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Carbon Robotics raises $20M as LaserWeeder maker plans secretive new ‘AI robot’ for farms

✇GeekWire
By: Kurt Schlosser
23 October 2025 at 10:00
Carbon Robotics founder and CEO Paul Mikesell with the company’s LaserWeeder G2. (Carbon Robotics Photo)

Seattle agriculture-tech startup Carbon Robotics raised $20 million in new funding to support the creation of another piece of AI-powered machinery for farms.

With its signature LaserWeeder and relatively new Autonomous Tractor Kit (ATK) already being used by hundreds of customers, Carbon founder and CEO Paul Mikesell told GeekWire that “a brand new AI robot” is coming.

Mikesell said the machine, which is at least nine months away from being revealed, will leverage the same AI system used in Carbon’s other equipment but perform tasks beyond weeding.

“It’s very flexible, capable of doing a lot with the world around it, understanding what it’s seeing, what’s happening,” Mikesell said of Carbon’s system that uses an array of AI, computer vision and machine learning technology. “We see our ability to reinvest in that platform and double down on what it can do in some new activities.

“It’ll blow your mind,” he added.

Founded in 2018, Carbon Robotics made its name across ag-tech with the LaserWeeder, a machine which can be pulled behind a tractor and uses its tech to detect plants in fields and then target and eliminate weeds with lasers. The latest iteration, the LaserWeeder G2, was released in February.

In March, the company unveiled the Carbon ATK, previously called the AutoTractor. That autonomous platform is designed to fit on and control existing farm equipment and serve as an answer to labor shortages and increased productivity in farming.

Both platforms are continuing to grow and scale, and “things are moving really fast,” according to Mikesell, a longtime technologist and entrepreneur who previously co-founded data storage company Isilon Systems.

LaserWeeders are active on farms across the U.S. and in 14 countries around the world. Mikesell said revenue continues to grow every year, but Carbon is not yet profitable.

Carbon Robotics says it has hundreds of customers across the U.S. and 14 countries. (Carbon Robotics Photo)

Ranked No. 9 on the GeekWire 200 list of top privately held startups based across the Pacific Northwest, Carbon has previously been backed by NVIDIA and Seattle-based Voyager Capital.

The Series D-2 extension round attracted Giant Ventures as lead investor. The UK-based VC invests across a variety of “purpose-driven” startups, and Mikesell said, “They got what we were trying to do.”

Giant previously invested in a $140 million round for Tidal Vision, a Bellingham, Wash.-based company turning discarded crab shells into a valuable industrial chemical called chitosan.

Beyond the secretive new machine, Carbon is revealing more about the “large plant model” at the heart of how it does computer vision through its AI systems.

Mikesell said the company is at the point where it has enough training data and labeled images that it can teach its AI to learn about the basic structure of the plants it’s seeing. This allows Carbon to run one model on every machine in the world.

“If new weeds pop up in an onion field in France, and those are eventually going to show up in a carrot field in the U.S., the first time we see that weed anywhere it can be part of the model and be ready to go,” Mikesell said. “It also means that if we want to go into a new crop that we’ve never seen before, we can do it immediately.”

A LaserWeeder is designed to target the meristem of a weed to kill it as quickly as possible and the large plant model helps it understand where to precisely target its zap.

Carbon Robotics, which has raised $177 million to date, now employs about 260 people. The company runs a manufacturing facility in Richland, Wash., and added another in the Netherlands to offset some trade and tariff issues as well as speed deployment of machines in Europe.

Mikesell said as far as competition, there are some companies in Europe who claim to be building some version of a LaserWeeder, but he’s never seen one in a field or competed against one.

“It’s very hard to create a LaserWeeder,” he said. “The targeting system is so special, and the AI is so special. It’s not just about detecting where the weeds are. The trick to making it work is you need a targeting camera to be able to keep the lasers on target [while moving], and everybody I’ve seen that says they’re gonna build a LaserWeeder doesn’t understand that concept.”

