"Tech Takes Aim at Slug Menace: Farmers Find New Solution to Age-Old Problem. For years, farmers have been locked in a costly and environmentally damaging battle against the slugs that ravage their crops. But a groundbreaking project, backed by Defra, may have finally delivered a game-changing solution. By harnessing the power of computer models, researchers have created predictive maps that pinpoint where slugs are likely to strike, allowing farmers to target their pesticide use more effectively. As a result, test growers have been able to slash their reliance on slug pellets by a staggering 50%, saving them money and reducing the harm caused to the environment. Could this be the start of a new era in slug control?"
Maps created as part of Defra-funded Slimers project allowed test growers to halve amount of slug pellets usedFarmers believe they have a new weapon in their age-old battle against the slugs that destroy their crops: modern technology.Slug prediction maps, which have been created by computer models as part of an research project, are now helping growers to better target the use of pesticides, saving them money and reducing environmental harm. Continue reading...
