Could electricity be an alternative method of weed control in the vineyard?

• Published in: Julius-Kühn-Archiv Vol. 468; pp. 269 - 276
• Main Authors: Lang, Carina P., Kurz, Oliver, Löbmann, Anja, Klauk, Benjamin, Petersen, Jan, Petgen, Matthias
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Julius Kühn-Institut 01.02.2022
• Subjects: elektroherb-method; grapevine; vegetation monitoring; viticulture; weeds
• ISSN: 1868-9892; 2199-921X
• DOI: 10.5073/20220124-064536

Environmentally friendly and resource-saving cultivation, sustainability and regionality are important aspects of today's agriculture. Reducing the use of herbicides is considered one of the most important goals and at the same time one of the biggest challenges in today's agriculture. In viticulture, however, the alternative management options are also under discussion. The aim of this study is to analyze and test the Electroherb method developed by the company ZASSO GmbH. In three-year field experiments, vegetation monitoring and digital image analysis will be used to investigate the degree of coverage before and after treatment, as well as the effectiveness of the process on various problem weeds. Special attention will be paid to the vegetation in the under-floor area of the vine. In addition to the current intensity and driving speed, the number of treatment sessions will be investigated. Preliminary results show that the morphology of the weeds plays a decisive role in the efficiency. Weather and water supply are also important influencing factors.