UK fruit growers now have a new tool in their sustainable farming arsenal, thanks to a strategic partnership between RootWave and Kirkland UK. The agreement brings RootWave’s tractor-powered electrical weeding technology directly to the UK’s orchard, vineyard, and bush fruit sectors, offering a non-chemical, root-level approach to weed control.
RootWave’s eWeeding machines harness electricity to boil weeds and their roots, providing effective weed control while leaving the soil undisturbed. This makes the technology compatible with conventional, organic, and regenerative farming systems. The method’s precision targets weeds at the root, reducing overall weed control costs, minimizing herbicide use, and promoting soil health and biodiversity.
Tom Archer, Head of Sales & Marketing at RootWave, emphasized the benefits of the partnership, stating that UK fruit growers will now “receive a top-class product and excellent aftersales service” from a supplier with deep roots in the sector. Kirkland UK Managing Director Scott Worsley echoed this sentiment, highlighting that RootWave’s solution “integrates seamlessly into orchard and vineyard systems” and meets the growing demand for sustainable practices.
This development follows RootWave’s earlier collaboration with Garford Farm Machinery to create an in-row electrical weeding system for arable crops. Together, these advancements signal a shift in eWeeding technology from trials to commercial-scale applications for both perennial and annual crops. As herbicide regulations tighten and organic production increases globally, the interest in alternative weed control methods is on the rise. Electrical weeding offers a promising solution, capable of controlling weeds year-round without weather restrictions or damage to crop roots.
The partnership between RootWave and Kirkland UK is a significant step forward for UK fruit growers seeking sustainable and effective weed control solutions. As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, such innovations play a crucial role in promoting environmentally friendly practices and ensuring the long-term health of our farmlands.