Benefits of organic farming

✇Alchimia blog
By: Dani Alchimia
3 July 2025 at 05:56

In a world where sustainability and health are growing priorities, organic farming is more than ever a useful and necessary alternative. This practice not only promotes healthier foods and products but also protects our environment and improves soil quality, ensuring that subsequent crops will not be compromised in quality.

As the demand for organic products grows, it’s essential to understand what organic farming entails and why it’s a worthwhile option for both farmers and consumers. Today, we’ll tell you all about this farming method and its main advantages. Let’s go!

Organic fertilizers help achieve better flavor and aroma

A cannabis plant grown with organic fertilizers

What is organic farming?

Organic farming is an agricultural system that avoids the use of synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides and artificial fertilizers. Instead, it relies on natural practices that promote soil health and biodiversity, such as crop rotation, composting, allelopathy, or the use of organic fertilizers and ecological pest control.

This approach seeks to maintain an ecological balance between the crop and its environment, fostering harmonious interactions between plants, animals, and microorganisms. Furthermore, organic farming respects natural cycles and minimizes environmental impact, contributing to long-term sustainability. Finally, and in the particular case of cannabis, it’s the way to achieve the best flavors and aromas in both buds and resin extractions, creating a rich and intense array of terpenes that allows you to discover the true potential of your plants.

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Benefits of organic farming for plants, consumers, and the environment

As we’ve said, growing organically brings a number of significant benefits, from improved flavor and aroma to greater sustainability and a reduced environmental impact. Here are some of the main advantages of this technique:

For plants:

  • Greater resistance to pests and diseases: A healthy and balanced soil strengthens plants’ natural defenses. For example, adding microbial life to the substrate significantly improves resistance to dreaded pests such as Fusarium and Pythium.
  • Development of stronger root systems: Improves nutrient and water absorption, promoting vigorous growth and lush flowering.

For the consumer:

  • Foods and products free of chemical residues: Reduces exposure to potentially harmful substances, as well as the need for root washing to prevent salt buildup in the substrate.
  • Products with higher nutritional content and more intense flavor: In the vast majority of cases, the flavor and aroma of cannabis buds have better organoleptic qualities than when using mineral fertilizers, something that also influences the production of resin concentrates such as hashish or rosin.

For the environment:

  • Reducing soil and water pollution: By avoiding the use of agrochemicals, soil fertility and the reproduction of microorganisms beneficial to plants are enhanced.
  • Biodiversity conservation: Promotes natural habitats and sustainable agricultural practices that enhance the activity of microbial life and other plants that can have a positive impact on the crop, such as allelopathic plants or cover crops.
Outdoor cultivation and organic fertilizers, guaranteed success

Outdoor plants fed with organic fertilizer usually produce the highest quality

Organic farming and microbial life

Soil microbial life, or microlife, is fundamental to organic farming. Microorganisms, such as beneficial bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter and the release of essential plant nutrients. They are also key players in the so-called soil food web. In other words, these organisms are responsible for “preparing” your plants’ food from the ingredients you’ve provided, i.e., fertilizers.

Furthermore, these microorganisms help improve soil structure, increasing its water retention and aeration capacity. Soil rich in microbial life is more fertile and resilient, which translates into healthier and more productive crops. Finally, and as we’ve already mentioned, the use of certain beneficial fungi greatly reduces the appearance of pathogenic fungi that attack roots and can destroy your plants in record time.

Living Soil: The Soul of Organic Growing

The concept of Living Soil is an evolution of the traditional organic approach. It’s not just about avoiding chemicals, but about creating a self-sustaining underground ecosystem rich in microbial life, organic matter, and beneficial organisms such as earthworms, mycorrhizae, and nematodes. Furthermore, properly prepared soil allows you to use only water for irrigation, with the advantages this brings in terms of convenience and sustainability.

Living soil nourishes and regenerates itself, reducing the need for external fertilizers. Furthermore, this type of soil improves water retention, enhances biodiversity, and promotes the development of healthier, more resilient plants. In short, Living Soil is the most sophisticated and natural version of organic farming. You’ll find all the information you need about this interesting technique in the following post:

Living soil, what is it and how to prepare it?

