DLG Expert Knowledge

Mechanical weed control is a central element of successful crop growing in organic farming. And interest in ­mechanical weed control as an additional element of crop protection is increasing in ­conventional farming due to the increasing resistance of weeds to chemical active substances and ­because of the decline in the number of active substances that can be used.

In this Expert Knowledge Series pamphlet ‘Mechanical weed control – practical concepts for cereals’, consultants show which aspects need to be focused on when developing an operational strategy, and experienced farmers provide an insight into the concepts used in their locations. 

This Expert Knowledge Series pamphlet deals in detail with the technical options for the environmentally-friendly application of liquid crop protection agents in arable farming. Bearing the scope of the Expert Knowledge Series pamphlet in mind, only conventional crop protection sprayers are dealt with, not air blast sprayers, atomisers, wiper implements or special designs.

This position paper is aimed at farmers, particularly those interested in developing the on-farm variety test network, plant breeders, variety test sponsors, agricultural policy makers and financial backers of public-private partnership projects.

The concept of integrated crop protection has become the key strategy for practical crop protection on a global scale. This means that growers need to pursue a holistic approach and take preventive measures while considering chemical use as their last resort and limiting inputs to the necessary minimum. To this end, eight general guidelines were added to the existing Crop Protection Act in February 2012. 

This Expert Knowledge Series pamphlet summarises the most important aspects of waste air cleaning in pig farming. From the description of the various methods to possible ways of documentation, the pamphlet also contains valuable tips on reducing operating costs. Waste air cleaning facilities have to match the respective animal housing and the local situation. The helpful hints and information are therefore intended to support the farm manager in deciding on the right system. They also aim to show other participants in a permit-issuing process options for and limitations of waste air cleaning facilities in pig husbandry.

This brochure provides updated/current advice designed to help make the drying-off process easier in practice and aims to reduce the use of antibiotics to what is strictly necessary for therapeutic purposes while preserving udder health.

While structured work organization is already firmly established in industry, it has only become increasingly important in milk production as a result of farms specializing, enlarging their herd sizes and employing more workers. Structured work organization should enjoy high priority on “large farms” that have already completed or are planning the growth stage. While the “hardware” in the cow shed is generally planned right down to the smallest detail and investment costs are calculated for different milk prices, the “farm software”, the guidance for the management and work organization for the new operative frameworks is often lacking.