Selective mechanical weeding

Baseline strategy · No score

It controls adventitious herbs with tools adjusted to the crop and the risk of erosion or compaction.

Subject: Agriculture and cropsContext: Agriculture · Crops · Rural environmentCost: mediumEffort: mediumLevel: recommendedStage: planning and operationMaturity: established
Principle of Escarda mecánica selectiva
Operating principle

How it works

It controls adventitious herbs with tools adjusted to the crop and the risk of erosion or compaction.

Agricultural management combines soil protection, efficient use of nutrients and water, pest control and biodiversity conservation.

When does it make sense?

  • Cultivation, soil, climate and water availability are known
  • Practice can be tested on an appropriate scale
  • Performance and impacts are measured without shifting problems

How to apply it

  1. 1

    Delimit the measurement and measure the starting position.

  2. 2

    Apply the measure with competent personnel and check for site-specific risks.

  3. 3

    Follow results, maintain the solution and correct unwanted effects.

Potential benefits

Better protected soil and water

Lower reliance on inputs

Increased crop resilience

Limitations and precautions

  • The benefit must be verified under the actual conditions of application.
  • The advantages vary between crops, seasons and regions.
  • Production, water consumption and any transfer of impacts should be monitored.

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