Black-grass control in winter cereals using hoeing

Mechanical weed control using row hoeing is effective for managing black-grass and other persistent weeds in winter cereals. Sowing in rows ≥20 cm apart enables use of duckfoot-bladed hoes or combined harrow-hoe tools during tillering. This method uproots established weeds, including cow vetch, hemp-nettle, windgrass, and burdock, even in heavy soils. Recommended timing: October sowing, 1–2 harrowing passes at 3-leaf stage, followed by hoeing at tillering. The practice is part of the OK-Net Arable project and was published in 2017 by FiBL in Frick, Switzerland. Available in German (Switzerland) and English (USA).