Last week, we initiated an on-farm demonstration of soil steaming of the season with our self-propelled steam applicator. The machine is designed to inject steam into the soil and raise soil temperatures to levels sufficient to kill weed seed and soil borne pathogens (roughly 150°F for > 20 minutes). After the soil cools (< ½day), the crop is planted into the disinfested soil.
In this trial, we are examining the viability of soil steaming for controlling weeds in spinach at the field scale level (plot size > 1/3rd ac). The machine performed well in that it was able to reach target soil temperatures at reasonable travel speeds (> 0.25 mph) in cold soil (roughly 50°F), provide uniform temperature distribution across the bed and form nicely shaped beds suitable for subsequent planting. Stay tuned for reports of weed control efficacy, crop yield and overall profitability as compared to the grower standard.
If you are interested in seeing the machine operate at the field scale level on a commercial farm, we are conducting additional trials this week! Please contact me for further information.
Fig. 1. On-farm demonstration of a self-propelled steam applicator for weed and
diseasecontrol video. We are conducting additional trials this week. Contact me if
you are interested in seeing it.
Acknowledgements
This project is sponsored and funded in part by the Arizona Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC). We greatly appreciate their support.
