The Use of Spatial Technology for Improved Weed Management in Lowland Direct Seeded Rice System

My PhD research explores how mapping and sensing technologies can help improve weed management in smallholder lowland direct-seeded rice systems. The research begins by examining how these technologies have been used around the world to monitor weeds in rice fields. It then investigates whether satellite radar can be used to detect how severe weed problems are, whether detailed plant reflectance measurements can help distinguish rice from weeds that closely resemble it, and whether optical imagery can show what weeds are present and where they occur within a field.

The research will also examine how weed infestations may spread or develop in the future and whether using these technologies can provide enough economic benefit to justify their use. The expected outcome is a practical framework that helps farmers, researchers, and agricultural agencies better understand where weed problems occur, how serious they are, what types of weeds are present, and where future problems are more likely to develop.

UQ Earmarked Scheme scholarship