Inter-Row Weeder for Chickpea | Mechanical Weed Control

Chickpea is a spring-sown legume with very limited herbicide options. It is grown on clay-rich soils in Mediterranean regions at row spacings of 40–60 cm. The crop emerges when spring weeds are already active, making mechanical weeding the primary weed management strategy — particularly for organic production.

Inter-row weeders for chickpea: which to choose

Chickpea is grown at row spacings of 40–60 cm, often on clay soils.

Rotosark — effective on clay soils

Rotoblizz rotors and hardened flat hoes. Effective on the clay-rich soils typical of chickpea-growing regions in the Mediterranean. The flat hoe cuts spring weeds without disturbing the taproot. Compatible with granular fertiliser spreaders.

Minitractor Elfurbo — available during spring peak

Self-propelled unit from 40 to 90 hp. On cereal farms rotating with chickpea, the Elfurbo allows weeding to run alongside spring cereal management without conflicts.

Complementary equipment for chickpea

Oliver Agro provides equipment to manage the full field operation:

• Drip tape laying and retrieval machines for irrigation and fertigation
• Granular fertiliser spreaders, combinable directly with the inter-row weeder

Why choose mechanical weeding for chickpea

Organic chickpea reaches consistently high prices. Mechanical weeding also improves soil structure and promotes root nodulation for nitrogen fixation.

Frequently asked questions

Can Rotosark work effectively on clay chickpea soils?

Yes. Rotosark with hardened flat hoes is effective on clay soils, breaking the surface crust and improving water infiltration.

When should the first weeding pass be made in chickpea?

At 7–10 days after emergence, when spring weeds are still at the cotyledon stage.

Can mechanical weeding be used in organic chickpea?

Yes. All Oliver Agro inter-row weeders are fully compatible with certified organic farming regulations.