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Mechanical weed control, EU policy, cereal weeding - ActiVAgro, Matrix, ultra-shallow cultivation as a way to minimize the risk of weed infestation
Restriction on the use of chemical plant protection products
The European Union has been endeavoring for many years to limit the use of chemical pesticides to protect the environment, human health, and biodiversity. This policy is rooted in the precautionary principle, which allows for preventive action if there is reasonable suspicion that a product may be harmful, even without full scientific evidence. The EU Pesticides Regulation governs the authorization of plant protection products in the market, mandating a thorough assessment of risks to human health and the environment before approving each active ingredient. The regulation introduces the substitution principle, encouraging the replacement of the most dangerous pesticides with less harmful alternatives. The aim is to achieve sustainable use of pesticides in the EU by mitigating risks and impacts on human health and the environment. It also advocates for alternative methods and techniques, such as ultra-shallow tillage and mechanical weed control. This approach promotes sustainable agricultural practices by integrating various pest and disease control methods, including mechanical means, with limited and judicious use of pesticides. The EU is investing in research and innovation to develop and advance more sustainable plant protection methods that rely less on chemical pesticides. Organic farming, which generally limits or excludes synthetic pesticides, is actively supported by the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. Without chemical use, there is no risk of creating herbicide-resistant weeds.
Mechanical weed control Mechanical weed control is increasingly recommended and is easiest to implement immediately after harvest. The approach involves fast and shallow cultivation to encourage the emergence of subsequent weeds and self-seeds while minimizing herbicide use and protecting the environment. Shallow, repeated cultivation that eradicates weeds is further supported by the fact that it results in lower fuel consumption per hectare compared to, for instance, a single treatment with a disc harrow or a cultivator operating at a depth of 15 cm. This practice also prevents the burying of weed or self-seed seeds and their prolonged emergence, which can often preclude subsequent mechanical weed control treatments due to time constraints.
Ultra-shallow tillage for weed control
It is advisable to start immediately after the harvest, regardless of the field's moisture conditions. If dry, the process will be more challenging and less effective, but weeds and self-seeding will emerge after the initial treatment. Each subsequent shallow mechanical treatment is estimated to stimulate the emergence of several to several dozen percent of the seeds in the soil, primarily depending on moisture conditions. Therefore, performing several post-harvest treatments can significantly reduce the soil seed bank capable of germinating and causing weed infestation in crops.
Ultra-shallow tillage machines for weed management
For shallow cultivation, a regular disc harrow can be utilized; however, achieving a depth of approximately 5 cm is feasible only if the soil is moist. In dry conditions, this might not be achievable, particularly with lighter, suspended machinery. Large discs may lack sufficient aggressiveness on the soil, resulting in an unsatisfactory effect in stimulating weed emergence. The promoted trend of ultra-shallow cultivation includes the following:
- mulching harrows, such as the Rolmako SpringExpert, are utilized to distribute straw on the field, mix the soil to a depth of 2-3 cm, and reduce water evaporation. Due to its low power requirement, it operates with high efficiency
- knife rollers, such as TurboCut and ProCut, are particularly recommended for shredding thicker crop residues like corn. They mix the soil to a depth of 2-4 cm and offer high work efficiency. If you have a tractor with a front three-point linkage, you can attach a knife roller to it, and on the rear three-point linkage, a disc harrow to mix crop residues with the soil.
- disc harrows with wavy discs, such as the Rolmako SpeedCutter with small diameter discs, rotate faster during operation compared to traditional disc harrows, enabling a more aggressive impact on the soil at a shallower depth
Every crop from a distinct perspective
Each subsequent treatment in ultra-shallow cultivation should be performed at a different angle to the previous one. This ensures better distribution of straw and residues in the field and ensures the entire stubble is cut. Do not delay the next treatments to prevent weeds and volunteer plants from growing too strongly. They will be more difficult to mix with the soil and will draw water from it—10-12 l/m² for every 10 cm of plant height.
Post-sowing weed control
Weed control can also be mechanically managed after crop establishment. While cereals are particularly suited to this method, it is also applicable before the emergence of other species, such as legumes, corn, sunflowers, or potatoes. For this purpose, equipment such as a weeder or rotary hoe can be utilized:
- a weeder harrow, such as ActiVAgro, features thinner tines compared to a mulching harrow. While its operation is less intensive, it effectively removes young weeds from the soil. It can be utilized for weed control, for example, in cereals during the tillering phase, when the plants are robust and suffer minimal damage from the harrow
- a rotary hoe, such as the Matrix, features working elements in the form of stars, operating at a maximum depth of 4 cm. This machine can be utilized for inter-row mechanical weeding, soil crust leveling, and during the tillering phase of cereals.
Summary
Mechanical weed control has gained popularity due to concerns about excessive chemical use in agriculture and herbicide-resistant weeds. These methods offer environmental and human health benefits by avoiding chemical pesticides. Ultra-shallow tillage and other techniques can help minimize weed infestation. Effective mechanical weed control requires combining different techniques tailored to each field's unique conditions. Regular field monitoring is essential to respond promptly to weed emergence and adjust management practices accordingly.
