Can farmers grow more while spraying less?

UM Today featured research led by Dr. Dilshan Benaragama and collaborators on the next generation of precision agriculture tools.

The work builds on field scouting with drones, satellites, and sensors by focusing on how precision information can be translated into action. New research infrastructure will support testing of precision spraying, variable-rate seeding, and other technologies designed to apply inputs only where they are needed.

This work reflects a central research goal: connecting digital sensing, agronomy, and weed science with practical decision-making that can improve efficiency while reducing unnecessary chemical use.