A guide to laser technology in agriculture

A laser, which stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation," is a device that produces a focused beam of light through a process called stimulated emission. 

Unlike regular light sources, lasers emit light that is coherent, meaning the light waves are synchronised and travel in the same direction. This highly focused and intense beam, combined with the different colours and intensities of lasers, makes optics and laser tech versatile tools for a wide range of precision tasks.

In agriculture, laser technology is used for precision tasks such as soil analysis, crop monitoring, pest control and irrigation management. By providing accurate measurements and data, laser technology helps farmers with precision and efficiency on-farm, boosting yields and mitigating the potential for resource waste. 

This technology is applied throughout the entire agricultural supply chain. For example, lasers can assess seed viability and measure root growth, as well as help create detailed soil profiles for specific areas. They also play an important role in pest control and pathogen detection in crops. At the other end of the supply chain, in manufacturing, lasers have become essential for tasks such as traceability marking, and quality control and testing, ensuring that products meet industry standards.

By improving precision and efficiency, laser technology is finding more applications in agriculture. For instance, the technology Map and Zap®, a New Zealand-based AI driven weed identification innovation, is supporting farmers to reduce their reliance on chemical herbicides for controlling weeds by mapping and laser-zapping them. 

In addition to weed control, lasers are also being used for pest management. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have developed a system that combines lasers with automated image recognition to detect insect infestations before they can spread. This technology allows for early intervention without the extensive use of harmful chemicals, thus protecting both crops and the environment.

In the wool industry, innovative laser solutions are being explored to address the shortage of skilled shearers. The University of Western Australia is exploring new methods for removing wool follicles in lambs aged 8 to 12 weeks. This research expands on a prior project aimed at validating the use of laser technology in a controlled laboratory setting. If effective, this approach could be beneficial for practices such as mulesing and crutching, as well as for livestock management in the meat industry for older sheep.

Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is another laser technology innovation being utilised in equine health to diagnose endometritis in mares. This advanced imaging technique provides real-time, non-invasive insights into uterine health, which is critical for effective breeding management.

Bird Control Group: Bird Control Group specialises in automated laser systems that effectively repel birds, reducing avian infestations by over 70% in agriculture.

Carbon Robotics: Carbon Robotics has developed the AI-powered LaserWeeder, which uses precision lasers to identify and eliminate weeds, improving crop health and reducing labor costs.

Laser Technology, Inc. (LTI): LTI provides advanced laser sensors for a number of different agricultural applications, including grain level monitoring and collision avoidance to ensure accurate measurements. 

Photonic Group: Photonic Group creates automated detection systems that use laser technology and AI for real-time plant identification, enabling selective spraying and improved crop management.

Map and Zap: Map and Zap® is a New Zealand-based AI technology that helps farmers identify and eliminate early-stage weeds using mapping and laser zapping to minimise their reliance on chemical herbicides for weed control.