Researchers from the University of Missouri recently conducted two field studies to explore the effectiveness of electricity in weed control.
The University of Missouri researchers used a tractor attachment known as The Weed Zapper to electrocute different weed types commonly appearing in soybean crops, including herbicide-resistant waterhemp, a Phys.org report specified.
Using electricity to remove persistent weeds https://t.co/qwR0thYa4r https://t.co/mUguSsRT7u
— Phys.org Biology (@physorg_biology) August 1, 2022
The first study revealed that control was more effective in the latter stages of growth of the weeds and was most closely associated with plant height and the moisture in the plant at the time of electrocution.
Once the weeds had set seeds, the treatments lessened viability by 54 to 80 percent throughout the weed species analyzed.
Treatment with Electrocution
The second research published in Weed Technology revealed that electrocution reduced late-season, herbicide-resistant waterhemp plants "by 51 to 97 percent."
At certain growth stages, the soybean crops showed yield losses of 11 to 26 percent after electrocution treatments. However, the study investigators say such results possibly represent a worse-case occurrence.
In late-season treatments, for instance, the clear height differential between the soybean canopy and waterhemp means the electrocution device can treat the weed minus sustained contact with the crop.
The advantage of this approach is that when used as part of an integrated control program, electrocution can eradicate many late-season, herbicide-resistant weed escapes in soybean crops. It also reduces the number and possibility of weed seeds returning to the soil seed bank.
How Weeds Affect Plant Holes
An SFGate report specified that weeds produce huge numbers of seeds, not to mention growing and establishing themselves fast and growing in areas where plants cannot survive.
The weeds' buried seeds can survive one year after, and adult weeds can have deep roots that are difficult to pull out.
Many of them appear like plants, and this imitating ability contributes to their survival success. After all, if one cannot recognize that a specific plan in his garden is a weed, he is much less likely to pull it out.
One of the most substantial problems with weeds and crops is that they decrease yields as they compete for space, light, water, and soil nutrients.
They also offer shelter for insects and function as hosts for crop diseases. Weeds produce chemical substances that can be toxic to crop plants, animals, and even humans.
Sources have estimated that United States farmers spend approximately $3.6 billion each year on chemical weed control and another $2.6 billion on other approaches.
Weed Control
To prevent weeds from moving into plants, experts recommend trying to cover any bare soil. Spreading mulch can help. It can also prevent soil erosion.
It is not recommended to till the garden as this is moving weed seeds on the surface down into the soil. Taking a sharp knife with a narrow blade and slicing through the roots is an effective approach to taking out weeds.
When removing weeds, follow the theory, "pull when wet, hoe when dry." It is extremely easy to pull out weeds when the ground is wet. Therefore, it is best to wear a pair of gloves.
Lastly, pest management experts highly recommend a gallon of white vinegar, a tablespoon of liquid dish soap, and a cup of salt for a natural weed killer.
Mix all the ingredients and put them into a spray bottle. Then, spray the solution onto the weeds. Be sure the day is at its sunniest and warmest time.
Related information about the Weed Zapper tractor is shown on Oobree Farms' YouTube video below:
Check out more news and information on Agriculture and Technology in Science Times.
