MECHANICAL WEED CONTROL WITH A ROW BRUSH HOE

The absolute brush velocity on the soil, which is the net result of the driving velocity and the velocity of the rotating brushes, was defined as a standard of comparison for the processes at the plants and at the soil.

The depth of the treatment proved to be a decisive factor for the success of the weed control. The adjustment of the depth turned out to be complicated and unsatisfactory with the used tool.

In wet conditions the treatment with the row brush hoe had no detrimental effect to the soil structure. There is no smooth layer left below the soil surface. And throughout there were good results of the weed control. High absolute brush speed and dry soil lead to an increase of the portion of fine earth and to a decrease of the coarse and stabilizing portion. The consequence is erosion after heavy rain.

To obtain a defined effect of weed control and a careful treatment of the soil at the same time, a precise adjustment and control of the working depth is required.

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