Inter-Row Weeder for Onion | Precision Cultivator

Onion is one of the most weed-sensitive crops: its narrow, erect foliage provides little canopy cover and the crop has very limited competitive ability against weeds. Whether transplanted or direct-seeded, precise mechanical weed control in the early stages is essential for yield and quality.

Precision cultivators for onion: which to choose

Onion is grown at row spacings of 20–40 cm depending on the planting method and scale of production.

Colibrì — extreme precision for direct-seeded onion

Motorised discs working 2 cm from the plant at constant depth (±3 mm). Suitable from the cotyledon stage. Ideal for direct-seeded onion where seedlings are small and fragile.

Rotovert TILT — for beds with height variation

TILT-I tilting system for beds with slight height differences. Works from 0° to 45° inclination, minimum row spacing 12.5 cm.

Flex — reliable across soil types

Fast and effective mechanical weeding without technical complexity. Suitable for heavier or more compacted soils, with rapid adjustment for different row spacings.

Rotobrush — false seedbed preparation

Motorised brushes (15 cm diameter) for false seedbed technique before direct seeding. Also the best option for stony soils. Crumbles and levels the seedbed without displacing seedlings.

Rotoclean — cleaning direct-seeded rows

Removes residues and superficial weeds from within the seeded row without damaging the emerging onion seedlings.

Complementary equipment for onion

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 onion

Herbicide options for onion are increasingly restricted. The false seedbed technique with Rotobrush, followed by early precision weeding with Colibrì or Rotovert TILT, is the most effective approach — especially for organic and zero-residue production.

Frequently asked questions

Can Colibrì work on direct-seeded onion at the cotyledon stage?

Yes. Colibrì is designed to work from the cotyledon stage with constant working depth, making it one of the safest options for very young seedlings.

Does the false seedbed work on onion?

Yes. The slow germination of direct-seeded onion allows one or two Rotobrush passes before crop emergence, significantly reducing early weed pressure.

Can mechanical weeding be used in organic onion?

Yes. All Oliver Agro precision cultivators are fully compatible with certified organic farming regulations.