Submitting my NY Apple Research and Development Program to support a second year of electrical weed control (EWC) trials in young organic apples (established two years, not the trees pictured in the images).
Exciting results from our 2025 ARDP-funded trials at Cornell AgriTech show strong promise for EWC as a non-chemical tool for orchard floor management.
Weed density and cover was high in the trial site. The field was dominated by a diverse mix of annual and perennial weeds, including field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), vetch (Vicia spp.), wild carrot (Daucus carota), white clover (Trifolium repens), common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), ladysthumb (Polygonum persicaria), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), yellow rocket (Barbarea vulgaris), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), oxalis (Oxalis spp.), weedy chamomile (Anthemis spp.), and various grasses. EWC reduced weed cover to 21–27% after spring treatments, and to <3% by end of season. Compared to 82% in the nontreated, weedy check. Weed counts were 96% lower under EWC (9 plants/m²) than in untreated plots (274 plants/m²) in October.
Trees in EWC plots showed 49% increases in basal diameter (vs. 38% in weedy checks), indicating stronger structural development and vigor. Foliar nutrient levels (N, P, K, Ca, Mn) were higher in EWC-treated trees. EWC safely managed weeds without physical injury to trunks or crowns.
In 2026 I want to continue the study to understand the long-term impacts of EWC on soil, tree vigor, and perennial weed dynamics. We also hope to refine energy parameters and operational guidelines for nursery and orchard systems. We want to expand our outreach and collaboration with growers and equipment developers.
I love the idea of electrical weeding, especially in our perennial tree fruit systems (and especially in organic and newly planted orchards and in tree and vine nurseries).
#AgTech #WeedScience #SustainableAg #ElectricalWeeding #CornellAgriTech #OrchardManagement #ARDPResearch #InnovationInAg
3 Noviembre 2025 à 19h10
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