See & Spray in this context is Emily Perkins, a cotton grower from Georgia who manages 5,000 acres of land with her family. Emily was looking for a new tool to help her manage Palmer amaranth resistance and reduce her reliance on expensive and labor-intensive hand-weeding crews.

In 2021, Emily rented a John Deere R4060 sprayer equipped with See & Spray and used it to apply post-emergent herbicides in her cotton fields. She worked with her local Extension agent and crop consultant to develop a herbicide program that included multiple modes of action and to train the See & Spray system to accurately detect and classify Palmer amaranth plants.

The results of using See & Spray in Emily's cotton fields were promising:

The system was able to detect and spray over 95% of the Palmer amaranth plants in the fields, including those that were hidden under the cotton canopy or mixed with other weed species.
Emily was able to reduce her herbicide use by 60% compared to her previous blanket spraying program, which translated into a cost savings of $50 per acre.
The cotton yields in the sprayed fields were on average 200 pounds per acre higher than in the unsprayed control fields, due to the improved weed control and reduced crop competition.
Emily was able to reduce her hand-weeding costs by 80%, as the See & Spray system was able to control most of the Palmer amaranth plants before they reached a size that required manual removal.

Based on these results, Emily is planning to purchase her own See & Spray system for the next growing season and to work with her crop consultant to fine-tune the system's performance and integrate it with other weed management strategies, such as cover crops and crop rotation. She sees See & Spray as a valuable tool for managing herbicide resistance and improving the long-term sustainability and profitability of her cotton operation.

Case Study 3: Weed Control in Western Specialty Crop Fields

A third example of See & Spray's potential is in the specialty crop fields of the Western United States, where farmers grow a wide variety of high-value fruits, vegetables, and nuts for fresh and processed markets. These crops often require intensive and precise weed management, as they are highly sensitive to weed competition and herbicide damage, and are subject to stringent quality and safety standards.

One of the specialty crop growers who has experimented with See & Spray is David Nguyen, a vegetable producer from California who grows lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower on 500 acres of land. David was interested in using See & Spray to reduce his herbicide use and to improve the safety and quality of his crops, which are often sold to high-end restaurants and retailers.

In 2023, David leased a John Deere R4044 sprayer equipped with See & Spray and used it to apply post-emergent herbicides in his lettuce fields. He worked with his local PCA (Pest Control Advisor) and John Deere representative to calibrate the system for his specific weed species and crop growth stages, and to ensure compliance with his food safety and organic certification requirements.

The results of using See & Spray in David's lettuce fields were encouraging:

The system was able to detect and spray over 90% of the target weed species, including hairy nightshade, lambsquarters, and purslane, while avoiding contact with the lettuce plants and irrigation lines.
David was able to reduce his herbicide use by 80% compared to his previous banded spraying program, which translated into a cost savings of $200 per acre.
The lettuce quality and marketability in the sprayed fields were significantly higher than in the unsprayed control fields, due to the reduced herbicide residues and weed contamination in the harvested product.
David was able to maintain his organic certification status for the sprayed fields, as the See & Spray system allowed him to use organic-approved herbicides and document the precise application rates and locations.

Based on these results, David is planning to use See & Spray on his other vegetable crops in the next growing season and to share his data and insights with other specialty crop growers in his region. He believes that See & Spray has the potential to help specialty crop growers meet the increasing demands for sustainable and safe food production, while also improving their bottom line and reducing their environmental impact.

Conclusion

The development and commercialization of Blue River See & Spray technology represents a major milestone and opportunity for the agriculture industry, with the potential to revolutionize the way we manage weeds and to support the transition to a more sustainable and productive food system.

By leveraging cutting-edge computer vision, machine learning, and precision spraying technologies, See & Spray enables farmers to target and control individual weeds in real-time, while significantly reducing the amount of herbicides used and the off-target impacts on crops, soil, and the environment. This can lead to substantial economic, environmental, and agronomic benefits for farmers, as well as improved food safety and quality for consumers.

However, the adoption and scaling of See & Spray also face significant technical, economic, and social challenges and limitations, which will require ongoing research, innovation, and collaboration to address and overcome. As with any new and disruptive technology, there are also important ethical and equity considerations that need to be proactively and transparently addressed, to ensure that the benefits and risks of See & Spray are fairly and responsibly distributed and managed.

To fully realize the potential of See & Spray and other precision weed control technologies, we will need to continue to invest in and support:

Interdisciplinary research and development: We need to bring together experts from agronomy, computer science, engineering, ecology, and social science to co-develop and test new and improved technologies and approaches for precision weed control, and to understand and optimize their performance, applicability, and impacts in different cropping systems and environments.
Education and outreach: We need to provide farmers, agronomists, and other stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to effectively adopt and use precision weed control technologies, and to foster a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and adaptation in weed management. This will require new and innovative models of extension, training, and peer-to-peer learning, as well as the integration of precision weed control into existing curricula and programs.
Policy and regulation: We need to develop and implement policies and regulations that incentivize and support the responsible and equitable development and use of precision weed control technologies, while also ensuring their safety, efficacy, and transparency. This will require collaboration and coordination among government agencies, industry groups, academic institutions, and civil society organizations, as well as the active engagement and participation of farmers and the public.
Business and finance models: We need to create and scale new business and finance models that can make precision weed control technologies more accessible, affordable, and profitable for farmers, particularly those in developing countries and smallholder operations. This may involve innovative partnerships, platforms, and services that can share the costs, risks, and benefits of precision weed control among multiple stakeholders, such as equipment leasing, data sharing, and outcome-based financing.
Ecosystem and landscape approaches: Finally, we need to integrate precision weed control technologies into broader ecosystem and landscape approaches to weed management, that can address the root causes and drivers of weed problems, and that can provide multiple benefits for biodiversity, soil health, water quality, and climate resilience. This will require a paradigm shift from a narrow focus on weed control to a more holistic and adaptive approach to agroecosystem management, that values and supports the diversity and resilience of both agricultural and natural systems.

In conclusion, Blue River See & Spray technology represents an exciting and transformative innovation in precision weed control, with significant potential to benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment. However, realizing this potential will require a concerted and collaborative effort from all stakeholders in the agriculture and food system, to address the technical, economic, and social challenges and opportunities of this technology, and to ensure its responsible and equitable development and use. By working together and leveraging the power of science, technology, and human ingenuity, we can create more sustainable, productive, and resilient agriculture that can feed and nourish the world for generations to come.