Abstract
Non-chemical weed control methods need to be directed towards a site-specific weeding approach, in order to be able to compete the conventional herbicide equivalents. A system for online weed control was developed. It automatically adjusts the tine angle of a harrow and creates different levels of intensity: from gentle to aggressive. Two experimental plots in a maize field were harrowed with two consecutive passes. The plots presented from low to high weed infestation levels. Discriminant capabilities of an ultrasonic sensor were used to determine the crop and weed variability of the field. A controlling unit used ultrasonic readings to adjust the tine angle, producing an appropriate harrowing intensity. Thus, areas with high crop and weed densities were more aggressively harrowed, while areas with lower densities were cultivated with a gentler treatment; areas with very low densities or without weeds were not treated. Although the weed development was relatively advanced and the soil surface was hard, the weed control achieved by the system reached an average of 51% (20%–91%), without causing significant crop damage as a result of harrowing. This system is proposed as a relatively low cost, online, and real-time automatic harrow that improves the weed control efficacy, reduces energy consumption, and avoids the usage of herbicide.
Highlights
Chemical control has replaced mechanical weeding methods [1]
Based on the weed counts before and after harrowing, the weed control was calculated from 22% to 90% in both plots (Figures 4 and 5c)
The present study proposes an online and real-time mechanical weed control system
Summary
Chemical control has replaced mechanical weeding methods [1]. Herbicide residues have been found in food, water, and soil [4]. To avoid these drawbacks, weed management should be directed towards a rational use of herbicides, exchanging chemicals with more environmental friendly methods when possible and trying to balance weed control and yield loss. Non-chemical technologies, such as mechanical weed control, provide an option for controlling weeds without harming the environment, in organic and for conventional farming. Mechanical weed control tools often perform with a lower efficacy and higher costs than chemical control [6]. Non-chemical weeding methods should improve towards a site-specific approach, in order to be able to compete with conventional herbicide application
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