Definition and role in the reduction of phytosanitary products : physical weeding techniques include mechanical, thermal and electrical weeding as well as mowing. Mechanical weeding consists of destroying weeds by uprooting them or cutting their roots using a tool (hoe for example). Thermal weed control applies a thermal shock to the plants and electric weed control transfers an electric current to the weeds via electrodes. Mowing practices aim to limit the height of weeds. These techniques are all alternatives to the use of herbicides.
Against which pests? Annual weeds and perennials under certain conditions (undeveloped stage, intervention with swallow wings).
On which crops? Market gardening in open fields and in greenhouses, roots and tubers.
When ? After sowing or planting crops, during the crop cycle, especially for perennials.
In what conditions ? The plot must have the following characteristics: moderate slope, very low stone formation, soil neither too wet nor too dry when the tool passes, etc. Use the weather forecast to avoid weeding if rain is forecast for the next 4 days. The risk of regrowth of weeds is thus limited and the penetration of the tools into the soil is optimized. The weeds must be at a young stage but not the sown crop because the plants still have too superficial roots and risk being damaged or even uprooted.
Regulations : no specific regulations.
Working time : it varies according to the type of weeding (manual or mechanized) and the type of tool used. The use of a towed hoe makes it possible to work on average between 2 and 7 ha/h.
Compatibility of alternative techniques with each other :
Crops
