A comparative study of three weed management technologies on a typical farm in Western Pomerania, Germany: integrating economic analysis and soil compaction risk modeling

Abstract Purpose EU policies aim to reduce pesticide use, yet the on-farm competitiveness of site-specific weed management (SSWM) technologies remains unclear. This study evaluates the economic performance of three SSWM technologies in Western Pomerania, Germany, at both crop and whole-farm levels, integrating soil compaction risk and workability assessments resulting from practice changes. Methods A typical farm model representing regional production systems served as a reference. Data on plant protection, machinery, costs and capacities were collected for a hoe plus band-spraying system, spot spraying based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) field mapping and real-time spot spraying. Ex-ante scenario calculations and break-even assessments evaluated economic viability. The Spatially Explicit Soil Compaction Risk Assessment (SaSCiA) model assessed technology applicability based on wheel load carrying capacity and topsoil field capacity over nine years. Results SSWM technologies outperformed broadcast spraying in certain crops. However, at the farm level, costs of spot spraying based on UAV field mapping nearly offset herbicide savings, while real-time spot spraying increased costs by 24%, making it uncompetitive. Hoe plus band spraying raises costs by 10% and significantly exceeds wheel load limits in edge-season operations, posing agronomic challenges for winter oilseed rape. Conclusion A farm-level approach is essential for evaluating SSWM adoption. The combination of typical farm modeling, detailed plant protection data and soil compaction risk assessment proved effective for scenario analysis. Future research should refine weed pressure assessments, herbicide-saving potential and agronomic feasibility factors.