PRF4
PRF4: Mechanical robotic weeding
£150.00
info Summary
Control weeds on eligible arable land using a mechanical robotic weeder on one cash crop from sowing to harvest, with minimal herbicide use.
format_list_bulleted What to do
You must use a mechanical robotic weeder to control weeds on one cash crop from sowing to harvest. You can use residual herbicides pre-emergence, but no other herbicides are permitted during the crop's growth.
schedule When to do
This action must be performed on at least one crop sown during each of the three years of the agreement. If a crop is already present at the start, a new crop for the action must be sown within 12 months.
checklist How to do
You are required to follow all the rules identified by the word 'must'.
description Evidence Required
You must keep evidence to show what you’ve done to complete this action, such as:
- data from the tractor’s job recording system identifying the mechanical robotic weeder, the date and areas weeded
- field operations at a land parcel level, including the land parcel reference number and the dates the crop was sown and harvested
- contractor’s invoice if you use a contractor to do this action
If it’s not clear that you’ve done this action in a way that could reasonably be expected to achieve its aim, we may ask for this evidence. You must supply the evidence if we ask for it.
tips_and_updates Additional Advice
The mechanical robotic weeding equipment can be tractor-mounted or autonomous, and funding may be available through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF).
View Official Guidelines
Access detailed information about this action on the RPA website
SFI 2026 Announcement
Read details about SFI 2026 changes, definitions, and what to expect on the Defra farming blog