Thermal weed remover on board
A thermal weeder is a tool for physical control of weeds. The principle consists of causing a thermal shock at a high temperature for a very short exposure time (3 to 5 seconds), which causes the bursting of plant cells and consequently the senescence of the aerial parts.
Several modes of action and tools exist to provide market gardeners with a response adapted to their context (covered or uncovered crops, small or large areas, length of inter-rows, etc.).
Weeding with direct flames
Most weeding thermal tools use flames applied directly to the area to be treated. The flames are fueled by propane gas, reaching a temperature of 1,000 ° Celsius.
For effective weeding, it is recommended that the blue part of the flames be in contact with the weeds. This corresponds to a height of 15 - 20 cm from the ground.
The stage of the weeds also affects effectiveness : for the weeding to work, the plant stage must be between dicotyledon and four true leaves. Slight moisture on the ground (such as dew) and on the leaves increases the effectiveness of burning, as the water will turn into scalding steam.[1]
To check the effectiveness of thermal burning, simply pinch a leaf : the pinched part remains visible if the tissues have been affected. Finally, vigilance is paramount when handling a direct flame weeder : accidental fires can occur due to lack of attention.[1]
It is also better to avoid passing near a hedge or in the presence of dry material (mulching on the ground, stock of wood or dry fodder).
There are several forms of thermal weeders:
- Portable.
- On a cart.
- Trailed: The younger the weeds, the higher the forward speed can be.[1]
Weeding with steam
More economical in inputs and safer, thermal weeders based on steam exist.
These tools must be trailed and are therefore better suited to large areas; this technique is intended for sensitive crops or in high-risk sectors.
Its weak point is its working speed which cannot exceed 2.5 km/h at the beginning (the first two passes) and 3 km/h for subsequent passes.[2]
Appendices
Sources
- Terrateck.2023. Thermal weeding. https://www.terrateck.com/fr/19-desherbage-thermique
- Triangle-outillage.2023.Catalog of thermal weeders for market gardening. https://www.triangle-outillage.fr/883439-bruleur-thermique
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Produire Organic.2019.THERMAL WEEDING IN MARKET GARDENING.https://www.produire-bio.fr/articles-pratiques/le-desherbage-thermique-en-maraichage/
- ↑ MMEnvironnement. 2023.Weeding by steam and boiling water. https://www.mmenvironnement.com/produit/nom-du-produit/
