Manual Weeding Research Articles

Fertilization during mineland rehabilitation may shift competitive outcomes toward invasive species

Managing invasive species is essential for achieving mineland rehabilitation goals and ensuring the long‐term provision of critical ecosystem services while preventing new dispersion sources to neighboring areas. Traditional techniques include chemical and manual weeding, but frequent reinvasion limits their long‐term success. Therefore, additional integrated tools, such as stimulating natural competitors, may become necessary, especially where sensitive ecosystems, e.g. the ferruginous savanna ecosystem (cangas) from the Carajás National Forest, Eastern Amazon, Brazil, are found nearby rehabilitation sites. Here, we investigate the influence of different substrates and fertilization levels on the biotic interactions between two native canga grasses (Axonopus longispicus and Paspalum cinerascens) and the invasive molasses grass (Melinis minutiflora), which is frequently found in anthropized and natural ecosystems in Latin America. Nutrient application significantly influenced the growth, resource use strategies, and competitive outcomes of M. minutiflora. Nutrient application has positive effects on the growth of native species when cultivated in isolation but reduces plant development when subjected to competition with molasses grass, potentiating the invader. Although neither of the tested native species exhibited competitive advantages over M. minutiflora, increased nitrogen availability favored the competitive ability of this invasive grass. Thus, eliminating fertilization during mineland rehabilitation may be important for reducing the cover of M. minutiflora in the Carajás region, as sensitive canga ecosystems lack natural barriers against invasion. This strategic approach mitigates the operational risks and costs associated with combating invasive species from rehabilitating minelands, reducing propagule pressure on neighboring canga areas.

Negative Effects of Butachlor on the Growth and Physiology of Four Aquatic Plants.

The increasing use of herbicides in intelligent agricultural production is driven by the time-consuming nature of manual weeding, as well as its ephemeral effectiveness. However, herbicides like butachlor degrade slowly and can be washed away by rainwater, ultimately flowing into the farm ponds and posing risks to aquatic plants. To identify and recommend superior restoration strategies that effectively address the challenges posed by butachlor, we investigated the impacts of butachlor on the growth and physiology of four common aquatic plants (i.e., Hydrilla verticillata, Ceratophyllum demersum, Potamogeton maackianus, and Myriophyllum aquaticum) and their potential role in mitigating environmental damage by reducing residual herbicide levels. Our findings indicated that M. aquaticum was tolerant to butachlor, exhibiting higher growth rates than other species when exposed to various butachlor concentrations. However, the concentration of butachlor negatively impacted the growth of H. verticillata, C. demersum, and P. maackianus, with higher concentrations leading to more significant inhibitory effects. After a 15-day experimental period, aquatic plants reduced the butachlor residuals in culture mediums across concentrations of 0.5 mg/L, 1 mg/L, and 2 mg/L compared to non-plant controls. Our findings classified P. maackianus as butachlor-sensitive and M. aquaticum as butachlor-tolerant species. This investigation represents novel research aimed at elucidating the contrasting effects of different concentrations of butachlor on four common aquatic species in the agricultural multi-pond system.

Adaptive capacity of sugar beet under herbicide application

The article deals with the results of the research on phytotoxicity exerted by herbicides on plants of various sugar beet hybrids. Treatment with betanal group herbicides ensured high purity of sowing combined with low phytotoxicity for sugar beet plants in the stage with a pair of cotyledon-1 true leaves.The phytotoxicity of the herbicide was 18.0-18.6% relative to the variant with manual weeding. At the initial stages of growth, plants of F hybrids were the most resistant to the negative effects of herbicides F1 Skala, F1 Priliv and F1 Burya. After the second treatment, growth inhibition was observed in the variants using herbicides with an increase in mass deficit. The most resistant to the negative effects of herbicides was hybrid F1 Skala. For hybrids F1 Priliv and F1 Gorizont effect of the chemical stress factor was assessed as the most toxic; the weight of 100 plants increased by only 4.5-4.6% compared to the control hybrid. The phytotoxicity of the herbicide combination for sugar beet plants was significantly reduced (to 12-13%) compared to earlier herbicide treatments. High resistance after three herbicide treatments negative effects of herbicides were noted in hybrid F1 Skala. After the first chemical weeding, the amount of chlorophyll a in the leaves was one and a half times less than after manual weeding. After the second treatment with herbicides, the most intense degradation of pigments in the leaves was observed. After the third treatment in the “third pair of true leaves” phase, the plants’ resistance to chemical herbicides increased slightly.

