An innovative method of weed control: aerial weeding in the rose garden

In the Dutch city of Lottum, Seuren Kwekerij has introduced an innovative method of weed control in rose cultivation. Stan Seuren, the owner of the nursery, has developed a unique system that uses compressed air to remove unwanted vegetation.

This method, known as "Onkruidvrij met perslucht" (Weed control with compressed air), was developed specifically for rose cultivation. It allows you to effectively control weeds without harming the delicate roots of roses.

The method is based on combining a traditional cultivator with a compressed air supply system. Conventional cultivator tines work between the rows of roses, and special nozzles are installed on both sides of the rows. These nozzles direct a powerful jet of air at the young weeds, pulling them out of the soil. The compressor that provides the air supply is driven by the tractor's front PTO. If necessary, you can buy spare parts for tillage equipment on our website with spare parts for a variety of agricultural machinery.

According to Susanne Verhegg-Seuren, the company's director, the idea came about as a response to increasingly stringent restrictions on the use of chemical plant protection products. "When you can't use pesticides, you have to be creative," she says.

Sten Seuren believes that in a "normal" year, this technology will keep the rose garden free of weeds without the use of chemicals. The key to success is the regularity of treatment - every 10-12 days. This prevents weeds from taking root. The method is especially effective against weeds such as chamomile, broom, thistle, and quinoa.

However, like any agricultural technology, aerial weeding has its limitations. In extremely wet years, such as this one, the effectiveness of the method is reduced due to heavy, moist soil. In addition, excessive air pressure can damage the bark of young roses.

Despite certain limitations, the new method shows significant potential. It allows you to start weed control within two weeks of planting annual roses without harming young plants. The method is also successfully used on two-year-old roses.

The advantages of this method are:

1. No use of herbicides, which makes it more environmentally friendly.
2. Possibility of application even in the early stages of rose growth.
3. Fast and effective removal of weeds along with the roots.
4. Reduction of manual labor and labor costs for weeding.

This innovation is a vivid example of how agricultural enterprises are adapting to new environmental requirements by developing efficient and environmentally friendly methods of growing plants.