Microwave system and method for controlling the sterilization and infestation of crop soils

Abstract

The method and the system are applicable in farming activities, pest control, industry, agriculture, forestry, etc. for controlling insects and other plant pests from crops. The system performing the method comprises a source of lethal impact which is a microwave generator with a microwave guiding element directed so as to infested soil. The microwave energy is transferred from a microwave generator into the pests located in the desired soil location, killing the plant insects and pests.

Description

PRIORITY[0001]This application is a continuation of, and claims priority from co-pending, commonly owned non-provisional application Ser. No. 11 / 329,629, filed Jan. 11, 2006, which claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 643,015, filed Jan. 11, 2005, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]Embodiments of the present invention relates generally to microwave antennas, sources and leakage protection mechanisms, and more specifically to a directed-energy microwave system for irradiating crop soils to control infestation.BACKGROUND[0003]The world's food supply is being greatly diminished because of infestation of fruit and vegetable plants by insects that attack the root system within the soil. The problem is partially controlled by the fumigation of chemical pesticides into the soil after harvest and before planting. However, a potentially more serious problem is created by the accumulation of chemical pesticides in th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a system and method for controlling the sterilization of infestation of crop soil using a directed energy system that leaves no residual pollutants in the soil after the energy source is switched off. The system includes a portable microwave generator that is connected to an applicator that transfers microwave energy from the portable generator into the soil along the rows that will be used for planting. The system may also include leakage suppressors that keep the microwave energy directed into the soil and not into the surrounding environment. The method involves activating the microwave generator and operating the vehicle to transfer at least a portion of the outputted microwave energy into the soil using the applicator. The applicator conforms to the topography of the soil crop row. The technical effects of the invention include the ability to control infestation of crop soil without leaving residual pollutants and the use of a directed energy system that is portable and efficient."

Problems solved by technology

The world's food supply is being greatly diminished because of infestation of fruit and vegetable plants by insects that attack the root system within the soil.

However, a potentially more serious problem is created by the accumulation of chemical pesticides in the soil.

The pesticides will eventually filter down to the water table, and run-off will occur during rains or irrigation.

This diminishes the purity of the water we use for drinking, cooking and bathing.

Also, workers applying the pesticides are subjected to a degree of risk to their short-term and long-term health.

Therefore, there is a continuing and unaddressed need in the art for sterilization for crop soil without the use of harmful pesticides.

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