Zürn Harvesting distributes RootWave’s eWeeder
Electric weed control in fruit and vine cultivation
Zürn Harvesting GmbH & Co. KG is now taking over the distribution of the British manufacturer RootWave’s electric weed control equipment for fruit and vine cultivation in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. According to the specialist in econventional farming based in Merchingen, Baden-Württemberg, there was already considerable interest in the F601 model at the launch of the new partnership during the recent FruitLogistica trade fair in Berlin and Fruchtwelt in Friedrichshafen.
By using RootWave’s eWeeder, the area beneath the trees remains weed-free without disturbing the soil structure. This reduces the risk of erosion, particularly on slopes. Furthermore, macrofauna, nematodes, bacteria and fungi are spared. This is because the manufacturer uses its patented high-frequency system (18 kHz), which does not damage the nervous system upon contact.
Within the Zürn Group, the hoeing technology specialist Garford is already using RootWave’s technology in its Electric Weeder for vegetable and arable farming.
Electricity protects soil biology
RootWave’s patented system operates using high-frequency alternating current (18 kHz), which is introduced into the plants via electrodes. Upon contact with the plant leaves, the current heats the water in the plant cells and destroys the weeds right down to the roots.
“This systemic approach is currently the only non-chemical method that works right down to the roots,” emphasises Andrew Diprose, CEO of RootWave. Independent studies have also shown that electrical weed control using the high-frequency alternating current system preserves soil biology. The soil’s macrofauna, nematodes, bacteria and fungi are not harmed.
Thanks to the high-frequency technology, the RootWave method is also inherently safe for the user. This is because, in this frequency range, the current does not have a harmful effect on the nervous system. Consequently, particularly high power levels of 60 kW can be transmitted to ensure the treatments are highly effective.
About Zürn Harvesting
Zürn Harvesting GmbH & Co. KG develops and manufactures in Baden-Württemberg belt-type cutting units, rapeseed and sunflower attachments, as well as cutting unit transport trolleys for combine harvesters, direct-cut units for forage harvesters and a complete product range for field trials. These machines are exported to all five continents. This range of equipment is complemented by double-blade mowers and the product line for mechanical weed control, featuring the Top Cut Collect, the Seed Terminator and Garford’s hoeing technology.
