Mechanical weed control in organic orchards: Roll hoes (BIOFRUITNET Practice Abstract)

Summary in the original language of the document

The weeds are regulated with a high area performance when using a simple, maintenance-extensive technique. Mounding of the soil in the center of the tree strip is possible.
Practical recommendations
• Roll hoes are passively driven device, without an additional oil drive; the device is moved by the ground resistance and via the tractors’ driving movement.
• The number of discs/hoes can be varied, and thus adapted to the width of the tree strip (usually 4-6).
• The set inclination angle of the discs regulates how much soil is thrown into the center of the tree strip.
• The device can be used all year round, preferably in dry weather; several passes per year are necessary.
The device reaches their limit in heavy, wet soils.
• Weeds should not exceed a certain density or growth height (~30 cm).
• Due to the comparatively high driving speed (5-8 km/h), a high area performance can be achieved; a straight, even tree stand is advantageous.
• Disadvantage of the device: The inter-trunk area is not treated; by the additional use of a finger hoe, the inter-trunk area can be processed, as well.