Електросапа – культиватор «Мрія»

In this article, we propose the design of a universal electric hoe - a cultivator with a balancing drive wheel for inter-row cultivation of row crops. Currently, chemical methods and mechanical loosening are widespread in modern agriculture, but concerns about the use of herbicides, especially in "organic farming," leave no choice. We propose a machine that allows for inter-row cultivation of any row crops, even by a child. The proposed device is to be equipped with an electric motor with an electric battery, which will allow for greater mobility, low noise and vibration levels, as well as a set of tools to perform all technological operations when growing row crops. Ninety percent of manual labor in the cultivation of garden crops is spent on sowing and subsequent cultivation of row spacing. Therefore, the device must have a certain set of tools, such as a "hiller paw" for cutting furrows and hilling; a "one-sided paw" for removing weeds from the row spacing; a "lancet paw" for deep loosening and crust destruction. As can be seen from the above, manual weeding is the most effective method of weed control for working on a personal plot. However, due to the high labor intensity of the work, the task of creating a device for processing both inter-row and intra-row weeding is now being addressed. Field tests have shown that this device performs all the tasks in full, and the battery capacity, subject to continuous processing, is enough for 400 m2. The next step in improving the functional characteristics of the proposed design is to equip the electric chopper-cultivator with a device for inter-row cultivation. Inter-row cultivation is a method of weed control that involves removing weeds from the internal space between plants in one row. This process can be an important step in crop care and is aimed at reducing competition between weeds and crops. It is important to perform inter-row weeding in a timely manner, especially in the early stages of crop growth when weeds are just beginning to gain weight. It is economically feasible for the operator to control the machine manually. After a short practice, the control accuracy can reach several centimeters.

Factors Affecting on Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Manipur

Adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of farming systems, protecting the environment, and promoting food security and economic prosperity for future generations. If the sustainable practices are not aligned with farmers’ needs, adoption status may likely to be low. To investigate the adoption behavior of farmers in the different dimensions of sustainable practices, a study was conducted in Manipur during November 2021 to July 2023. The data was gathered from randomly selected 320 respondents. The findings highlighted that the highest adopted sustainable agricultural practices was MW (manual weeding) and CR (crop rotation). Most of the respondents belonged to the medium level of adoption with a 51.53 adoption index. Using binary logistic regression, the effect of independent variables on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices was tested. The model exhibits below moderate relationships, predicting 25.00 per cent of decisions to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, which can be explained by the independent variables. Furthermore, out of the eleven variables, seven variables were importantly influenced on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Boosting farmers’ confidence through technology demonstration, awareness campaigns about the benefits of sustainable technology, and implementing a well-designed, user-friendly interface with feedback mechanisms can significantly enhance adoption rates.

Formulaciones de sulfentrazona y herbicidas para control de malezas en sistemas de producción de tabaco

Sulfentrazone is one of the main pre-emergent herbicides used in tobacco plantations. The objective of this work was to evaluate the selectivity and efficiency of sulfentrazone-based formulations in two tobacco production systems (conventional tillage system [CTS] and no-tillage system [NTS]). Two experiments were conducted (CTS and NTS) in a randomized block design, with seven treatments and four replications. The herbicide treatments were: T1 = Boral® 500 SC (400 g∙ha-1 of sulfentrazone), T2 = PonteiroBR® (400 g∙ha-1 of sulfentrazone), T3 = Stone® (350 + 700 g∙ha-1 of sulfentrazone and diuron, respectively), T4 = Boral® 500 SC + Gamit® 360 CS (792 g∙ha-1 of clomazone), T5 = PonteiroBR® + Gamit® 360 CS, T6 = Stone® + Gamit® 360 CS, and T7 = control (manual weeding). Phytotoxicity in tobacco plants and weed control efficiency were visually evaluated 14, 28, 42, and 56 days after application (daa) of the treatments. Emerged weed plants per m2 were counted 56 daa. Tobacco yield was evaluated by determining the yield per third of the plant (lower, middle, and upper thirds) and the total yield (sum of the yields from each third). The sulfentrazone formulations were efficient in weed control. The herbicide Stone® applied alone or mixed with Gamit® caused mild phytotoxicity in plants under NTS, but no yield losses. No significant difference was found in yield among treatments; however, the yield of the upper third of the plant was higher for plants under NTS, affecting the total yield. The sulfentrazone formulations used provided efficient weed control and selectivity to tobacco plants. The use of NTS resulted in higher yields.

