In recent years, there has been an increased need to weed orchards with fewer chemicals. This is due to EU guidelines moving in this direction, as well as large-scale retail chains imposing severe restrictions on herbicides. While it is possible to effectively remove weeds mechanically, the right equipment is needed. Alessandro Calderoni is the CEO of an Italian company based in Forlì, Emilia-Romagna, that builds and exports technologies worldwide.
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.comAlessandro Calderoni
"Hilling, for example, is a long-established practice," says Calderoni, "but it must be done mechanically with the right equipment. We mechanically eliminate weeds by moving soil toward the plants, which is known as hilling. This is made possible by equipment that enables us to control weeds and draw soil up around the plants in one step. This technique can be used in orchards and vineyards, between trunks and rows."
"Interest in mechanical weeding is steadily increasing," explains the owner of the Forlì-based company. "The use of chemicals is becoming increasingly restricted, while environmentally friendly systems are gaining popularity. Our company has been manufacturing machines for mechanical weeding for decades, and we refine our technologies every year."
The Unica Jolly is a base machine to which various weeding components can be attached. One example is hilling discs, which can be affixed to the Jolly. These discs facilitate soil cultivation and the turning of small soil clumps. Thanks to a blade, the discs also move dislodged soil toward the plant during the hilling process. This movement is automatic, allowing work to be carried out very close to the trunk.
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.com
Another tool is the Eco Rotor. According to Calderoni, "This system gets rid of weeds while also performing precise mechanical weeding without damaging the plants, even in very densely planted areas." The video above shows the Eco Rotor's high working speed, precision, and ability to operate without affecting the irrigation system.
Its flexible wires allow for thorough cleaning, even near the trunks. Given the growing restrictions on herbicide use, the Eco Rotor is useful for both organic farming and integrated pest management. The wire is positioned by the shaped bonnet to avoid direct contact with the plant's trunk.
For more information:
Calderoni Rolando
Via Dell'Industria, 4
47100 Forlì - Italy
+39 0543 720547
[email protected]
www.aea.it/calderoni/index.php
