An analysis of the use of a computerised robotic weeder in small scale horticultural operations at 2 locations in South Wales

This project aims to compare the financial cost of two weed control methods on two small scale, organically managed horticulture units. Both Square Farm and Trealey Farm are mixed organic farms near Monmouth which grow a variety of vegetables.

As the use of herbicides are prohibited in organically managed systems, robotic equipment could hold significant benefits in undertaking crop maintenance activities such as weeding. These weeders are commonplace in larger operations but their effectiveness, and financial viability, in small scale situations has not been analysed. By trialling a computerised robotic inter-row weeder on two farms the project aims to determine the savings in terms of labour cost and time that can be made when compared with the current methods of labour intensive hand hoeing.

At each of the two sites, different treatments will be compared by doing the two different cultivation techniques in different crop types:

• Hand hoeing in field vegetable crops – Control
• Vision guided robotic weeding in field vegetable crops

These treatments will initially be carried out after the crops have been drilled, and after the first flush of weeds is seen. Then the hoeing will be repeated approximately every 3-4 weeks by the grower, or as dictated by weed growth and pressure, through the season.

After each ‘weeding event’ weed numbers and species will be assessed along with crop vigour and damage. A cost-benefit analysis, to identify what size of farm/level of productivity is required to make the use of the mechanisation cost effective, will be carried out, taking into account any effects of the methods on yield and crop quality.

EIP Wales, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes, has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

European Innovation Partnership (EIP) is part of the Co-operation and Supply Chain Development Scheme (CSCDS) delivering under Measure 16 (Article 35 of Regulation (EU) 1305/2013). The CSCDS is an important element of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The EIP delivers under sub Measure 16.1 of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014- 2020.