Weeding is a tillage technique that involves the top layer of the soil, which is stirred up to remove any foreign elements (roots of previous crops, weeds). The aim is to encourage root respiration for optimal yield of the sown crop.
Weeding is fundamental in cases where the epidermal layer of the soil, which is more exposed to the sun, becomes very compact due to poor water supply, which generates dryness. Moreover, this technique is useful in retaining residual moisture, working on reducing the phenomenon of water evaporation from the soil, which, once relieved of foreign elements, is more exposed. Certain crops, such as maize, cotton and pumpkin, which are sown at 75 cm and more between rows, are among the most common to require this action as the surface area available to weeds is greater.
Matermacc weeders are designed for mechanical inter-row weeding, in-row fertilisation and preparation for irrigation, and are distinguished mainly by
- Compactness of the machine that reduces overhanging weight at the tractor.
- Construction expertise and ease of adjustment of the equipment with great versatility of usable combinations and adaptable frames.
- Various fertiliser distribution systems (with optional mechanical or electric drive).
- A machine suitable and more than appreciated for those who choose organic farming.
In the Italian manufacturer's wide range of weeding machines, the UNICA model stands out for its characteristics of solidity, robustness, load on the weeding elements while retaining the aforementioned compactness and lightness.
The weeding accessories that make this mechanical weeding machine...truly UNICA
So what are the main accessories related to the weeding elements that make the MaterMacc weeder special and versatile?
- Depth control wheel in the rubberised version, suggested for wet soils.
- Toothed discs for a slight crust-breaking effect at the edges of the plant. Not recommended where there is an extensive leaf wall on the ground.
- Swinging plant protection bulkheads to prevent soil from being deposited on newly planted crops during cultivation.
- Adjustable coulter discs or potato discs. These are accessories that, unlike the above-mentioned, bring soil towards the sown crop.
- Stiff shank hoes with discs are suggested for those soils with the toughest crusts. At the same time they have better control, in terms of containment, of loose clods.
- Kits for localised fertiliser burial, to be able to deposit up to 7-8 cm of fertiliser (therefore not scatter) in full compliance with the latest regulations.
- With reference to the BIO concept, there is an increasing demand for weed control and cleaning at the base of the sown plant and as close to it as possible. This operation is well manageable mechanically, hence without the use of any chemical treatment. Matermacc's proposal is the use of special 'finger' discs made of flexible plastic material (Fingerweeder).
This material is resistant and specially designed for practice on the ground. The technique of this device is to treat the soil up to the limit of the plant, (the accessory is adjustable in both height and width) and is bound to a flexible apparatus to adapt to changing soil contours.
