[Ground Working 101] Getting Rid of Weeds: Weeding & Spraying

Welcome to the Farming Simulator Academy! In this lesson, we show you how to get rid of weeds. It's one of multiple ways to improve the yield of your crops. Let’s start!

How Weeds Grow

Weeds present a high potential yield loss as they compete with crops for sunlight, water, nutrients, and space. You want to remove them as fast and thoroughly as possible. You can deactivate weed growth in the game settings if you don't want to deal with it. 

Tip! After plowing, using a plow, weeds will not grow. Find out more!

Tip! You get 20% more yield if your harvest is free of weeds.

In Farming Simulator, weeds are a type of field state. There are different stages of weed growth: small, medium & large. Depending on their size, different machinery is used - more on that below. Weeds can be removed at any time before the crops are ready to be harvested.

• Small weeds grow after only a couple of hours of in-game time. You’ll notice green patches. Those little troublemakers will multiply, quickly. If you don’t get rid of them, your field gets infested, and it will only get harder to remove them.
• Medium weeds are becoming visually more diverse and appear in higher density. 
• Large weeds mature into even higher and blooming flowers, easily distinguishable from your crops. Now, you need to act, and it’s your last chance. 

Tip! The field info box tells you, what growth stage the weeds are at and what machinery is required to get rid of them.

How to Remove Weeds

There are three tools to remove weeds from your fields: weeders, hoes and sprayers. They are used in different growth stages. 

Use a weeder against small weeds

Weeders will mechanically remove small weeds. There is an exception to the rule: a weeder can't be used with crops that are planted in rows (potatoes).

At the dealership, you find weeders in the weeder category of the tools section. They differ in terms of working width, power requirement, and additional functionality.

Use a hoe against medium weeds

Hoes are used for medium weeds. But, they can remove small weeds as well. They are designed, so they can operate between crops that are planted in rows without destroying them, too. If you plant potatoes, you have to use a hoe instead of a weeder. Hoes are also found in the weeder category. 

Use a sprayer against large weeds

Sprayers are used as a last resort for large weeds, in case you missed removing the weeds in their early stages. Only herbicide works on large weeds. The machines are found in the sprayer category of the shop. Herbicide is found in the pallets section. 

Sprayers work on small, medium and large weeds. But, this is the most expensive option, as herbicide creates additional expenses and comes with a yield penalty for applying chemicals to your crops. Use it only when necessary!

Tip! Rent a sprayer, if you don't have the money to buy it and only use it once. 

Well done!

Congratulations, you now know the most important facts about weeds. Take your time and start on the next lesson, when you’re ready. Stay with the Farming Simulator Academy and you become a top-notch virtual farmer in no time!