In response to diminishing returns from chemical herbicides and increasing concerns over resistance, Jonathan Hodgson, a farmer in East Yorkshire, has shifted his weed control strategy to incorporate mechanical weeding. This transition comes at a time when optimal spring conditions have allowed Hodgson to reintroduce the hoe to his fields, targeting a 35-hectare stretch of winter wheat to control blackgrass.
With conventional contact herbicides becoming less effective and selective in combating unresistant strains of blackgrass, Hodgson has largely phased them out. "The chemistry is not achieving full control, which makes it not worth the investment," Hodgson stated, pointing out the potential for resistance to exacerbate weed problems.
The focus at Hodgson's 280-hectare arable farm has now pivoted to a robust pre-emergent regimen, employing a combination of Avadex (tri-allate) granules and a split dose of Liberator (diflufenican and flufenacet), Luximo (cinmethylin), and Stomp (pendimethalin). This chemical groundwork is supplemented in the spring with the use of a Claydon Terrablade inter-row hoe, a piece of equipment Hodgson describes as "an important extra tool in the toolbox."
The effectiveness of the Terrablade hoe is contingent on the right weather conditions, particularly dry soil which ensures the friable texture necessary for optimal operation. Despite investing in the hoe four years ago, the past two wet springs prevented its use. "When the weather eventually dried up, we were so busy drilling and getting crops into the ground, that we were at full capacity and didn't have enough time to use the hoe," Hodgson admitted. However, this year's cold and dry conditions provided an ideal setting for the hoe's deployment.
