Researchers in Germany are working on an alternative to poisonous
herbicides. They're aiming lasers at weeds.
A team of scientists at Leibniz University and a laser center in Hanover
are developing an alternative to herbicides that would use robots or
flying drones to zap weeds with laser beams.
Chickweed, dandelion and shepherd's purse are typical pests that have
beleaguered farmers in central Europe since the arrival of agriculture.
Today these weeds compete with sprouting corn, rapeseed or turnips for
sunlight, water and soil nutrients.
Until now, conventional farms have battled these pests with expensive
herbicides that are often poisonous and can spread to land and water
beyond the target plant.
"Our goal is to develop a more environmentally-friendly way of getting
rid of weeds. The use of herbicides is associated with risks", said
Christian Marx, a researcher with the Laser Zentrum Hannover.
The laser weed control project is headed by Thomas Rath and Heinz
Haferkamp at the Leibniz University Hanover.
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