In-row weeders, machines that drive between plants and remove weeds, are gaining popularity in the agricultural industry. These machines are making manual labor almost redundant, providing a more efficient and effective way to manage weeds in fields. At a recent demonstration in the Netherlands, five manufacturers showcased their in-row weeders by completely hoeing a field of iceberg lettuce in one pass.
Two of the machines shown, the Steketee IC Weeder and the Garford Robocrop Inrow, have been on the market for several years. Ferrari and K.U.L.T.-Kress also offer in-row weeders, while Oliver Agro Optyma is a new player in the Dutch market. These machines have proven to be successful, particularly in horticulture, where crops like iceberg lettuce, cabbage, and celeriac are well-suited for in-row weeding.
The principle behind in-row weeders is relatively similar across manufacturers. A camera recognizes the crop and determines its location, allowing a computer to control a hoe blade that moves between the plants. Different manufacturers claim to have their own camera technology, but the real challenge lies in translating the camera image into accurate control of the hoe blades. This requires advanced software and expertise.
While in-row weeders work well for crops like iceberg lettuce, they face challenges when it comes to sugar beets. Weeds often germinate before the beets, making it difficult for cameras to distinguish between the plants. However, Steketee has managed to hoe beets with their IC Weeder using artificial intelligence. This technology is currently being used on a limited scale in Germany for organic farming.
In terms of hoe control, manufacturers utilize different methods. Steketee uses sickle-shaped blades to hoe around the plant, while other manufacturers opt for hydraulically operated blades. Garford is the only one that works with rotating blades. The driving speed of in-row weeders is typically 3 kilometers per hour, although higher speeds can compromise accuracy and result in soil clods landing on the crop plants.
The current in-row weeders have the potential for further development and application. The combination of camera technology and hoe control can be adapted for other plant-oriented tasks, such as spot spraying. Additionally, the integration of in-row weeders with autonomous vehicles could increase efficiency and labor savings. With remote monitoring and adjustment capabilities, one person could oversee multiple in-row weeders, reducing the need for manual labor and potentially improving safety.
In terms of cost, in-row weeders can range from around €100,000 for a five or six-row machine to well over €170,000 for a fully equipped model. The price depends on the number of hoeing elements and additional features.
Overall, the increasing supply and sales of in-row weeders highlight the demand for more efficient and labor-saving solutions in agriculture. These machines have the potential to revolutionize weed management and improve productivity in the industry.