Ecological valuation of mechanical and chemical weed control in vineyards within the scope of an ecobalance

Within the scope of an eco-balance following the guideline DIN/ISO 14040 in cooperation with the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (ifeu ) it was investigated, if a mechanical or a chemical weed control has more ecological advantages. The study was focused on one hectare and one year an d only the herbicides glufosinate and glyphosate and point or band applicat ion were taken into account. On this basis a literature review was carried out focusing on fate and behaviour of the two herbicides in comparison with possible effects of mechanical weed control. Because superior ecological c riteria for the comparative judgement of side effects are missing today, th e final valuation was carried out in form of a discussion. This came to the result, that the use of both herbicides applied in a point or band applica tion has no ecological disadvantages compared with a mechanical weed contro l in vineyards. The judgement of the single weed control scenarios was main ly influenced by the energy consumption of the tractor.