Experimental determination of lethal doses of heat in thermal weed control

Abstract

Thermal weed control performed by weeders working on physical principles is already commonly used on farms dealing with bioproducts. It helps to reduce strenuous human labour and to effectively control weeds and, to some extent, pests and diseases threatening the crops. It also prevents other weeds from spreading by destroying them in the early growth stage. In addition, development of weeds is inhibited when the soil is not being ploughed. Effective deployment of these machines in practice is currently addressed by experts in the field, as well as the possibility of rational use of heat energy while achieving the maximum effect on weeds. This method in particular helps to reduce costs of thermal treatment, which are the key factor limiting widespread deployment of weeders. The paper introduces long-term research based on laboratory and field experiments, which is intended to broaden the knowledge regarding this issue.