With farm labor shortages and consumer concerns about agricultural chemicals, equipment manufacturers have been devoting time and effort into developing automated weeding systems. Agricultural enterprises can buy smart technology for mechanically weeding vegetable crops at higher speeds than was ever possible before. Labor force demands are greatly reduced, as is the use of chemical herbicides.
How It Works
The smart technology is able to identify weeds and distinguish them from crops. A camera detects plants, and software decides which should be removed. When the machine identifies weeds, sharp blades cut that unwanted growth.
A Solution to Labor Shortages
Some individuals worry about artificial intelligence taking away jobs from humans, but that is of little concern in agriculture. These enterprises already deal with severe worker shortages. Young men and women tend to leave rural areas, with the U.S. Census showing this to be a continuing trend. With so many other work opportunities available, laboring in farm fields for low pay is unappealing.
Owners sometimes feel forced to rely on undocumented workers, putting the business at risk of legal action. In fact, nearly half of all crop workers in this country are undocumented immigrants, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And although many have lived in the country for decades, it’s getting harder to hire new immigrants because of stricter border policies.
Concluding Thoughts
Using automated equipment for weeding vegetable crops is a substantial advantage in today’s farming world. Information on an innovative manufacturer of automated weeding equipment can be viewed. For more information follow them on Facebook.