Stripgrazer

The inter-row mulcher enables efficient and soil-conserving weed control in row crops such as maize, sugar beet, sunflowers and soya, with variable row spacings of 45 to 75 cm. Instead of breaking up the soil, weeds and undersown crops between the rows are mulched precisely and close to the ground. This preserves the soil structure, reduces erosion and improves water management, resulting in stable crops and higher yields in the long term.

Why this is so crucial

Soil erosion is one of the greatest threats to agriculture worldwide. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms regularly cause valuable topsoil to be washed away and carried into watercourses or built-up areas. In Europe, around 16 per cent of agricultural land is already affected. The loss of the fertile topsoil, which forms the basis for stable yields, is particularly critical.

By using the inter-row mulcher, this erosion can be almost entirely prevented. Instead of exposing the soil, it remains covered and protected at all times.

More than just weed control

The inter-row mulcher paves the way for a new form of farming:

• Protection against erosion through permanent ground cover
• Improving soil fertility through humus formation
• Weed suppression through the mulch layer
• Improved water absorption during rainfall
• Less soil warming and more active soil life

The benefit is particularly evident at high temperatures: soil organisms remain active and help maintain natural fertility.

Example from maize cultivation

A typical application demonstrates how undersowing and mulching work together:

• Autumn: Sowing a hardy catch crop with rows left empty for maize
• Spring: Sowing maize in the empty rows
• Vegetation: Repeated mulching of the undersown crops between the rows

The result is a permanently covered soil surface that remains protected, fertile and biologically active.

How it works

The machine is front-mounted, with the driver looking out onto the rows ahead. The mowing modules run between the rows, guided along the crop by feeler bars. At the headland, the modules are raised individually or together. The drive is hydraulic, powered by the tractor’s hydraulic system, and supports load sensing. The machine is manufactured under licence from stripgrazer.at, where you can find further information on the process. Developed and built in Biederbach.