At the end of September, interested farmers and experts had the opportunity to experience an innovative solution for weed control at Friedel Könecke’s farm in Isernhagen. The laser treatment system developed within the GROW project was demonstrated under real-world conditions at this final event. Around 40 participants observed how the system specifically targeted and eliminated problematic plants such as ragwort, without the need for chemical agents.

The system consists of a laser and a camera. With the help of artificial intelligence, ragwort is identified in the pasture and then targeted with the laser. The meristematic plant parts and surrounding plant organs are precisely thermally damaged, sustainably impairing the plant’s growth. This results in either reduced growth or the death of the plant. It is crucial to strike the plant as often and as effectively as possible to ensure it dies completely. Ragwort is poisonous and can cause death in livestock if ingested, even in dried feed.

Close Collaboration Between Research and Practice

In the GROW project, science and agricultural practice worked together successfully in an operational group comprising Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. as coordinator, the agricultural businesses Friedel Könecke and Heinrich Bätke, and Permarobotics GmbH. Together, they developed a practical solution tailored to the needs of farmers.

The project was funded by the Chamber of Agriculture of Lower Saxony and co-financed by the European Union. The funding supports cooperative innovation projects that promote a competitive, sustainable, and animal-friendly agricultural and food industry. The aim is to foster innovation and improve knowledge exchange between science and agricultural practice.

This week the LZH team can be found at the Agritechnica at the stand of the Agrotech Valley Forum e.V. in hall 24, stand A08.