Hand weeding tools in vegetable production systems: an agronomic, ergonomic and economic evaluation

Title
Hand weeding tools in vegetable production systems: an agronomic, ergonomic and economic evaluation
Publication Date
2022
Author(s)
Tiwari, Sita
Sindel, B M
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4100-218X
Email: bsindel@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:bsindel
Smart, N
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8290-6409
Email: nsmart2@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:nsmart2
Coleman, M J
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1910-7145
Email: mcolema8@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:mcolema8
Fyfe, C
Lawlor, C
Vo, B
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0943-9768
Email: bvo3@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:bvo3
Kristiansen, P
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2116-0663
Email: pkristi2@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:pkristi2
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Earthscan Ltd
Place of publication
United Kingdom
DOI
10.1080/14735903.2021.1964789
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/31532
Abstract
Hand weeding is a common method of weed control on vegetable farms, especially in developing countries. It requires considerable physical labour and is a significant economic burden, yet comparative studies on hand weeding tools are rare. We evaluated the agronomic, ergonomic and economic performance of four hand weeding tools (and unweeded control) at two sites and two weed ages. Agronomic efficiency was evaluated based on the reduction in weed load from pre-weeding to post-weeding, economic efficiency based on the time taken to weed, and ergonomic efficiency based on heart rate and energy expenditure of the tool operator. Among the tools, the chipping hoe provided higher weed control efficiency than the rotating hoe and combined tool, and showed a lower average heart rate and workload than the combined tool. Ergonomic performance was superior in loam soil compared with clay. The light-weight chipping hoe provided better weed control than heavier tools while also reducing the workload of the weeder. Tools did not differ in economic performance, but the cost was 50% higher with late weeding. Viable hand weeding strategies require the optimization of tools for ergonomic performance and careful attention to timing of operations, thus benefiting economic performance.
Link
Citation
International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 20(4), p. 659-674
ISSN
1747-762X
1473-5903
Start page
659
End page
674

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