Case study: 95% input savings by targeting localized thistle patches in maize

Bavarian State Farms integrated drone scouting and BBLeap spot-spraying technology to target localized thistle patches in an 18.9-hectare maize field. By mapping weed distribution in advance, herbicide application was restricted to only the affected areas rather than blanket-spraying the entire crop. This targeted approach reduced chemical use and costs by 95%, saving €901.50 while minimizing crop stress and environmental impact. 

The Challenge: Controlling thistle patches in maize

Thistles in maize typically occur in localized patches rather than uniformly across the whole field. Despite these patches, there is still a lot of space between individual plants that does not require spraying. Still, the common approach remains a uniform, full-field herbicide application.

This broadcast method results in high chemical costs, unnecessary environmental pressure, and herbicide being applied to maize crops that do not need treatment. With Effigo at a standard cost of €50 per hectare, blanket spraying the entire 18.9-hectare field to control a few thistle patches was both economically inefficient and agronomically sub-optimal.

The Innovation: Drone mapping and spot-spraying

Simon paired drone intelligence with precise application. Before spraying, the field was scouted with a DJI Enterprise 4E drone. The images were processed with PhenoInspect, which detects the thistle patches and generates a high-precision task map. This map is transferred directly to the sprayer via LeapSpace. The BBLeap system then translates this data into action, ensuring Effigo only hits the actual thistle patches while the rest of the maize crop remains untreated.

• Precise Detection: Instead of guessing, Simon knows the exact location and size of every thistle patch before filling the sprayer tank.

• Spot-Spraying with LeapBox and LeapMap: The system switches individual nozzles on only where the task map indicates thistles.

• Predictable Product Use: Because the task map calculates the exact surface area of the patches in advance, the required amount of product is known before starting the job. This prevents waste and significantly lowers input costs.

Input Reduction & Financial Savings

Simon aims to apply herbicides only where they are needed, to save on chemicals from both a financial and an environmental perspective. By investing in drone scouting and precision spraying, weed control is planned and carried out as part of the daily farm work. On this field, the savings were 95% of the chemicals and costs.

Key Results at a Glance:

• Reduced Sprayed Area: Only 0.87 ha treated out of 18.9 ha, representing a 95% reduction in applied product.

• High Accuracy: Spot-spraying based on drone mapping targets product precisely onto the thistle patches.

• Financial Impact: A direct cash saving of €901.50 on this field alone (a total cost reduction of 95%).

• A Healthier Crop: Only the plants in and around the thistle patches received herbicide, protecting the majority of the maize crop from unnecessary chemical stress.

Agronomic Outlook & Future Potential

The sprayer is in mechanical good shape but already 20 years old. With the BBLeap system Bayerische Staatgüter is able to do high resolution spot spraying with high savings. To get insight into the amount of weeds in their maize, those small areas will be there as well in their other crop. With the experiences of this year the strategy shall be considered in the next growing season of other crops as well. When this way of herbicide application is done on a total of 370 hectares it is a huge savings in chemical costs and pressure on the environment. 

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