Mechanization of Weed Management in Sugar Beet

Abstract

Sugar is an essential commodity and an integral part of the food chain as the cheapest source of energy. It plays a vital role in the development of taste and texture. Sugar beet ranks second as a sugar-producing crop in the world with a composition of 75% water, 20% sugar, and 5% pulp. Approximately 60 plant species are identified as important weeds in sugar beet fields. About 70% of weeds are broad-leaved species and 30% are grass species. Weeds in sugar beet fields compete with the crop for light, nutrients, and water, thus reducing the yield. Competition from uncontrolled annual weeds that emerge within 8 weeks of sowing or within 4 weeks of the crop reaching the two-leaf stage can reduce yield by 26–100%. Nonchemical weed control measures provide a significant increase of yield in sugar beet and up to 50% reduction of herbicides use. In recent years, it has become necessary to reduce the use of herbicides in order to protect human and animal health and the environment. However, the use of mechanical weeders combined with herbicidal has been proven an efficient integrated weed control method. This chapter deals primarily with weed problems and weed control in sugar beet with emphasis on weeding machines used for inter-row and intra-row weeding in sugar beet as well as automation of weeding machines and the use of robotic machines.