Concept and Virtual Prototype of a Rotary Hoe for Intra-Row Weed Control in Row Crops

Abstract

In many scientific researches sustainable development in the agricultural
\nsector cannot be based on use of high amount of agrochemicals. Requirements for nonchemical
\nweed control techniques have steadily increased in the last decade as a
\nconsequence of pollution from pesticides. Concerning non-chemical weed control
\ndemands, research on new techniques for physical weed control and development of
\nself-propelled weeding robots is particularly emphasized.
\nThe main objective is development of a weeding tool which can be used in different
\nplant spacing systems, different plant intra-row distances and growth stages. These tools
\nrequire very precise steering for row-tracking.
\nIn this paper a prototype of rotary hoe with duckfoots is presented. This tool can
\nfulfill the requirements for inter-row tillage. It allows full adaptation to different crop
\nspecies, different plant intra-row distances and plant growth stages.