Device and method for delivering steam onto and beneath a field surface

Abstract

A steam sprayer for delivering steam onto and beneath a field surface is provided. The steam sprayer comprises a support frame having a plurality of steam spraying nozzles mounted thereto and orientedsubstantially downwardly for spraying steam onto and beneath the field surface. At least a steam generator is connected to the steam spraying nozzles for providing steam thereto. A water heating tankis connected to each of the at least a steam generator for providing heated water at a substantially constant pressure thereto. Compressed air is provided to the water heating tank for pressurizing the water heating tank. Power is provided to the water heating tank and each of the at least a steam generator.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to agricultural implements and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for delivering steam above and below the surface of a field. Background technique [0002] In today's large-scale crop production, farmers apply large quantities of herbicides, such as glyphosate, to fields to kill weeds. Heavy use of these herbicides can adversely affect the environment by polluting the soil and nearby waterways for prolonged periods of time. It can also adversely affect consumers of agricultural products as these herbicides can be deposited on the crops themselves, posing a significant risk to health. . [0003] In addition, repeated applications of the same herbicide on the same field can cause weeds to develop resistance to the herbicide, thus necessitating the application of more effective herbicides over time. [0004] As a result, organic farming has become widely accepted by farmers and consumers. However, farmers using ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, farmers using organic crop production methods are prohibited from using herbicides to kill weeds, and only use frequent tillage to kill weeds before planting and during summer fallow.

As a result, farmers using organic crop production methods often experience significant crop losses due to uncontrolled weeds that can overgrow and clog crops.

[0005] Whilst steam jets for weeding are known in the art, they are usually small devices with hand-held sticks for gardening, or small mobile devices for small organic farming, not suitable for areas above farmland Large scale crop production up to hundreds of acres

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