Integrated Weed Management in Minor Millets: A Review

Presently, agriculture is facing tremendous problem due to climate change and global warming. To ensure food and nutritional security at national level, there is an immediate need to promote the cultivation of millets as millets are considered climate smart and nature friendly crops because of high nutritive value and can withstand under warm and drought conditions with short life, low external inputs requirement, tolerance to water and temperatures stress. Ten millet crops have been declared as ‘Nutri Cereals’ which include three major millets i.e., pearl millet, sorghum and finger millet; five minor millets i.e. foxtail millet, proso millet, kodo millet, barnyard millet, little millet; and two pseudo millets i.e. kuttu (buckwheat) and amaranthus. Due to sluggish growth in initial phases of life, millets proved relatively poor competitors against weeds. Manual weeding is the most commonly adopted for weed control in millets. But the non-availability of labour and ever-increasing labour wages have compelled the farmers to seek alternate method of weed management. Herbicide use is the most viable method of weed control but their continuous and excessive use is not advisable due to its ill effects on environment and development of herbicide resistance in weeds. Very limited options are available in literature for weed control in minor millets. Thus, integrated weed management practices should be followed on site and time specific basis for effective and efficient weed management in minor millets. For integrated weed management in minor millets, 2-3 times inter-cultivation and 1-2 time hand weeding during initial 25 days after sowing in addition to pre-emergence spray with Isoproturon @ 0.5 -1.0 kg a.i./ha and post emergence spray of 2, 4-D sodium salt @ 0.75-1.0 kg a.i./ha at 20-25 days after sowing should be done for effective weed control.

Weed Management Practices on Growth, Yield and Economics of Kharif Grain Sorghum

In the Kharif grain sorghum growing areas of Karnataka, the sorghum production suffers greatly due to weed problem, which offers limitations to crop. It was found that weed infestation become unmanageable throughout the growing period by the traditional methods of interculturing and manual weeding due to continuous and heavy rains during entire vegetative and early reproductive stages of Kharif sorghum. Hence, integration of herbicides with some cultural operations and use of pre-emergence, post-emergence herbicides in combination with mechanical methods can prove to be more successful. A field experiment entitled “Weed management in kharif grain sorghum” was conducted during Kharif 2019 at ARS, Hagari in deep black soil with neutral reaction (pH 7.50), organic carbon (5.5 g kg-1), available nitrogen (248.00 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (36.75 kg ha-1) and available potassium (312.00 kg ha-1). An experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. There were fourteen treatments comprising of weed management practices. The dominant weeds observed in the experimental fields were among grasses Brachiaria reptans, while in broad leaved weeds, Amaranthus viridis and among sedges, Cyperus rotundus. Significantly lower population of grasses, sedges, and broad leaved weeds, weed dry weight, weed index (%) and higher weed control efficiency throughout the crop growth period was noticed in sequential pre-emergence application of atrazine 50 WP @ 0.50 kg a.i. ha-1 as PE fb 2,4-D Na Salt 80 WP @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 as PoE at 25 DAS except weed free treatment. Atrazine 50 WP @ 0.50 kg a.i. ha-1 as PE fb 2,4-D Na Salt 80 WP @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 as PoE at 25 DAS recorded significantly higher plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area, test weight, grain yield, straw yield, harvest index, gross return, net return and benefit cost ratio (160.8 cm, 183.4 gplant-1, 24.1 dm2 plant-1, 30.53 g, 4195 kg ha-1, 9891 kg ha-1, 29.80 %, Rs. 1,03,675ha-1, Rs. 71,636 ha-1and 3.24, respectively) except weed free and it was on par with atrazine 50 WP @ 0.50 kg a.i. ha-1 as PE fb IC at 25 DAS and HW at 25 DAS and IC at 40 DAS.

