Mechanical weeding: an alternative to herbicides
NEWS · 14 June 2024
In the relentless quest for more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices, mechanical weeding is emerging as a revolutionary technique.
Fundamental to crop health and environmental conservation, this method represents a significant step towards more responsible and respectful agricultural management.
In this article we will explore in detail what mechanical weeding is, its advantages, the main techniques and the ideal machines to implement it, with a focus on the innovations proposed by Zanon, a leading company in the agricultural machinery sector.
What is mechanical weeding and how does it work?
Mechanical weeding is an agricultural practice that involves the use of machinery to remove weeds without the use of chemicals.
It is an alternative control method to the use of chemical herbicides, increasingly appreciated by farmers seeking environmentally friendly solutions.
This method relies on the use of specially designed equipment, such as disc harrows, harrows, or mechanical herbicides, to interrupt the growth of weeds through mechanical action, such as chopping or uprooting plants.
Operation is relatively simple but extremely effective: the machines, properly adjusted, operate between the cultivation rows, eliminating weeds and promoting the growth of cultivated plants. This method is particularly effective in row crops, such as maize, tomatoes, or vegetables, where the equipment can be manoeuvred with precision. Mechanical weeding can be carried out in pre-emergence, i.e. before the weeds emerge, or in post-emergence, when the weeds have already developed.
When and where is mechanical weeding recommended?
Mechanical weeding is used in a variety of crops, including cereals, vegetables, orchards and vineyards. It is a method particularly suited to large, regular soils, where the use of agricultural machinery is easy and efficient. The effectiveness of mechanical weeding depends on several factors, such as the stage of development of the weed, the type of soil and the characteristics of the crop. it is particularly suitable in organic farm
The benefits of mechanical weeding for biodiversity
One of the main advantages of mechanical weed control over other weed control methods is its positive impact on biodiversity. While the use of herbicides can cause damage to flora and fauna, mechanical weeding offers a selective approach that preserves the surrounding ecosystem. This brings several benefits:
- Increased biodiversity: promotes the presence of beneficial insects and microorganisms beneficial to the soil and the crop.
- Improved soil fertility: mechanical tillage helps increase soil porosity and permeability, improving soil structure and fertility.
- Increased crop yield: a healthy, weed-free soil promotes optimal crop development, increasing output and product quality.
Today, mechanical weeding is not only used in organic farming, but increasingly in conventional farming as well, as it drastically reduces the use of (expensive and environmentally damaging) chemicals and helps to keep the soil healthy. When planning a mechanical weeding strategy, it is important to also consider grassing as part of the process, which is a very important technique for preserving soil from erosion and improving its fertility.
Main techniques of mechanical weeding in the inter-row
There are several mechanical weeding techniques, each suited to specific agricultural needs and crop types. The main ones are:
1. Ploughing: this technique is used for inter-row ploughing (removing soil and grass), it is usually the first tillage carried out after winter to oxygenate the plant and facilitate opening for fertilization
2. Harrowing: harrowing is the phase usually carried out after ploughing (scaling) to prepare the soil and level it out from the previous tillage, it is also fundamental to bury the fertilization and make it penetrate into the soil, furthermore this method is useful for controlling weeds in the growth phase.
3. Wire weeding: with this technique, wire weeders are used to mow the weed in the sub-row without damaging the plant.
Mechanical weeding machinery: Zanon at the forefront
Choosing the right machinery depends on various factors, including:
1. Type of crop: weeding requirements may vary depending on the type of crop. For example, tall crops require different machinery than row crops.
2. Extent of the soil: the size and topography of the soil influence the choice of machinery.
When it comes to choosing the ideal machinery for mechanical weeding, Zanon stands out as a leader in the field. With over 50 years of experience in the design and manufacture of innovative agricultural machinery, Zanon offers a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment for every need.
In detail, we will explore the mechanical finger weeder.
The DST-STAR is a mechanical inter-row weeder designed for environmentally friendly weeding of vineyards and orchards. Its robust construction and versatility make it a reliable and efficient machine, suitable for the needs of small and large farms. It is easily hitched to the tractor via the Cat. I-II 3-point hitch, ensuring stability and safety while working.
In addition, it is equipped with a hydraulic side-shift system that allows the working width to be modulated according to specific needs. The front roll discs break up the soil close to the plants, more or less tamping them depending on the angle of inclination, promoting good soil aeration and limiting weed growth. The rubber star back-finger weeder discs thoroughly clean the inter-row, removing weeds even close to the plant stems without damaging them. The stars can be of 3 sizes and 3 hardnesses, to be chosen according to the type of soil and culture on which they are to be used.
This mechanical weeder allows working speeds of up to 15 km/h, guaranteeing high productivity and optimising working time.
The DST-STAR is available in two versions: standard and compact. The compact version is narrower and more manoeuvrable, ideal for vineyards and rows with limited space.
Finally, this inter-row machine has the great advantage of being able to be equipped with different attachments to be able to carry out different types of work, from soil tillage to vegetable mulching, to meet the different needs of the farmer.
Conclusion: towards a more sustainable agriculture with Zanon
In conclusion, mechanical weeding represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture. With its many advantages, including respect for biodiversity and soil conservation, this practice is rapidly spreading among farmers around the world.
This shift towards more sustainable agriculture needs state-of-the-art machinery such as that designed by Zanon, which can completely replace the use of herbicides and chemicals to achieve healthy and sustainable productivity. Choose Zanon's agricultural machinery to adopt modern, efficient and environmentally friendly farming practices. Contact us now!