Autonomous Mower vs. Rotary Mower: Effects on Turf Quality and Weed Control in Tall Fescue Lawn

Abstract

Autonomous mowers are battery-powered machines designed for lawn mowing that require very low human labour. Autonomous mowers can increase turf quality and reduce local noise and pollution compared with gasoline-powered rotary mowers. However, very little is known about the effects of autonomous mowing on encroaching weeds. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of an autonomous mower and an ordinary gasoline-powered mower on weed development in an artificially infested tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) turf with different nitrogen (N) rates. A three-way factor experimental design with three replications was adopted. Factor A consisted of three N rates (0, 75, and 150 kg ha −1 ), factor B consisted of two mowing systems (autonomous mower vs. walk-behind gasoline rotary mower equipped for mulching), and factor C which consisted of four different transplanted weed species: (a) Bellis perennis L., (b) Trifolium repens L.; (c) Trifolium subterraneum L.; and (d) Lotus corniculatus L. Of these, B. perennis is a rosette-type plant, while the other three species are creeping-type plants. The interaction between mowing system and transplanted weed species showed that the four transplanted weed species were larger when mowed by the autonomous mower than by the rotary mower. The autonomous mower yielded larger weeds probably because the constant mowing height caused the creeping weed species to grow sideways, since the turfgrass offered no competition for light. N fertilization increased turf quality and mowing quality, and also reduced spontaneous weed infestation. Autonomous mowing increased turf quality, mowing quality, but also the percentage of spontaneous weed cover.

Autonomous Mowing and Complete Floor Cover for Weed Control in Vineyards

“…In this trial, significant reductions of power consumption and CO 2 emissions were observed compared to the ordinary technique. Despite designed for lawns mowing, autonomous mowers have shown promising results for agricultural purposes [28,37] due to their reduced size and high frequency of cut [38]. This last characteristic has the potential to exert a continuous mechanical control of both CC and weeds, preventing them from reaching an undesirable vertical growth [38].…”

Autonomous Mowers Working in Narrow Spaces: A Possible Future Application in Agriculture?

“…It has been estimated that by 2023 the global autonomous mower market will reach a value of approximately 3 billion dollars [1]. Autonomous mowers can provide several advantages since these machines help to save time and energy [2]. Moreover, autonomous mowers prevent operators from coming into contact with allergens, exhaust gasses, possible injuries, and noise emissions [3][4][5].…”

“…The effects of autonomous mowers constant mowing decreased the weed incidence on tall fescue [17] and manila grass [18] lawns compared to conventional rotary mowing. A constant mowing height showed to favor low creeping weeds [2]; however, the low height of these weeds resulted in an overall lower competition with the crops [19]. According to Slaughter et al [7], autonomous weed control technologies contribute to reduce human labor and herbicides applications.…”

Autonomous Mowing and Turf-Type Bermudagrass as Innovations for An Environment-Friendly Floor Management of a Vineyard in Coastal Tuscany

“…Although not yet designed for agriculture purposes, autonomous mowers may improve vineyard floor management sustainability as a consequence of their reduced ground pressure [23], their high frequency of cut [24] and their ability to move between vine plants [25]. Continuous mowing has the potential to prevent weeds from excessive vertical development [26] and to encourage bermudagrass lateral growth [27]. The possibility to work both between the rows and under-trellis [25] allows to mow the entire cultivated area, reducing the need for chemical weed control.…”