Projects / Programmes
Review and selection of the most appropriate non-chemical methods for weed control as a substitute for the use of glyphosate and other herbicides in Slovenian conditions
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.03.01 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Plant production |
Agricultural plants |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B006 |
Biomedical sciences |
Agronomics |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 4.01 |
Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries |
Weeds, agriculture, control, management, herbicides, glyphosate, aleternative measures, non chemical mesures, mechanical measures
Researchers (23)
Organisations (4)
Abstract
The project activities involve review of available non-chemical measures for the weed managementc and their testing under real field conditions, with the aim of developing a more sustainable agriculture in Slovenia. The strategy of Slovenian agriculture tends to establish and ensure competitive agricultural production, with no side effect for the environment and human health. The expected results of the proposed project, which envisage the implementation of non-chemical measures in the technological guidelines for agricultural production, are directly linked to the above-mentioned objectives, as they will contribute to more efficient agricultural production. The project results will also have indirect effects, since the results will be the basis for the implementation of relevant development programs that would lead the Slovenian agriculture to the desired goal.
In a review process and selection of non-chemical measures, we will use knowledge and experience from abroad, because it is a very specific area that requires long-term testing of appropriate non-chemical measures in real field conditions. The most successful and most appropriate methods will be adapted to the Slovene conditions and will be tested in practice. The selected solutions will cover most of our production systems in Slovenia, arable and horticultural production and permanent crops. The project will include seven work packages (WP). Within WP1 - Overview of the current state of use of herbicides and the use of non-chemical weed control measures in Slovenia we will analyze the list of all non-chemical measures available, and on the basis of the results, we will make a narrower selection of methods that would be most suitable for Slovenian production conditions. Content of WP2 - Study of the consequences of the potential glyphosate ban on the weed management in Slovenia is intended to examine the consequences of a potential ban on the use of glyphosate and, in particular, for permanent crops, to prepare a scenario in case of a total ban on its use. After analyzing and reviewing the situation, the selected tools in WP3 - Possibilities of non-chemical weed control in arable crops and horticulture selected alternative methods will be tested in practice, with particular emphasis on adaptation to Slovenian production conditions. One of the production systems with high glyphosate use are definitely permanent crops. Therefore WP4 - Possibilities of non-chemical weed control in fruit growing and WP5 - The possibilities of non-chemical weed control in wineyards are dedicated to test the selected alternative non- chemical weed control methods in orchards and wineyards. All the methods and technologies that will be tested in practice will also be evaluated from the economic poin of view within WP 6 - Economic efficiency of selected alternative methods of non-chemical weed control and in this way we will obtain information on the cost aspect of their implementation. The solutions that will prove to be the most efficient and suitable for the Slovene situation will be presented to both general and target public within the WP7 - Technological instructions for the implementation of alternative methods of non-chemical weed control. The project is very important for the Slovenian agriculture and economy as well as the society as a whole. The results of the research can be directly and directly transferred into practice through demonstration trials and agricultural policy measures, and consequently the technological, environmental and economic performance of agricultural holdings will be improved.
The project, and the successful implementation of its results, will contribute to the development of agroeconomic, environmental and biological sciences, and the sustainability aspect of Slovenian agricultural production will be further improved, and in the adition the competitiveness of Slovenian agricultural holdings will also be increased.
Significance for science
The project and project results will have direct and indirect influence on the development of science and expert knowledge. Reducing dependence on chemical plant protection products, including herbicides, is an important objective of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (EU) strategy, and at the same time one of the current research priorities. Within the framework of the project, we will seek solutions for problems that we face in the conventional weed management practices in agriculture, including environmental and human health, through applied research approach. By testing several non-chemical methods of weed control, we will offer Slovenian researchers in the field of agricultural crop production and agricultural advisers new knowledge of plant protection, which will focus primarily on reducing the risk of using plant protection products for both the environment, non-target organisms and humans. The project is important for the development of Slovenian agro-food, agroeconomic, environmental and biological sciences. Several young researchers will be involved in the project, which will give them an opportunity to upgrade their knowledge and thereby increase competitiveness in both the domestic and international scientific environment. All professional and scientific results will be published in professional and scientific articles and presented at various symppsiums, expert and end-users meetings (Days of wheat and maize, DVRS meeting, New challenges of agronomy, etc.), which will directly influence the development of Slovenian science and the field of applied agronomy.
Significance for the country
We expect that the project results will have a significant impact on the economy, since the results of our research can be directly and indirectly transferred into practice through the measures of agricultural policy, through organisation of demonstrations or lectures by the advisory service. Slovenian agriculture is facing a number of challenges related to weed management. With an ever-smaller set of available herbicides and a possible ban on the use of glyphosate in the future, there are currently not available sufficient, economically viable and technically feasible non-chemical methods of weed control that can satisfactorily replace the use of plant protection products or are still under development. The introduction of new, tested non-chemical methods in agricultural production will decrease the potential negative consequences of the occurrence of the resistant weeda to certain commonly used herbicides, thus preventing only economic damage resulting from the need to introduce alternative methods of controlling herbicide-resistant weeds. The project will also have economic effects through cooperation with the company for the production of agricultural machinery, as we will directly participate in the development and improvement of agricultural machinery for weed management. In this way, our producers of agricultural machinery will become more competitive with leading companies in this sector, which will affect the increased confidence in the domestic economy and thus the demand for Slovenian agricultural machinery. The use of chemical plant protection products in general is a very negative perception by the consumer, therefore, by introducing non-chemical methods of weed management and by informing the public, consumer confidence in the quality and safety of food produced in Slovenia will be strengthened.
By developing and introducing non-chemical methods for weed management, we will contribute to the development of the society and the environment of extremely important technological processes of agricultural production that will ensure long-term, safe and quality food production, improve the standard of living of the producers and influence the country's economic growth.
Most important scientific results
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2020