Effect of crop management and climatic factors on weed control in sugarcane intercropping systems

ContextCover crops in intercropping systems have a high potential to manage weeds in tropical agroecosystems as an herbicide alternative. However, it still needs to be better investigated in sugarcane cropping systems. ObjectiveThis study assesses the weed control ability of cover crops in sugarcane intercropping systems depending on crop management and climate in tropical conditions. MethodsThis study was based on a set of eight experiments, including ten cover crop species, performed from 2012 to 2021 in three areas in Reunion Island (France) and comparing three inter-row management treatments: i) chemical weed control, ii) cover crops sown in the inter-row, and iii) low weed control. Mean weed and cover crop ground cover were measured during the entire crop cycle, and the complementary weed management practices (herbicide, manual weeding) were also recorded. Sugarcane yield and crop management were evaluated to assess the economic impact of a change in practice. ResultsMean weed ground cover was reduced by 51 % in the cover crop and chemical treatments compared to low control. Additionally, the cover crop treatment had an herbicide treatment frequency index lower by 37 % compared to chemical treatment but a higher number of manual weedings. In all treatments, weed cover increased with rainfall and temperature. In the cover crop treatment, a structural equation modeling approach allowed us to highlight the influence of cover crop (sowing date and species) and sugarcane management (crop cycle - plant or ratoon crop) on weed cover. Weed cover decreased with an increase in cover crop ground cover, which was higher for the early sowing date. Additionally, weed cover was lower in ratoon crops than plant crops but increased over time since intercropping was implemented. Finally, sugarcane yield was lower by 6 % in cover crop treatment compared to chemical treatment. The change in operating costs and revenues between these crop management induced a decrease in profits in intercropping compared to chemical cropping systems, variable according to the degree of mechanization. ConclusionsThis study highlights the predominance of management factors, compared with climate, to explain the effectiveness of weed control in sugarcane intercropping systems. ImplicationsDue to the change in weed cover over time, there is a need to assess the long-term sustainability of this practice and the potential change in weed communities.

Growth and yield of rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i>) under different establishment methods and weed management practices in Uttarakhand

An experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2021 and 2022 at the Norman E. Borlaug (NEB) Crop Research Centre at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to study the effect of different establishment methods and weed management practices on growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The study was carried in a split plot design with 3 replications. In main plot 4 rice establishment methods and in sub plot 4 weed management practices were included. The results revealed that significantly higher grain yield was recorded in mechanical line sowing (S2) over rest of the treatment. According to the pooled data analysis of grain yield the per cent increase in mechanical line sowing (S2) over broadcasting (S1), raised bed system (S3) and semi-dry system (S4) was 23.1%, 17.6% and 8.1%, respectively. Among the different weed management practices grain yield was recorded maximum in W3 (pre emergence herbicide followed by two manual weeding) treatment which showed at par results with W2 (pre emergence followed by post emergence herbicide) treatment. The per cent grain yield increase in pre emergence herbicide followed by two manual weeding (W3) over manual weeding (W1), pre emergence followed by post emergence herbicide (W2) and mechanical weeding (W4) was 19.3%, 0.75% and 31.7%, respectively. Weed density was recorded minimum in mechanical line sowing (S2) and raised bed system (S3). At panicle initiation stage significantly lower weed density was recorded in mechanical line sowing (S2). However, among the weed management practices manual weeding (W1) and pre emergence herbicide followed by two manual weeding (W3) treatments recorded at par. Weed dry weight remain non-significant under different rice establishment methods during active tillering as well as panicle initiation stage.

The effectiveness of atrazine 265 g/L and nicosulfuron 35 g/L for weed control in hybrid maize plants (Zea mays L.)

Weeds negatively affect the production of hybrid maize by competing for essential resources such as nutrients, water, and sunlight. Using a combination of herbicides has the potential to broaden the range of controlled weed species and prevent the development of herbicide resistance in weeds. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a herbicide blend containing Atrazine (265 g/L) and Nicosulfuron (35 g/L) in managing weed in hybrid maize crops. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University, located in Jatinangor, Sumedang Regency, West Java, Indonesia. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprising of seven treatments and four replications each. The treatments included different doses of Atrazine (265 g/L) and Nicosulfuron (35 g/L) at 1.0 l/ha, 1.5 l/ha, 2.0 l/ha, 2.5 l/ha, 3.0 l/ha, as well as manual weeding and control. The results showed that herbicide combination of Atrazine (265 g/L) and Nicosulfuron (35 g/L) at a dose of 1.0 L/ha to 3 L/ha was effective in controlling the growth of the dominant weed Bidens pilosa, Ageratum conyzoides, Synedrella nodiflora, Richardia brasiliensis, Eleusine indica, Digitaria ciliaris, and total weed on hybrid maize cultivation up to six weeks after treatment. During this observation period, there were no toxicity indications to maize plants, indicating the absence of phytotoxicity.

