PPS Sustainable Weed Control
Project Period 2020 till 2023
The aim of the project is to reduce dependence on chemical weed killers by sustainably reducing weed pressure and better controlling weed pressure while maintaining the production and quality of the crops to be cultivated. This is important since in the future, fewer chemical herbicides will be available due to undesirable emissions to the environment, political and social pressure and challenges in the registrations of herbicides.
Objective
The weed control of tomorrow and the day after tomorrow will look different from that of today. This project is intended to realize solutions that fit in the weed control of today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Within this project, the replacement of glyphosate is an important sub-goal, given the current sector-wide dependence on glyphosate on the one hand and the uncertain future of this active substance on the other.
How are we going to do that?
The project is divided into different work packages and crops. The activities are divided into a number of work packages:
- Alternative low risk means for weed control. Think of fatty acids or concentrated fertilizers. Also consider weed control in an NKG cultivation system (non-inverting tillage).
- Application of mulching strategies, compost, mechanical and physical control methods. With mulch or compost, think of applying a weed-smothering layer or 'underplanting'. Think of innovative hoeing techniques when it comes to mechanical.
- Digital techniques to measure the vitality of the weeds. Think of scanning techniques that help to apply the new generation of green herbicides in a more targeted and effective way in terms of timing and dosage.
- Utility of extracellular self DNA. This technique is based on the fact that DNA released during the degradation of plants can cause growth inhibition in the same plants. So control weeds with weeds.
We work in the following crops;
- Arable farming: Sugar beets, potatoes
- Flower bulbs: tulip, lily
- Indoor crops: lily, cymbidium
- Dairy farm; grassland renewal
More information?
For more information you can contact Joris Roskam, Marketing & Innovation Manager
