Weeds wither as spraying becomes spot-on
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Published: 23rd February 2024
Technology is calling time on those weeds which seem to find a way to sprout in local footpaths, gutters and road edges.
Logan City Council is using a state-of-the-art sensor that detects the presence of weeds creeping up through cracks or pavement joins and targets them directly with herbicide.
Previously, it took up to a year for staff on foot to patrol the city and spray weeds.
The truck-mounted sensor with an infra-red beam does the job in an environmentally friendly way.
The sensor is triggered by the presence of the pigment chlorophyll in weeds.
It the applies a targeted and precise application of herbicide, which reduces overall chemical usage and minimises harm to non-target plants and ecosystems.
The new technology, which comes at no additional cost to ratepayers, helps minimise weeds from growing into the drainage system and clogging stormwater run-off.
Logan is the first Council in Queensland to acquire and use the technology from the United States.