Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Weed Control Solutions Explained - Advantages & Dis-Advantages

The recent trend toward restricting herbicide use has produced interest in alternative and integrated weed control strategies that include cultivation. As a result, newly developed implements are now available to vegetable growers from Northern Equipment Solutions, but the potential uses of these tools for numerous vegetable crops can be confusing. This describes some of these tools and their advantages and disadvantages.

 

Flex-tine harrows

Flex-tine harrows are used broadcast, both over and between the crop rows. They are most efficient when weeds are in the white-thread or cotyledon development stage. In direct-seeded

crops, such as snap beans or sweet corn, flex-tine implements are used pre-emergence. Tines pass above the planted seed. Harrowing can be repeated post-emergence for control of newly

germinated weeds, but only when the crop is wellrooted.  Cultivation intensity can be modified to minimize crop damage. Guide wheels and tine intensity regulate harrowing depth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advantages

  • • Tools are available in large widths (up to 40') and are operated at high speeds when

used pre-emergence.

  • • Flex-tine implements are useful for a number of crops and row spacings with little or no equipment modifications.
  • • Tines that pass over the crop row can be lifted, allowing for aggressive between-row harrowing when the crop is sensitive to cultivation damage.
  • • Pre-emergence harrowing breaks crusted soils and may increase crop emergence

rates.

 

Disadvantages

  • • Cultivation timing is critical; weeds with four or more leaves and emerged grasses at any stage are rarely controlled. Therefore, early season flex-tine harrowing should be integrated with a more aggressive cultivator or with post-emergence herbicides for control of escaped or newly germinated weeds.
  • • Research in transplanted broccoli, snap beans, and sweet corn has shown that flex-tine harrows can reduce crop stand and yield when used before the crop is wellrooted.

 

The Steketee Finger Weeder

The finger weeder is designed specifically for in-row weed control. The tool has pairs

of ground-driven rotating fingers: two pairs in the front push soil and uprooted weeds away from the crop row; while the third pair pushes soil back into the row, covering weeds that were missed by the other fingers. The weeder is most effective when fingers pass very close to the crop row; therefore, precise cultivation and slow driving speeds are important. The finger weeder is most effective on small-acreage, high-value crops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advantages

  • • The weeder offers excellent in-row weed control.
  • • The finger weeder is a lightweight tool and can be mid-mounted on a small tractor.

Disadvantages

  • • The weeder must be used when weeds are small; therefore, timing is critical.
  • • Between-row control is poor. Finger weeders should be used in combination with an inter-row cultivator.
  • • Slow, precise cultivation is necessary to minimize crop damage.

 

Steketee Torsion Weeder

The torsion weeder is mounted on an existinginter-row cultivator for improved in-row weed

control. This simple tool has spring-loaded steel rods on each side of the crop row that undercut small weeds. The width of the uncultivated strip is easily adjusted for each crop and  development stage.

 

Advantages

  • • The torsion weeder offers excellent in-row weed control.
  • • The simple design minimizes potential cultivator repairs.
  • • The torsion weeder is an economical addition to an existing cultivator.

Disadvantages

  • • Careful, accurate cultivation is important.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Steketee Fully-Automatic Intra-Row Weeder

 

Northern Equipment Solutions Provides Leading Weed Control Solutions From Industry Leader Steketee - Both mechanical and chemical solutions.  visit www.northernequipment.ca for more information

Views: 5176

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Winter Wheat Variety Yield and Market Share Data – 2025

Winter wheat data from the 2024-2025 Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Trials (MCVET) is in! This data provides farmers with unbiased information regarding regional variety performance, allowing for variety comparison. Data was derived from small plot replicated trails from locations across Manitoba. Fungicides were not applied to these plots; thus, true genetic potential can be evaluated. Although considerable data is collected from MCVET, the disease ratings are from variety registration data. Table 2 below summarizes the yield results from the 2025 MCVET data by trial location. The yield results represent 2025 data only; therefore long-term trends should be considered when making variety selection decisions. Previous yield data can be found in past editions of Seed Manitoba. As well, apart from yield, there are other variety characteristics to consider when making variety selection decisions, these include disease, insect, and lodging resistance. Check out this Manitoba Crop Allianc

Connecting the Farm Gate to Parliament Hill

The parliamentary summer recess left many questions unresolved as issues of trade, taxation and economic competitiveness took centre stage. While Ottawa was quiet, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) was active in the field, using the summer months to connect directly with producers and show policymakers the real-world impact of federal decisions on grain farming. In August, we travelled from Manitoba through Saskatchewan and into Alberta on the annual GGC Summer Tour. Over five days and over 2,000 kilometres, the tour provided an opportunity to walk fields, see crop conditions firsthand and visit the operations of directors and members. Each stop highlighted both the diversity and the shared challenges of grain farming, from crop rotations and new varieties to high input costs, weather extremes and market volatility. The tour also created a platform to connect with local Members of Parliament and the media. MP Colin Reynolds joined us near Steinbach. MB, for a tour of Manitoba Crop Allian

Harvest Surges Ahead — But is Quality Holding Up?

Warm and dry conditions have been pushing harvest along across Alberta, with 42% of all crops now in the bin, according to the new crop report. That’s ahead of both the 5-year (40%) and 10-year (32%) averages. Most regions are running above their long-term pace, though the South is slightly behind its average despite being furthest along overall. Regional Progress South: 52% complete — still leading the province, though below the usual 65% average. Rye, winter wheat, and peas are nearly finished. Grasshoppers, gophers, flea beetles, and ergot have been spotted in some fields. Central: 31% complete versus a 42% average. Dry peas are nearly done at 89%, with canola swathing in full swing. North East: 41% complete — well above the usual 22%. Rye and winter wheat are already finished. North West: 41% complete, ahead of its 24% average. Cereals are nearly wrapped up, and canola harvest is just starting. Gopher numbers are running high. Peace: 38% complete, ahead of the 21% average. Peas a

Jaylor launches advanced 6000 Series TMR mixers

Jaylor unveils its 6000 Series TMR Mixers featuring quicker mixing, lower horsepower needs, and enhanced durability, helping farmers cut costs and improve feeding efficiency starting October 1, 2025.

From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara

The 2025 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo is coming to West Lincoln in the heart of Niagara. With the theme “From our Farm to your Table,” this year’s IPM promises a vibrant celebration of agriculture, local heritage, and rural life.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service