LSP1- Mechanical weeding in vineyards

  • Country: France
  • Technology: Ceol robot, Different implements
  • Partners:Terrena, Agreenculture, Agricultural University of Athens, Fundacio Eurecat, University of Copenhagen

Addressing Environmental Concerns and High Costs

Vineyards, while celebrated for their scenic beauty and exquisite wines, often carry a significant environmental footprint, particularly due to chemical weed control methods. Furthermore, those traditional methods are costly and difficult to manage, with experienced tractor drivers in short supply.

Innovative Technology: Robs4Crops Aims for Sustainable Vineyards

In France, Robs4Crops pilot is underway to reduce the environmental impact of vineyards by replacing chemical weed control with mechanical weeding The French pilot is stepping in with its 2 state-of-the-art CEOL robots, specially designed for vineyards. Besides that, a variety of technology, tools and sensors were employed, such as serrated discs, vineyard plough shares, knives, kress-fingers, lump-breaker discs, a crusher, and a plougher, plus an added Fusebox and stuffing sensors. Smart implements and sensors were integrated into the system, the latter having been installed on the weeding tools.  As every mission has its challenges, the pilot overcame them with repairs, system updates, modifications to the track wheels support system, software updates, and close monitoring.

Progress and Performance in French Vineyards

The French pilot 1

The pilot has progressed smoothly, achieving weeding in multiple plots. 26 weeding passes on 5 fields were completed, with rotation sensors installed on the rotative weeding implements to detect malfunctions. The team successfully weeded several plots, including Vinet (1ha), Moron (1.8ha), Jamet (2.4ha), IFV (1.35ha), and Marchesseau (2.55ha). In 2023, weeding started in three out of the five plots in February, with specific passes made in March and April, tailored to each plot’s requirements. The projected timeline is maintained, without any major technical hurdles and the pilot made significant advancements in the development of smart implements.