Integrated crop production: A future shaped by smart technologies

Integrated crop production has long been considered a proven, environmentally friendly farming system, though in recent years, it has somewhat faded from focus. Today, however, innovative new solutions are once again bringing this approach to the forefront of practical farming. Modern sensor-supported technologies and digital tools are making it possible to maintain the use of crop protection as a key element of integrated crop production — even as more active substances are withdrawn from the market.

For nearly four decades, integrated crop production has stood for a holistic and sustainable approach to arable farming. It encompasses a wide range of cultivation practices designed to maintain plant health and support crop development, ultimately leading to productive and resilient stands. Within this framework, integrated crop protection plays a critical role, prioritizing preventative and non-chemical measures. Chemical control is considered only after other strategies have failed to deliver the desired effect.

Following the damage threshold principle, weeds and pests should be managed as effectively as possible i.e. ideally through non-chemical methods. In practice, however, integrated crop production and protection have not always been implemented as comprehensively as would be ideal for today’s conditions. This is largely because modern crop protection products, fertilizer technologies, and breeding advances have often masked underlying agronomic issues. These are issues that stem from tighter crop rotations, early sowing dates, and increased nitrogen fertilization.

In recent years, the decreasing availability of active substances and the growing problem of resistance — especially in the control of weeds and grasses have compounded these challenges. Climate change, with its weather extremes, prolonged droughts, and the emergence of new pests, has further intensified the situation. As a result, many farmers are once again turning to integrated crop production.

Mechanical weed control on the rise

Mechanical weed control is becoming increasingly relevant, even in conventional farming, as more of the conventional chemical herbicides cannot be employed due to regulatory restrictions while few new active ingredients are being introduced. Combined with rising resistance levels, this poses major challenges for weed and grass control in arable farming.

Integrated crop production increasingly relies on the combination of mechanical and chemical methods, supported by modern sensors and precision control systems. Mechanical tools can now be steered by cameras, both between and within rows, allowing for high-speed operation and significant reductions in chemical inputs. New developments also include AI-driven systems to optimize the control of hoeing equipment.

Despite its advantages, mechanical weed control is not without challenges. Wet years, the risk of soil compaction and erosion, as well as gaps in practical know-how, can limit its effectiveness. Additionally, mechanical methods often fall short in controlling certain persistent weed species.