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

Summary

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.