How to use organic fertilizers

The proper use of organic fertilizers is key to achieving the best results. There are different types of fertilizers, and their application depends on the type of crop, the stage of growth, and the characteristics of the soil.

Types of fertilizers

You’ll find two main types of organic fertilizers: liquid and solid. Both are equally effective, so choosing one or the other largely depends on your preferences. If you’re preparing organic living soil or super soil, we recommend solid fertilizers. If you want complete control over the nutrients supplied with each watering, liquid fertilizers are the best option.

  • Liquid organic fertilizers: They dissolve easily in irrigation water and are ideal for applying nutrients quickly and efficiently. Recommended during active growth or flowering phases, as well as for many additives, which are often found in this format.
  • Solid or granulated organic fertilizers: These are applied directly to the soil and release nutrients slowly and steadily. They are excellent for enriching the substrate at the beginning of the crop or as a nutrient base. They also allow you to water with just water for weeks, without having to worry about preparing nutrient solutions with liquid fertilizers. If during the crop you notice any nutrient deficiencies that need to be corrected quickly, you can always use liquid fertilizer during a few waterings to solve the problem in a few days.

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Frequency of use

  • Most liquid organic fertilizers are applied once a week during the growth and flowering phase, adjusting the dosage according to the plants’ response. If you notice deficiencies in a nutrient, you can increase the concentration of fertilizer when you water, or increase the frequency of application (for example, fertilizing twice a week instead of just once).
  • Solid fertilizers are usually applied at the beginning of the growing cycle or as a monthly boost. Occasionally, at the start of flowering, you may want to add a specific solid nutrient to improve bud development during this important stage.

Key tip:

When it comes to fertilizers, it’s always better to underfeed than overfeed. Although organic fertilizers are less aggressive than chemical fertilizers, too much can unbalance the soil and cause visible symptoms in your plants, such as dark green, claw-shaped leaves. Monitor your plants and adjust the dosage and frequency of feeding according to their needs.

Organic fertilizers have everything your plants need

Proper fertilization results in excellent yields (Image: Indorgro)

Main brands of organic fertilizers

There are several brands on the market offering high-quality organic fertilizers. Some of the most recognized, which you can find in our catalog, are:

  • Biobizz: Specializing in 100% certified organic fertilizers and substrates, Biobizz is a leading brand in organic and sustainable agriculture.
  • Canna (BIOCANNA line): This 100% organic product line is specially developed for soil cultivation. BIOCANNA fertilizers are certified organic and contain no animal residue, ensuring clean and sustainable cultivation.
  • Plagron: Offers a range of certified organic fertilizers, such as Alga Grow and Alga Bloom, made from algae extracts and other natural ingredients.
  • Guanokalong: Famous for its bat guano-based fertilizers, a rich, natural source of phosphorus and other essential nutrients. You’ll find Guanokalong products in both liquid and solid forms.
  • Biotabs: Known for its solid fertilizer tablet system, Biotabs offers practical and efficient solutions for long-term organic growing. Biotabs also offers a range of liquid additives to help you get the most out of your plants.

These brands have been selected for their commitment to quality and sustainability, offering effective options for those seeking more responsible farming practices.

Tips and advice on organic farming

If you’re interested in exploring this method further, here are a few techniques you can use to further improve the efficiency of your crop :

  • Crop rotation: Alternating different types of plants in the same field helps prevent disease and improves soil health.
  • Composting: Using organic waste to make compost enriches the soil with essential nutrients.
  • Biological pest control: Encouraging the presence of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and bees, helps maintain ecosystem balance and control pests naturally.
  • Use of organic fertilizers and additives: Applying natural fertilizers and supplements improves soil fertility without the negative effects of synthetic chemicals. And remember: more isn’t always better, so be sure to never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
  • Monitoring Soil pH: Maintaining proper pH is crucial for plant nutrient uptake. For example, if you notice nutrient deficiencies or poor growth during the first few weeks of growing, it’s likely more of a pH issue than a nutrient deficiency. Many growers add dolomite to adjust soil pH and prevent future problems.

