Abrasive weeding is a non-chemical weed management tool. Weed leaves and stems are abraded by small grits propelled by compressed air. This abrasion results in defoliation, stem breakage, or tissue damage leading to weed injury or, ideally, mortality. Early research on abrasive weeding began with greenhouse studies to demonstrate that small weeds could be killed with air-propelled grits. More recent research has focused on the development of grit-applicator machines and specialized nozzles, and the potential for using organic fertilizers as grits to integrate weed and nitrogen management in one field pass. Abrasive weeding is similar to flame weeding in that both are non-chemical, zero-tillage tactics for post-emergence weed control in certified organic agriculture. However, abrasive weeding is likely safer, less energy-intensive, and less damaging to crop yield when used to control in-row weeds. In addition, abrasive grit applicators can double as precision nutrient delivery tools. This fact sheet highlights the current state of abrasive weeding research and practice, including a summary of crops tested, applicator design considerations, expected weed control, possible grits, and economic feasibility.
Crops
- Corn and soybean plants can be sprayed as early as the V1 growth stage without any reduction in crop yield (Erazo-Barradas, 2017).
- Tomato and pepper plugs can be sprayed one week after transplanting. Stem abrasion is visible, but grit application does not reduce growth rate or yield (Wortman 2014, 2015).
- Small fruit liner plants (raspberry, for example) can be sprayed immediately after transplanting. As the weed community shifts from annual to perennial species during the establishment phase, abrasive weeding will become less effective.
- Additional research in broccoli, sweet potato, edamame, snap bean, and hops is ongoing. Most crops with an upright stem architecture seem to be compatible with abrasive weeding.
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