Organic Hydromulches in Young Olive Trees in Pots: Effects on Soil and Plant Parameters

Organic hydromulches (liquid spray-on mulches) have been used traditionally in land rehabilitation, mainly to mitigate post-fire runoff and erosion. However, in recent years, a new application of these materials as an eco-friendly alternative to the widely used polyethylene mulch, both in vegetable and woody crops, has been studyied. This work analyzes the effects of six hydromulches, based on organic by-products, on different soil parameters (water content, temperature, and CO2 flux), plant–water relations (stem water potential, leaf gas exchange, and leaf temperature), and the growth (trunk diameter) of young olive trees planted in large pots in the open field over a 2-year trial. The hydromulches tested were: rice husk (RH), rice husk with linen oil (RHL), mushroom substrate (MS), wheat straw (WS), pistachio (PW), and vineyard (VW) pruning wood chips, mixed with different additives (gypsum, recycled paper paste, and Kraft fiber). A non-mulched manual weeding control (NM) was included. The results indicated that hydromulches, in comparison with NM, resulted in increased volumetric soil water content (on average, 22.9% in hydromulches and 19.5% in NM), reduced soil temperature fluctuations (4.97 °C in hydromulches and 6.13 °C in NM), and increased soil CO2 fluxes (0.80 and 0.49 g CO2 m−2 h−1, respectively). Although the differences in the soil water content did not have an obvious effect on the plant–water status, crop growth was reduced in NM (≈23% lower than PW, MS, RHL, and WS), suggesting that vegetative growth, especially in young olive trees, is extremely sensitive to water deficit. The overall study leads to considering hydromulches as a good alternative to mulching in large pots, especially PW, which would be useful for nursery crops before their final establishment in the field.

Early Spring Broadleaved Weed Control during Seedling Dormancy in Regenerated Pedunculate Oak Forests

In regenerated oak forests, weeds are present throughout the year, with the ones appearing in early spring representing a major problem. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine herbicides for early spring broadleaved weed control in regenerated oak forests while the seedlings are in a dormant stage. During 2019 and 2020, two experiments were set up in regenerated pedunculate oak forests with 2- and 3-year-old seedlings, and two herbicides were applied in two doses: fluroxypyr at doses of 360 g a.i. ha−1 and 540 g a.i. ha−1 and clopyralid at doses of 100 g a.i. ha−1 and 120 g a.i. ha−1. Fluroxypyr and clopyralid significantly reduced early spring broadleaved weeds in the regenerated pedunculate oak forests, but both doses of fluroxypyr provided greater control of the presented weeds than the applied doses of clopyralid. Manual weeding reduced broadleaved weeds in the experiments, but that method did not have a long-term effect on the reduction in weeds. The applied doses of the herbicides fluroxypyr and clopyralid did not cause phytotoxicity symptoms in the dormant oak seedlings. All investigated treatments significantly reduced fresh broadleaved weed biomass compared to the control. Fluroxypyr and clopyralid can be successfully used for the control of many early spring broadleaved weeds in regenerated pedunculate oak forests, but 2- and 3-year-old oak seedlings must be in the dormant stage.

Sidahermaphrodita establishment on highly weed-infested soil using biodegradable mulch film

The sustainable production of plant biomass for energy and material application within a growing bioeconomy is crucial to overcome the dependence on fossil resources. The perennial industrial crop Sida hermaphrodita L. var. Rusby (Sida) was subject of various investigations as a promising biogenic energy carrier, though its field establishment in the juvenile plant stage is challenging. While suitable chemical measures to suppress weeds in Sida are only scarcely available, the use of herbicides for weed control contradicts the sustainability in bioenergy provision. Therefore, this study aimed for an improved Sida plant establishing method using biodegradable mulch film on highly weed-infested soil. During the year of trial establishment, Sida growth under mulch film treatment was highly improved, resulting in 264% (±49%) higher shoots and 683% (±361%) higher ground cover by Sida compared to the control on bare soil where manual weed treatment was applied only, with weeds significantly reduced in number, size, and ground cover. Employing mulch film for the successful field establishment of Sida proved to be a promising approach as it effectively suppressed weeds despite high weed pressure, resulting in significant growth promotion of Sida.