Vermicompost: what it is and how to prepare it

As you can see, organic farming represents a viable and beneficial alternative to conventional agriculture, where mineral fertilizers are often overused. By focusing on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, you not only obtain healthier and higher-quality products but you also contribute to the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.

Adopting organic farming is a step toward a more sustainable future, where the health of the planet and its inhabitants is a priority, and without compromising the quality or quantity of the product you’ll get, whether we’re talking about tasty tomatoes or aromatic buds. At least we’re very clear about that!

Happy harvest!

The post Benefits of organic farming appeared first on Alchimia blog.

Applications of hydrogen peroxide in crops

✇Alchimia blog
By: Dani Alchimia
3 February 2023 at 04:29

Hydrogen peroxide is a substance that enjoys great popularity, since it can be found in most homes in the world, being used mainly as a disinfectant for wounds. Who does not have a small bottle of hydrogen peroxide in their medicine cabinet?

However, these disinfectant properties can be very useful for the grower for various reasons, from disinfecting tools to increasing the germination rate of the seeds. But not everything ends here… Today we are going to tell you all the secrets of hydrogen peroxide applied to crops, you will see that there are more than you can imagine!

Do not hesitate: hydrogen peroxide is an excellent ally for any gardener or grower

Do not doubt it: hydrogen peroxide is an excellent ally for any gardener or grower

What is hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was invented in 1818 by the French chemist Louis-Jacques Thenard. He was the first to discover the compound through a process of electrolysis of manganese dioxide and hydrogen peroxide. Thenard was also the first to produce hydrogen peroxide in a pure and stable form, also to describe its chemical properties.

Thenard used hydrogen peroxide to oxidize organic compounds, and his work with the compound helped establish oxidation theory in chemistry. It was also used as an oxidant in the production of hydrogen peroxide and in the synthesis of organic compounds.

In the first years of its discovery, hydrogen peroxide was used mainly in the textile and paper industry. Over time, more applications for the compound were discovered, such as in medicine and the food industry. It is important to mention that hydrogen peroxide was not invented, but discovered, since this is a chemical compound that already exists in nature, and its discovery was due to the ability of this French chemist to produce it in a pure and stable form.

Hydrogen peroxide applications

Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor of ozone, a form of liquid oxygen that is commonly used as a disinfectant and bleach. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down rapidly into water and oxygen, making it a very safe substance to use in most applications.

In industry, it is used in a wide range of activities, such as in the production of paper, textiles, food, and pharmaceuticals. It is also widely used as an oxidant in a multitude of chemical processes, such as the production of hydrogen peroxide and the synthesis of organic compounds.

Added to the water, hydrogen peroxide will provide extra oxygen, in addition to preventing the appearance of algae or fungal diseases (Image: おにぎり)

Added to the water, hydrogen peroxide will provide extra oxygen, in addition to preventing the appearance of algae or fungal diseases (Image: おにぎり)

In the medical field, hydrogen peroxide is mainly used as a disinfectant for wounds and as a dental whitener. It is also used in the food industry as a preservative and to sanitize kitchen utensils and equipment.

In the home, its uses are also varied, being used as a bleach for clothes or as a disinfectant for surfaces and kitchen utensils. It is also used to remove stains and bad odors. As you know, people even use it to bleach their hair!

Use of hydrogen peroxide in crops

Agriculture is no exception, and hydrogen peroxide is also used in various ways on both plants and soil. However, despite being approved for organic agriculture by different associations and international organizations, care must be taken with its use and with doses, as they can end up being harmful, especially for the substrate. Normally, doses are used in low concentrations, between 3% and 15%.

IMPORTANT: Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as a disinfectant since it eliminates a wide variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or spores. For this reason, it is not recommended to use it on the substrate or irrigation water if you are adding microbial life to the growing medium. You can sanitize the soil first, and once that’s done, stop using H2O2 and start adding micro life.

