Mechanical weed control in organic orchards: Gyroscopic crumblers (BIOFRUITNET Practice Abstract)

Summary in the original language of the document

Tillage of the entire tree strip. Plant parts, mulch and leaf residues are dug into the soil, promoting humus build-up and reducing the ascospores potential from scab fungus in the spring.
Practical recommendations
• Working with these machines is comparatively demanding, a training period of the person carrying out the work is necessary in order to avoid damage to trees, up to total loss.
• The working speed is 2-3 km/h and a working width of 40-60cm. The tree strip is thus completely treated.
• Treatment can be problematic in heavy, wet soils.
• In addition, a hand hoe should be performed 2-3x a year to keep the areas close to the trunk clear (especially in young plantations).
• Depending on the location and weather conditions, 2-5 working passes per season are needed.
• For optimal weed management, a combination strategy with other machines is recommended, for higher impact and weather independence. If the gyroscopic crumbler is combined in the strategy with other equipment (e.g., a thread mower), the application usually takes place between harvest and the end of flowering. (See also Practice Abstract: Weed control in Organic pome fruit growing: Combined strategy of different approaches).
• Due to its complexity and many moving parts, the crumbler requires comparatively high-maintenance.