Comb harrow: efficient weed control in cereals.
Problem: Weeds are a major problem in organic cereal production. Weed development before tillering can reduce yields, hinder the harvest, and increase weed pressure in the subsequent crop.
Solution: Organic farmers depend on preventive weed control measures such as crop rotation and mechanical control measures for weed control. In many countries, the comb harrow is a standard tool for weed control in early stages of cereal growth. The aim is to achieve the lowest possible weed density until the end of tillering. Problem weeds such as cleavers, chamomile, hollow tooth, field foxtail, mustard, etc. should be prevented until the end of stem extension. The comb harrow was tested in Bulgaria on 3 farms for 3 cereals (wheat, spelt and einkorn).
Outcome: In the beginning, weeds with shallow roots were successfully eradicated by the harrow. Others (e.g., burdock and stork’s bill) were controlled to a certain extent. The results show that the comb harrow had a significant impact on the yield, with an increase of 12.7 % for wheat, 16.7 % for spelt and 23.4 % for einkorn. The weeds decreased by 51.15 %, 58.14 % and 36.37 %, respectively.
Practical recommendations: Drill winter cereals in rows with an increased sowing rate of 7-10 % compared to conventional cereal crops during the most appropriate period (September 25 to October 5 for Northern Bulgaria, 5 to 15 October for Southern Bulgaria).
When the crop is in the „3-leaf“ stage, control the emerging weeds with a comb harrow. Repeat the procedure, when the wheat plants start tillering. Use the harrow again at the earliest possible time in spring to destroy the soil crust and aerate the soil.
Link: http://orgprints.org/32614/7/PA_024_BIOSELENA_comb_harrow_en_final.pdf
OK-Net Arable – Organic Knowledge Network Arable
Ongoing | 2015-2018
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Belgium