One of the key priorities at Hort Innovation is safeguarding the supply of fresh, nutritious produce for Australian consumers. A challenge the industry continues to face in achieving this is the impact of harmful pesticides on our fruit, vegetables and nuts. That's why we're investing in innovative, eco-friendly solutions that enhance farm productivity while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and herbicides.
In line with this vision, we've partnered with La Trobe University in our largest weed management investment in our history - next-generation weeding. This project will explore the viability of an innovative, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly method for controlling weeds and pests in horticultural crops.
At the heart of the project is Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD), a next-generation soil management strategy. It works by mixing natural organic carbon sources like sugarcane molasses or chicken manure into the soil, adding moisture, and covering the area with plastic. This creates an oxygen-deprived environment that eliminates weed seeds and soil-borne pests, without the use of harsh chemicals. Once the process is complete, the soil returns to a healthy, oxygen-rich state and is ready to grow the next crop.
With proven success in the United States and Europe, the techniques will be trialled under Australian conditions to ensure it works effectively in our unique climate and cropping systems.
Over the next five years, researchers will trial ASD across key crops including strawberries, capsicums and melons in Victoria and the Northern Territory. They'll be testing a range of carbon sources, treatment durations, and timings to find the best combination for Australian growers.
Beyond weed control, the method also supports a circular economy by repurposing agricultural by-products, turning waste into a valuable on-farm resource.
This project forms part of a broader program aimed at improving weed management and delivering practical, science-backed solutions to support the long-term success of the horticulture industry.
More about our other weed management projects:
Next-generation robotic weed management: In partnership with Nufarm, Croplands and Kilter, this project will develop and deploy an autonomous precision spot spraying system to tackle weeds in horticulture crops with pinpoint accuracy. Using a green-on-green detection system and microdroplet technology, the system reduces herbicide use by up to 95% while increasing yield and lowering labour costs.
Grower-led adoption of AI-enabled weed control: Led by Applied Horticulture Research, this project is accelerating the adoption of AI-enabled robotics and autonomous vehicles for weeding, planting and spraying. Working closely with growers in Queensland and Victoria, it will evaluate commercial robotic systems, exploring how tech can reduce weeding and input costs by up to 90%, improving productivity and lowering environmental impact. The project will also look at adapting the systems to local conditions and provide practical advice to guide the industry, supporting broader adoption.
Next-generation weed management (BY23002) is funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from Applied Horticultural Research, La Trobe University, Nufarm Australia and contributions from the Australian Government.