Economic feasibility of use soil cover in organic lettuce crops in the semiarid region of the state of Alagoas, Brazil

Lettuce is a species widely cultivated in the world and, in the production process, soil covers have been used to reduce water loss and production costs. The geotextile blanket, solid waste generated in water treatment plants, has potential as an alternative mulching. To maintain competitiveness, knowing the economic parameters through financial indicators will allow defining the feasibility of the rural enterprise. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the economic feasibility of use soil covers in four production periods on organic lettuce crops in the semiarid region of the state of Alagoas - Brazil. Four experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design, with four treatments (geotextile blanket, white white polypropylene mulching, black polypropylene mulching, and uncovered soil - control) and five replicates. Costs related to labor (weeding control), materials, inputs, energy and depreciation were estimated, in which the operation with harvest and post-harvest (33.7%) and the acquisition of the irrigation system, in the 1st production period were the most expressive (44.9%). Manual weeding increased costs in the control treatment by 38.6%. The economic indicators gross and net revenue, profitability index (PI), minimum attractiveness rate (MAR), discounted payback (DP) and net present value (NPV) were estimated, in which the lowest and highest gross (US$ 32,072.3 and 37,903.61 ha-1) and net (US$ 24,652.0 and 33,504.1 ha-1) revenues were observed in the 1st and 3rd production periods in black and white mulches, respectively. PI, MAR, DP and NPV indicated economic feasibility already in the 2nd production period.

Multiclass weed identification using semantic segmentation: An automated approach for precision agriculture

Accurate identification and categorization of numerous weed species are critical for implementing effective control measures and management methods in precision agriculture. Manual weed treatment is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and poses risks of human pesticide exposure. Therefore, the development of automated weed management systems is highly desirable. This study aims to propose an automated approach for multiclass weed identification using semantic segmentation, with the goal of improving weed control techniques, reducing pesticide usage, and enhancing crop yields in a sustainable manner. To address the research objective, we created a novel multiclass weed dataset, focusing on two weed categories found in a brinjal farm located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India during the 2022 field seasons. The dataset covers various developmental phases and was captured under ambient lighting conditions. Leveraging transfer learning, we evaluated four advanced deep learning models to establish a benchmark for weed identification. Among the evaluated models, the U-Net-based Inception-ReseNetV2 achieved the highest F1-score of 96.78%, while the other three models attained F1-scores above 91.0%. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach in accurately identifying and categorizing weeds in agricultural fields. The results of this research provide a foundation for further investigations on weed detection and localization in field environments. The use of semantic segmentation for multiclass weed identification can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of weed management operations, resulting in reduced pesticide usage and improved crop yields. By adopting automated weed management systems, farmers can minimize labor requirements, save time, and mitigate the risks associated with human pesticide exposure.

Mechanical Weed Control Systems: Methods and Effectiveness

This article presents a division of methods to support mechanical weeding based on mechatronic control systems and estimates their effectiveness. The subject was undertaken due to the noticeable increase in interest in machine weeding methods, which is the result of the need for farmers to meet the growing awareness of customers focusing on healthy and high-quality products and the European Union policy promoting environmental protection programs, such as the European Green Deal and supporting commission priorities like the Mission Soil as a flagship initiative of the long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas. Mechanical weeding meets the stringent conditions set by organic farming, and automation favours the development of these methods. Based on sources in the literature, it has been shown that it is possible to increase the weeding speed by at least 1.6 times by using the tool position correction system for row crops. In the case of crops requiring weeding, and in the spaces between plants in a row, the use of specialised weeding machines allows for an increase in the weeding efficiency by up to 2.57 times compared to manual weeding. Each of the analysed methods used to support weeding are subject to a certain error due to the use of sources in the literature, including manufacturers’ materials; however, it shows an upward trend in the effectiveness of using mechatronic weeding support systems, which was part of the thesis. This article presents the division of these systems and analyses the specific market solutions of machines, which is its distinguishing feature.

