Precision inter-row weeding in winter wheat

A novel inter-row steerage hoe based on computer vision guidance is describ ed and its row following performance is found to be reliable with an RMS er ror of 16 mm. Trials to compare the relative performance of the experimenta l hoe and harrowing using a spring tine weeder are described. Both techniqu es reduced weed dry weight compared to an untreated control though there wa s no significant effect on yield. A further complementary experiment to inv estigate the effect of row width is also described. Results indicate that y ield is not affected by row width up to the 22 cm used by the steerage hoe.