Oper 8 - About alternative weed control

The podcast was made about alternative weed control solutions. Hosted by Iveta Grudovska, the episode features agronomists Rihards Berķis and Aigars Šutka, who discuss the challenges posed by weeds and the current prevalence of methods such as mechanical control and precise spraying. A major topic is the potential of precision spraying technologies, which use GPS and cameras to reduce the use of plant protection products. The discussion also covers agronomic methods like catchcrops, crop rotation and adjusting seeding rates as methods to manage weeds.

Laure Gontier, expert in Oper8 project, carried out several trials to understand better the implementation options, advantages and drawbacks of covering the area under the vines. Different types of permanent cover crops (spontaneous, clovers...) have been tested. Full soil coverage is also discussed in this podcast.Participants: Camille Guilbert, viticulture engineer at IFV - French Wine and Vine Institute, France and Laure Gontier, cover crops and soil expert at IFV - French Wine and Vine Institute, France

Meet Miguel Roig from Os Biosbardos Farm in Spain, sharing how mulching enhances horticultural production, improving soil health, weed control, and sustainability in vegetable crops.In SpanishMiguel Roig, de la Granja Os Biosbardos, cuenta cómo el acolchado mejora la producción hortícola, favoreciendo la salud del suelo, el control de malas hierbas y la sostenibilidad en los cultivos.

In this PodCast Thomas Börjesson, Agroväst in Sweden, discuss the different solutions for reducing the use of herbicides in horticultural crops with Agneta Sundgren, weed specialist at Swedish Board of Agriculture.

In this episode of the Oper8 Podcast, Lorenzo Gagliardi and Lorenzo Tramacere discuss the use of dead mulch in the under-row area of vineyards as an agroecological strategy for weed control. The conversation explores how the technique works, the equipment involved, its benefits for soil health and water conservation, as well as its limitations and site-specific considerations. Practical insights and recommendations are shared based on real experiences from farmers participating in the Oper8 project.Participants: Lorenzo Gagliardi and Lorenzo Gagliardi - Researchers at the University of Pisa, Italy

In this episode, Lorenzo Gabriele Tramacere interviews Lorenzo Gagliardi on the use of mechanical techniques for under-row weed control in vineyards—one of the most promising alternatives to herbicides explored in the European Oper8 project. The discussion covers key tools such as blade weeders, rollhacke, and mulchers with wires, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and agronomic and environmental impacts. A valuable insight for winegrowers and technicians interested in sustainable soil management practices.Participants: Lorenzo Gagliardi - Researcher at the University of Pisa, Italy and Lorenzo Tramacere, NNO for Italy - Researcher at the University of Pisa, Italy

Fanny Prezman, viticulture engineer at the French Wine and Vine Institute, oversees mulch trials in vineyards. She provides us with technical information about various mulch material used under the vine row for weed control. She also gives us some practical and economical information to assess the feasibility and economic viability of this solution.

Electrical weeding deep dive Part 2 - Exploring the current state of electrical weeding and new technological approachesIn part 2 of this deep dive into electrical weeding, Matthew Smee - The Organic Research Centre is back with Dr Charles ‘Merf’ Merfield, Head of the BHU Future Farming Centre. Merf continues his exploration of all things electrical weeding, looking at the current state of electrical weeding technology and explores the machinery available on the market.Dr Charles Merfield is the author of ‘A comprehensive guide to electrical weed management’