Weed Flamers
Increased legislation and consumer pressure are forcing growers to look for alternative methods to chemicals, many of which are now banned or severely restricted.
Flame weeding, burning of weeds (also flame cultivation) is the killing of weeds with intense heat produced by a fuel-burning device, LPG burners or torches either hand-held or tractor-mounted.
As LPG is nontoxic and does not contaminate ground water, it is an acceptable non-chemical weed control option in organic production. LPG, propane, butane powered weed flamers or torches negate, in an eco-friendly manner, the need to treat crops with acid.
Flamers which use a concentrated flame to damage or kill weeds, have generally become a popular alternative to using chemicals for weed control, desiccation and as a soil hygiene tool. They enable growers to keep on top of weed pressure, reduce yield losses and save considerable hand weeding costs.
Recent advancements in LPG weed flamer technology have made also the process easier and quicker than ever before. This adds an effective and economical weed control method to the organic farmer's toolbox.
An LPG weed flamer or torch, uses LPG-fueled flames to transfer heat to weeds over a short exposure time. It uses different amounts of LPG and pressure to vary the heat created by its concentrated flame.
The user sprays the flame near the weed leaves or stalks. The flame does not char the leaves, but instead quickly heats the water inside the plant cells. Because plant cells are filled mostly with water, the pressure from this quickly heating water causes the cells to burst.
Without a way to move water and nutrients from roots to leaves (disruption of photosynthesis), the weed dries out and wilts. This is usually accomplished in under 2 seconds, without injury to planted crops.
Future weed re-growth will also be stunted, but permanent elimination of the weed depends on the degree of damage inflicted in the initial spray, as well as the depth of the weed's root system. Some studies have shown weed flamers to be most successful with a repeat application. A repeated application when the new growth is approx 1-2 inches long and the root structure is still weakened will further weaken and eliminate the plant. Post emergence burning works very well in crops with energy stored in tubers or bulbs such as potatoes and onions.
LPG flaming can control several different weeds on a variety of crops, and it offers a time-saving, soil-friendly alternative that reduces moisture loss and can be repeated as needed during the growing season. It is highly effective on young, annual weeds. Perennial weeds with taproots or woody stems may require re-flaming or additional cultivation. Broadleaf weeds are more readily killed by flaming than are grasses.
In highly intensive cropping systems, high levels of heat applied via LPG burners not only destroy post-harvest debris but also kill weeds and any fungal spores on or near the surface. This can help create a sterile seed bed and minimise the disease pressure on the following crop.
Manufactures
Calor (Weed Control)
Elgas (Flame Weeding)
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