Source Details
Study Info
Source:
ISU Research Team
Institution:
Iowa State University
Key Finding:
$15.70/acre saved
Category:
University Research
Published:
Crop Type:
Region:
Iowa State University
ISU Precision Spraying
Iowa State University precision spraying study across five soybean fields totaling 415 acres. Herbicide savings ranged from 44% to 91% per field. Average product savings of 76% with economic savings of $15.70 per acre.
Study Overview
This ISU study tested site-specific weed management across five commercial soybean fields in Iowa. Each field was divided into treatment zones based on drone-captured weed pressure data. Variable-rate prescription maps guided herbicide application, with results measured against blanket-sprayed control strips.
Key Findings
➡ Herbicide savings ranged from 44% to 91% across five fields
➡ Average product savings of 76%
➡ $15.70 per acre in economic savings on average
➡ 415 total acres in the study
➡ Weed control outcomes equivalent to broadcast application
The Takeaway
The wide range of savings (44% to 91%) reflects real-world variability in weed pressure across different fields. Fields with patchy weed distribution showed the highest savings. Fields with more uniform pressure still saved significantly. The average of 76% product savings shows the technology works across different conditions.
76% average product savings across 415 acres with no yield penalty. The savings were highest on fields with uneven weed distribution — which is most fields.
- Iowa State University, 2024
Source
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Precision Spraying Field Trial Results, 2024. Five-field soybean study measuring site-specific herbicide application economics.
