Weed management
About the expertise
In short- Integrated strategies to reduce herbicide use
- Field trials and practice-oriented validation
- Advanced mechanical and robotics solutions
- International collaboration and policy support
- Weed-specific challenges: resistance, invasive species, weeds in paved areas
Weeds are one of the major challenges in agriculture and horticulture. Wageningen University & Research develops sustainable, future-proof strategies for effective weed management. From field robots and vision technology to policy-support research, we help growers, businesses and governments secure yields while reducing dependence on chemical crop protection products.
Chemical herbicides can be effective, but their use may lead to resistance development, environmental impacts and societal concern. The European Union aims to reduce pesticide use by 50% by 2030. WUR therefore explores sustainable alternatives and develops strategies that make growers less dependent on chemical products.
Integrated Weed Management combines multiple approaches – from crop rotation, crop selection and soil management to mechanical techniques and precision applications – into one coherent system with lasting impact.
Vision technology, AI, robots and drones enable increasingly precise weed control. In addition, we explore natural enemies and bioherbicides as complementary solutions for sustainable weed management.
Beyond weed management in cropping- and horticultural systems, WUR also supports the sustainable management of invasive species and weeds in infrastructure and urban areas.
Effective weed control requires an integrated strategy. Our researchers combine expertise in weed biology, crop physiology and agrotechnology to create practical, science-based solutions. We develop mechanical techniques, vision and AI-based detection systems, and field robots that work selectively and efficiently. Our work also focuses on invasive species and weeds in paved areas.
At our experimental fields and research facilities, innovations are tested under realistic conditions. Together with growers, technology companies and policymakers, we design robust strategies that counter resistance, reduce chemical use and meet societal and regulatory demands.
Related products, services and facilities (3)
Get in touch with our expert
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T (Timo) Sprangers, MSc
Crop protection researcher