At this year’s Agritechnica, British machinery manufacturer Garford unveiled an innovative solution to weed control that is sure to turn heads in the agritech world. The company, known for its spot sprayers, weed burners, and hoes, has now added a weed-electrocution machine to its portfolio. Developed in collaboration with the British company Rootwave, this 3-metre-wide implement uses high-voltage electricity to target and eliminate weeds, offering a novel approach to sustainable weed management.
Garford’s new machine is designed to tackle weeds in vegetable crops, complementing Rootwave’s focus on orchard crops. The implement is mounted on the front linkage of a tractor, with a generator producing 415 volts attached to the rear. This power is then stepped up to around 6,000 volts, with a peak of 9,000 volts, which is transmitted through a thick cable to the implement. Operating at 18,000 hertz, the system delivers a painful but non-lethal shock to any weeds that come into contact with it.
The machine’s design is both clever and efficient. It features two flaps or sweepers mounted in succession, which glide over the soil, keeping the uncultivated soil between six rows clean. The current continuously alternates between the flaps, using the soil as a conductor. This means no additional liquid is required, making the system both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Garford has also equipped the machine with automatic side-shift control based on crop recognition, ensuring precision and efficiency in its operation.
To power the generator, a tractor with at least 100 horsepower is necessary. Garford recommends using a 130 horsepower tractor for optimal performance. The machine operates at a speed of between 2 and 4 kilometres per hour. The manufacturer plans to introduce a wider version of the machine in the future. The target price for the 3-metre version is set at €250,000, with several demo machines expected to hit the field in 2026.
The implications of this new technology are significant. As the agricultural industry continues to seek sustainable and efficient solutions to weed control, the weed-electrocution machine offers a promising alternative to traditional methods. By eliminating the need for herbicides, this machine not only reduces the environmental impact of weed control but also addresses the growing issue of herbicide-resistant weeds. Furthermore, the precision and efficiency of the machine can lead to increased productivity and reduced labour costs for farmers.
Garford’s collaboration with Rootwave highlights the importance of partnerships in driving innovation in the agritech sector. By combining their expertise, the two companies have developed a solution that addresses a critical need in modern agriculture. As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more such collaborations, leading to even more innovative and sustainable solutions for the agricultural industry.
In the Netherlands, Garford’s products are imported by Homburg in Stiens. As the weed-electrocution machine becomes available, it will be interesting to see how Dutch farmers respond to this novel approach to weed control. The machine’s potential to revolutionize weed management practices makes it a technology to watch in the coming years.