Effects of sequential and combined application of tank-mix herbicides on weed growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays)

The field experiment was conducted at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand during kharif season 2021–22 to evaluate the effects of tank-mix herbicides on weeds and maize (Zea mays L.) in order to determine the optimum dosage, application time and combinations of herbicides for maize. Based on the findings, it could be concluded that weed-free conditions are just as effective as atrazine applied with tembotrione or topramezone through sequential or tank mix application for reducing weeds effectively and increasing grain yield. Tank mix treatments of topramezone (25.2 g a.i./ha) and tembotrione (120 g a.i./ha) with reduced dose of atrazine (0.75 kg a.i./ha) should be employed by farmers since it not only removes weeds effectively but, also offers a better environment for maize to grow providing high profits for farmers. It also lowers the dose and expenses involved in manual weeding and spraying atrazine separately.

Efikasi Herbisida Isopropilamina Glifosat 480 g/l pada Gulma Persiapan Tanam dan Pengaruhnya terhadap Tanaman Serta Hasil Padi Sawah Tanpa Olah Tanah

One of the efforts to control weeds in preparing land for lowland rice cultivation with the No-Tillage system one of which uses isopropylamineglyphosate herbicide. The purpose of this study was to determine the dose of glyphosate herbicide that effectively controls weeds for preparation of lowland rice planting with the no tillage system, to determine changes in weed composition in lowland rice after the application of glyphosate herbicide, and to determine the effect of the no tillage system after the application of glyphosate herbicide on growth and paddy yields. Data collection was carried out from June to September 2022 in the rice fields of Trimurjo District, Central Lampung Regency and the Weed Science Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. The treatment was arranged using a randomized block design with 4 replications and 6 treatments consisting of the glyphosate herbicide doses (1,080; 1,440; 1,800; 2,160 g/ha) + no tillage, manual weeding, and intensive tillage system. Homogeneity of variance was tested by Barlett's test and then analyzed for variance. Separation of the mean was carried out using the least significant difference test (LSD) at the 5% level. The results showed that the herbicide isopropylamine glyphosate doses of 1,800 and 2,160 g/ha of the no tillage system could be used to replace the intensive tillage system because it was effective in controlling total weeds, sedges, grasses, and broad leaf groups, dominant weed Fimbristylis miliacea, Echinochloa colonum, Ludwigia octovalvis and Monochoria vaginalis up to 6 WAP, causing a change in the composition of weed species from Echinochloa colonum become monochoria vaginalis at 3 WAP, and from Echinochloa colonum become Ludwigia octovalvis at 6 WAP. The growth is not stunted and yield of lowland rice plants is equivalent to the intensive tillage system with grain yields per hectare of 5.14 - 5.49 t/ha. Key words : weeds, isopropylamine glyphosate, paddy field, no tillage

Performance Evaluation of Engine-Operated Weeding Machine

Weeds constitute a serious problem to wheat crops and cause a great loss to the yield. Manual weeding is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Chemical weed control has a negative impact on both the environment and humans. Today the agricultural sector requires non-chemical weed control that safeguards consumers demand for high quality food products and pay special attention to food safety. The objectives of the study was to evaluate the performance of an-engine operated weeder by evaluating the weeding efficiency, plant damage, effective field capacity, field efficiency, fuel consumption, performance index, energy consumption, and cost economics of engine operated weeder in wheat crop. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design and evaluation was conducted at three weeder forward speeds (1.5, 2, and 2.5 km/hr), two depths of operation (from 0 to 20 and from 0 to 40 mm), and three levels of soil moisture content (9.4, 12.34 and 15.25%). The performance of the weeder was found to be optimum at 15.25 percent soil moisture content with 0 to 40 mm depth of operation at a forward speed of 1.5 km/hr. The results revealed that maximum weeding efficiency of 90.1 percent was obtained with lower plant damage of 3.31 percent whereas the effective field capacity, field efficiency, fuel consumption, performance index, and energy consumption were found to be 0.052 ha/hr, 85.99%, 0.41 l/hr, 276.78 ha/hp, and 481.71 MJ/ha, respectively. The analysis revealed that forward speed, depth of operation, and soil moisture had significant effects on weeding efficiency, plant damage, effective field capacity, and fuel consumption at P<0.05 level of significance. The cost of weeding per hectare were 758 and 1920 ETB/ha for engine-operated weeders and traditional weeding methods, respectively. Based on the performance results, it can be concluded that the weeding machine is efficient, effective, and economically viable option with high scope for acceptability among small and medium scale farmers.