Advantages
Ploughing can effectively control weed populations in crops with low competitive ability and in fields infested with herbicide-resistant weed species.
Periodic ploughing helps prevent the spread of noxious weed species that are difficult to manage using other methods, supporting long-term weed control strategies.
The practice is widely accessible and can be implemented by all farmers using standard equipment.
Intermittent use of ploughing can contribute to a reduction in herbicide applications, supporting more sustainable weed management.
Drawbacks
Ploughing may be ineffective against certain weed species and may contribute to the accumulation of weed seeds in the soil seed bank, especially if seeds remain dormant and viable over time.
Field operation costs are typically higher in years when ploughing is performed, compared to reduced tillage or no-till systems.
Farmers who have adopted conservation or no-till systems may find ploughing difficult to integrate without disrupting their overall farm management approach.
Ploughing can increase the risk of soil erosion—depending on soil type, topography, and climate—and may also lead to greater soil compaction and moisture loss, negatively affecting soil health.
Technical Aspects
Technical readiness
This technology is well-established and readily available to farmers in Latvia and across other European countries.
Ease and efficiency of implementation
Mouldboard ploughing can be effectively integrated into most cropping systems and used alongside other weed control strategies to enhance efficacy.
Need for training and education
While no additional training is typically required for implementation, farmers may benefit from updated information on how to use ploughing specifically to manage emerging weed species and herbicide-resistant populations.
Need for investments
No additional investment is necessary unless the farm operates under a full no-till system. In such cases, acquiring ploughing equipment would represent a new capital cost.
Policy Recommendations
To support effective use of mouldboard ploughing for weed control, demonstration trials and information campaigns should be organized. These would guide farmers in optimizing the timing and integration of ploughing into their weed management strategies—especially for controlling problematic or herbicide-resistant weed species.
Providing access to practical examples and research-based insights can improve adoption and ensure the method is applied in ways that balance weed suppression with soil conservation goals.