Progress in mechanical methods of weed management in integrated and organic farming systems

摘要

During the last few years, there has been increasing concerns about herbicide use and conversion to integrated and organic farming systems is observed. Therefore, research are focused on non-chemical weed control methods. Mechanical weed control is the most commonly recognized method as alternative to herbicides. A review of technical innovations, particularly for row-crops, recently developed by machinery companies for direct weed control is beyond the scope of this paper. Inter-row weeds can be removed by ordinary interrow cultivation (e.g. ordinary steered hoes with blades, rotary hoes, PTO-driven cultivators) relatively easily, but inter-row weeds constitute basic problem. In broadcast-sown crops and small grain cereals, weed control can be conducted using a spring-tine harrow or other harrows types. The torsion, finger, brush and pneumatic weeding are developed mainly for post-emergence use in high-value crops (such as vegetables and sugarbeet). The decision to use particular equipment depends on a number of factors (efficacy of each equipment, row spacing, growth stage of weeds and crops, degree of weed infestation, weed population dynamics, degree of soil moisture, and number of cultivation required). Results with mechanical weed control are relatively good in transplanted vegetables. Mechanical control has many limitations that must be considered when designing weed management systems, and provides the best results when it become a part of strategy that involves also cultural methods. In the integrated crop production, a combination of two or more methods (e.g. mechanical and chemical) may be required for effective weed management. The advantages and disadvantages of mechanical weed control are discussed..