Written by cpm
With few alternative options, mechanical weed control is essential for organic growers. CPM finds out how one grower in Somerset has boosted his accuracy with GPS. The true value of this kind of technology is now being realised. By Charlotte Cunningham When it comes to weed control in arable rotations, it’s often said that conventional growers can learn a lot from their organic neighbours. But that’s not to say organic farmers don’t face challenges too. Farming over 180ha in the heart of the Brendon Hills, Somerset, grower Robert Herrod knows these difficulties all too well. “We made the transition to organic farming in 2006 as we felt it was the right thing to do for the land and the wider environment, but it does have many challenges, and for us the predominant issue is ensuring robust weed control. “We rely on machinery to do the job and if it isn’t done as accurately as possible, it has the potential to wipe out an entire crop.” For organic grower, Robert Herrod, reliable weed control is the main challenge Four years ago, Robert – alongside son, James – invested in an interrow camera-guided hoe to help improve accuracy. “Machinery is becoming…
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