In agriculture, hydrogen peroxide can be used to revitalize a soil, or to improve its texture if it has become too compact (Image: Johannes Plenio)

In agriculture, hydrogen peroxide can be used to revitalize soil or to improve its texture if it has become too compact (Image: Johannes Plenio)

Benefits of using hydrogen peroxide in crops

Below is a list of some of the advantages offered by the use of hydrogen peroxide in your crop, whether we are talking about cannabis or any other type of plant or vegetable. Broadly speaking, you can use it to:

  • Take advantage of its fungicidal, bactericidal, sporicidal, and virucidal action
  • Disinfect crop tools
  • Prevent the formation of lime deposits in automatic irrigation systems
  • Remove chlorine
  • Degrade pesticides or herbicides present in the substrate
  • Reduce the appearance of algae in irrigation tanks
  • Check the pH level
  • Favor the decomposition of organic matter (it should not be used in compost)
  • Increase the presence of oxygen in the substrate, improving the oxygenation of roots
  • Improve nutrient assimilation and seed germination
  • Stimulate leaf growth

In addition, and as we have mentioned, it is approved for organic agriculture thanks to its low toxicity, being 100% biodegradable, and not generating harmful residues during its decomposition. A very popular H2O2-based product is Liquid Oxygen from Growth Technology.

We can improve the germination rate of marijuana seeds thanks to hydrogen peroxide (Image: deeaf)

We can improve the germination rate of marijuana seeds thanks to hydrogen peroxide (Image: deeaf)

How to use hydrogen peroxide in crops

  • Disinfection: As we have seen, the range of possible uses for H2O2 for a grower is really wide. Undoubtedly, one of the most common applications is as a disinfectant. If what you need is to disinfect cultivation tools, irrigation tubes or droppers from your hydroponic system, irrigation tanks, or pots, a concentration of 20-30ml of 10-volume hydrogen peroxide (the one you buy at the pharmacy) for each liter of water will do.
  • Pest prevention: H2O2 can be very useful to prevent pests and combat them once established, especially fungal ones, often being used as an alternative pesticide to control pests and plant diseases. It can be mixed with water and applied directly to the leaves to kill insects and fungi. For this type of application, also on the ground in the case of fungus gnats or in tanks to eliminate algae, a dose of 15ml of hydrogen peroxide at 10 volumes per liter of water is recommended.
  • Improving the soil and plant nutrition: The soil where you want to grow may be too compact, so it will hardly contain oxygen. Or you may want to remove traces of a herbicide that you know has been applied. For this type of application, which in the long run will favor the assimilation of nutrients and the development of plants, a dose of 20-30ml of H2O2 per liter of water is recommended. Remember one thing: you should not mix hydrogen peroxide with fertilizers, but rather use it alone with water and wait 2-3 days before using nutrients again.
  • Improve seed germination: A trick that any seasoned grower knows is to add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the water that is going to be used to germinate seeds. In addition to the extra oxygenation that is provided to the water, the antifungal action of H2O2 greatly reduces the appearance of fungi during this critical phase, which usually results in seed rot. For this, about 10ml of hydrogen peroxide per liter of water will be enough.

As you have been able to verify, there are many possible applications of this substance, which you surely have at home and which is really easy to use. Do you know more applications that we can give to hydrogen peroxide? Do you have any questions about the content of this article? Share them in the comments section and we will not delay in answering you.

Happy harvest!

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References:

  • The Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Plant Growth, Mineral Accumulation, as Well as Biological and Chemical Properties of Ficus deltoidea, Nik Nurnaeimah, Nashriyah Mat, Khamsah Mohd, Noor Afiza Badaluddin, Nornasuha Yusoff, Mohammad Hailmi Sajili – Hailmi M.S., Mahmud Khairil, Ahmad faris, Mohd Adnan, Mohammad Moneruzzaman Khandaker
  • Recent Insights Into the Double Role of Hydrogen Peroxide in Plants, Naser A. Anjum, Sarvajeet Singh Gill, Francisco J. Corpas, Cristina Ortega-Villasante, Luis E. Hernandez, Narendra Tuteja, Adriano Sofo, Mirza Hasanuzzaman and Masayuki Fujita
  • Hydrogen peroxide metabolism and functions in plants, Nicholas Smirnoff, Dominique Arnaud

The post Applications of hydrogen peroxide in crops appeared first on Alchimia blog.

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