Inter Row Mulcher in Pomegranate Orchards: Modern Weed Management Without the Use of Herbicides

In Raffadali, in the province of Agrigento, at the agricultural company of Antonio Casalicchio, agronomist Vito Vitelli observed the operation of a BFM inter row mulcher installed in pomegranate orchards managed according to modern and sustainable farming principles. This technical experience proved particularly interesting, involving not only pomegranate orchards but also citrus groves and olive orchards that have been under agronomic management for several years with highly positive results.

The most significant aspect of this machine concerns the management of spontaneous vegetation along the row, completely avoiding the use of herbicides while also eliminating the need for mulching film, which is often responsible for creating a microclimate favorable to the development of various soil borne harmful organisms. This represents a highly valuable technical solution, especially for organic farms, where under row management is considered one of the most delicate aspects of the entire production system.

The machine operates through a combination of disc, chain, line, and sensor mechanisms, supported by wheels that maintain a constant cutting height even in the presence of raised beds and uneven terrain. The system has proven to be both precise and gentle: the mulcher can work very close to the trunk without causing damage to the plants, while adapting effectively to irregular soil conditions.

The operational width covers approximately 70 centimeters on each side, requiring two passes, one on the right and one on the left side of the row, with forward and return operations. The final result is highly effective in reducing competitive weeds near the root system.

However, the key agronomic concept emphasized by Vito Vitelli goes beyond the purely mechanical aspect. Excessive obsession with completely clean soil should be avoided. Allowing a minimal presence of spontaneous vegetation near the trunk does not represent a real problem. The objective is not to sterilize the soil, but rather to limit water and nutrient competition within the most sensitive soil zone for the plant.

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The grassed inter row area, on the other hand, represents a valuable resource. Spontaneous vegetation produces organic matter, increases biodiversity, protects the soil from excessive temperature rise, and helps maintain cooler and biologically active soil conditions. Even the shredded plant material plays an important role by creating a natural surface mulch that supports moisture conservation and protects soil fertility.

According to Vito Vitelli, this is the direction in which modern fruit growing should evolve: intelligent management of spontaneous vegetation, reduced chemical inputs, and enhancement of the biological vitality of the soil.

The mulcher observed in Raffadali also demonstrated excellent performance in orchards with inter row spacing of less than 3 meters, showing strong operational precision and adaptability. The underlying principle remains simple yet extremely effective: maintain a clean row only where truly necessary, while preserving a living and grass covered inter row area where the soil can fully express its natural fertility.

Editorial Note:
Original content by agronomist Vito Vitelli, developed and optimized with the support of artificial intelligence tools for educational, informational, and technical dissemination purposes.

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