Optimisation of weed control in the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants - OPTIMECH
Project goals
With the aim of replacing the use of herbicides, the project "Optimisation of weed control in the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants" (Optimech) aims to develop innovative methods for weed control in herb cultivation using the example of low-competition, weed-sensitive model plants. On the one hand, the focus is on the development of key figures for the application of mechanical weed control measures for the example crops lemon balm, parsley, arnica, mint and angelica. Secondly, preventive weed control strategies are to be tested for the model crops lemon balm and camomile.
Key figures for mechanical weed control
Key figures for the efficient application of various mechanical weed control methods are being developed. The focus is on the effect of different types of equipment depending on location, crop type and crop stage. The trials will be carried out at four different sites, which differ greatly in terms of soil conditions, farming methods and climatic conditions.
The model crops arnica, parsley, sown and planted lemon balm are cultivated at the Wiesengut.
Preventive weed control strategies
Herbs are often cultivated as seedlings, which increases production costs. In order to test whether preventive weed control measures can be used to cultivate the crop as a seed crop, various approaches such as false seedbeds and basic soil cultivation are being investigated using lemon balm as an example. One focus is on the investigation of weed dynamics, which can also be transferred to other crops.
| Project titel: | Targeted irrigation in organic farming to increase productivity and nutrient efficiency |
| Acronym: | OPTIMEC |
| Duration: | 07/2019 bis 06/2023 |
| Funding: |
Fachagentur für Nachwachsende Rohstoffe (FNR) |
| Project partners: |
|
