Advantages
This method is effective for controlling larger weed species and those that are not easily managed by harrowing.
Reduced herbicide use helps lower crop production costs.
The necessary equipment is generally available and can be adopted with relative ease by farmers already using mechanical tools.
The method reduces or eliminates herbicide use, supporting more environmentally sustainable weed control.
Drawbacks
The method may be less effective against perennial weeds, and its performance can be limited under unfavorable weather conditions.
Specialized implements designed to minimize crop damage may require additional investment. Adapting row spacing and implementing precise sowing techniques may also necessitate new equipment.
While the technology is available in many European countries, it may still be unavailable or limited on the local market. Modifying other practices, such as row spacing, can complicate integration. Additionally, the low operational speed limits efficiency on larger fields.
Soil disturbance from mechanical cultivation may negatively impact beneficial soil fauna and ecosystem health.
Technical Aspects
Technical readiness
The equipment required to implement this method is available in many European countries, though it may not yet be readily accessible on the local market.
Ease and efficiency of implementation
Adopting this method requires adjustments to conventional wheat cultivation practices, including wider row spacing and more precise sowing. Band sowing may serve as an alternative to wider row spacing in small grain cereals, offering greater flexibility in implementation.
Need for training and education
Although the method is not technically complex, it is not widely practiced in the region. Farmers may need training and advisory support, particularly on optimizing cultivation depth, speed, and the number of passes depending on crop and weed development stages, as well as soil type.
Need for investments
Adoption requires investment in both mechanical weeding equipment and sowing machinery capable of precision seeding to enable GPS-assisted cultivation. Initial investment costs may be approximately €50,000.
Policy Recommendations
Adoption of this method can be supported through subsidies that incentivize reduced herbicide use, co-funding for the purchase of necessary equipment, and demonstration trials. These should be coupled with research efforts to adapt and optimize the technique for local agronomic and climatic conditions.