Autumn weeding of winter cereals

After the autumn sowing is complete, it is time to weed the crops properly and effectively to prevent weeds from developing in the spring.

Our partners at Einböck, specialists in mechanical weed control technology, have prepared a few tips for you.

SOWING ON TIME

To ensure that the first weeding of winter cereals is still possible before winter sets in, the timing of sowing is very important.

Winter barley, triticale and rye should be started before the end of the growing season. Winter wheat should ideally overwinter in the 3-leaf phase.

BLIND WEEDING IS EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE

Due to weather conditions, the timing for blind weeding in autumn is often difficult and in some years is no longer possible. You have to be careful here: the work must be carried out very precisely to prevent damage to the seeds. Depending on the soil and weather conditions, the position of the working elements can be carefully adjusted between 1 and 3.

FIRST WEEDING

When the crops have reached the 2nd - 3rd leaf stage and the weather conditions still allow work, the working elements should be set to a medium to aggressive position. Depending on the soil and weather conditions, the spring position of the AEROSTAR or AEROSTAR-EXACT can be adjusted between positions 2 and 4. Whether re-weeding is necessary depends on the weed pressure. In most cases, weeding should be carried out in the 3rd leaf stage.

ATTENTION: after weeding, there should be no night frost! In addition to fighting weeds, this operation stimulates tillering, loosens and aerates the top layer of soil.

WITH LIGHT PRESSURE IN SPRING

Weeding in autumn is often not possible due to wet weather and/or soil conditions. For this reason, mechanical weed control cultivators should be used in spring as early as possible. As soon as there is no longer any frost and the soil is sufficiently dry, tillage should be stimulated and the soil loosened and aerated with a little pressure on the weeding section. You will find more information about spring weeding in our blog at the beginning of the spring season.

The above points are based on practical experience and depend on the conditions, and the results may vary. Einböck assumes no responsibility for the correctness and cannot be held liable for damage to the crop/machinery!