Mechanical hoes a key component to sugar beet weed control

The use of mechanical hoes, alongside reduced herbicide programmes, can provide an effective approach to sugar beet weed control, while also reducing reliance on expensive chemical inputs.

With the increasingly stringent guidelines over the use of chemical weed controls, combined with supply chain issues, mechanical methods are becoming more common practice again for in-crop weed control in sugar beet.

With over 20 years of hoeing experience, Garford says it is recognised as an industry leader in precision mechanical weed control. The company has bought many innovations to market, including the Robocrop vision guidance system.

For sugar beet, Garford offers 6, 12 and 18-row, front and rear-mounted, Robocrop Interrow precision guided hoes. Section Control is available, and with the Tine Raiser frame fully adjustable, each implement can be adjusted to work in other crops, including cereals and maize.

With the unique Garford Pressure Down System on each unit preventing bounce and chatter when working at high speed, a forward speed of 12kph is common and higher speeds possible.

The Pressure Down System transfers weight from the toolbar onto the row wheel unit in order to improve penetration in hard conditions and improve unit and hoe stability.

The Robocrop Guidance System allows for accurate and efficient hoeing, as well as chemical application, for weed management and prevention control. The system uses video cameras and image analysis computers to locate crop position, before guiding the hoes quickly and accurately.

Mechanical weed control products, as part of an integrated weed management system, offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution to growers.

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