Weed treatment method and weed treatment device using acetic acid bubbles

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a weed control method using acetic acid bubbles that, by remaining in the soil, disrupt the growth mechanism of plants, weakening them and leading to their death. Furthermore, it aims to provide a weed control method and weed treatment device using acetic acid bubbles that are highly safe for humans and animals. [Solution] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a weed treatment method using acetic acid bubbles, which is a method of weakening the growth of weeds or killing plants using a herbicide, characterized in that a herbicide containing brewing acetic acid, a surfactant, and water is sprayed onto soil where weeds are abundant in the form of countless bubbles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for atomizing an aqueous acetic acid solution to minimize adverse effects on humans and the environment and efficiently remove weeds.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a method for removing weeds, spraying of herbicides, which are synthetic chemical pesticides that came into use after the war, is the mainstream. Herbicides have significantly improved the efficiency of the weeding work that was previously done manually.

[0003] On the other hand, some synthetic chemical pesticides are highly toxic to the human body and animals and also affect the environment. In addition, when used for a long time, there are pesticides that have a high persistence in the soil, preventing even useful plants from growing and deteriorating the soil quality. Since around 1970, this has become a social problem due to its impact on the human body and the environment. Pesticides with high toxicity and high persistence have been restricted, and pesticides with low toxicity and low persistence have been developed. Furthermore, in recent years, naturally derived pesticides have also been developed.

[0004] However, herbicides with low toxicity and environmental considerations are mostly less effective in killing weeds and have poor efficiency compared to conventional synthetic chemical pesticides. Therefore, while considering the environment, herbicides with high weeding effects have been developed, and the following prior art documents are disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Patent Document 1 addresses the challenge of developing a herbicide composition that is cost-effective, suppresses the growth of undesirable plants, and poses low environmental risks. It discloses a herbicide composition comprising water, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, one or both of citric acid and citrate, and at least two metal salts, wherein at least one of the metal salts is a transition metal salt, and the at least two metal salts are independently present in an amount of at least 0.005% by weight. The document also mentions the addition of surfactants to facilitate leaf wettability and to emulsify insoluble components in the composition. However, while surfactants enhance leaf wettability, simply increasing wettability is insufficient for effective herbicidal control. Furthermore, there is a problem of generally low immediate effectiveness.

[0007] Patent Document 2 addresses the problem of providing a weeding device and weeding vehicle capable of efficiently killing weeds by damaging the entire weed regardless of the shape of the leaves. It discloses a weeding device comprising a superheated steam injector that sprays superheated steam downwards and a sprayer that sprays an aqueous acetic acid solution or a formic acid solution, wherein the aqueous acetic acid solution or formic acid solution is sprayed in the area outside the area where the superheated steam is sprayed. However, there was a problem that the superheated steam or aqueous acetic acid solution is easily scattered, and if the spraying method on the weeds is not carried out accurately, a sufficient weeding effect cannot be obtained. Also, similar to Patent Document 1, there was a problem that it was generally not very fast-acting.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a weed treatment method using acetic acid bubbles that, by remaining in the soil, disrupt the growth mechanism of plants, weakening them and leading to their death. In addition, it aims to provide a weed treatment method and weed treatment device using acetic acid bubbles that are highly safe for humans and animals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a weed treatment method using acetic acid bubbles, which is a method of weakening weed growth or killing plants using a herbicide, characterized in that a herbicide containing brewing acetic acid, a surfactant, and water is sprayed onto soil where weeds are abundant in the form of countless bubbles.

[0010] Furthermore, the weed treatment method using acetic acid bubbles of the present invention is characterized in that, among the countless bubbles generated one minute later, 90% or more of the bubbles have a diameter of 0.1 mm or more and less than 10.0 mm.

[0011] Furthermore, the weed treatment method using acetic acid bubbles according to the present invention is characterized in that the pH of the herbicide is 4.5 or less.

[0012] Furthermore, the weed treatment method using acetic acid bubbles of the present invention is characterized in that the surfactant is plant-derived.

[0013] The present invention relates to a weed treatment device that weakens the growth of weeds or kills plants using a herbicide, and is characterized by comprising at least a chemical tank, a water supply pump, a boiler, a liquid transfer pump, a discharge nozzle, and a liquid flow path, wherein the chemical tank stores a mixed liquid agent of brewing acetic acid and a surfactant, the water supply pump introduces water into the device, the boiler heats the water or the herbicide, the liquid flow path is configured to reach the discharge nozzle from the boiler through a mixing section of the water and the mixed liquid agent, the liquid transfer pump transfers the liquid from the boiler to the herbicide discharge nozzle, and the discharge nozzle discharges the herbicide in a foamy form and sprays it onto soil where weeds are growing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The aforementioned prior art weakened plants by directly spraying them with a strong acid, allowing the acid to penetrate directly into the plants, but it had the drawback of being slow to act. In the present invention's weed treatment method using acetic acid bubbles, a surfactant is used to form bubbles in the acetic acid aqueous solution, increasing its retention in the soil. This rapidly makes the sprayed area of ​​the soil highly acidic, causing a sudden change in the soil environment, stressing soil microorganisms, and disrupting the plant's growth mechanism. In detail, while phosphate is present in the soil, it cannot be directly absorbed by the roots by binding to soil particles. Therefore, mycorrhizal fungi exist around the roots of plants, coexisting with them by assisting in the plant's phosphate absorption and receiving nutrients from the plants. According to the present invention, by making the soil highly acidic, the microorganisms are weakened, reducing the relationship between the microorganisms and plant roots, and preventing plants from absorbing phosphate.

[0015] According to the weed treatment method using acetic acid bubbles of the present invention, when the bubbles are 0.1 mm or larger, a balance is achieved between soil permeability and soil retention, resulting in an improved weed control efficiency. However, care must be taken because if the proportion of bubbles larger than 10 mm becomes too high, soil permeability will decrease, reducing the weed control effect. Compared to conventional liquid herbicides, the improved soil retention allows the method to be effective against airborne seeds and dormant seeds buried in the soil, preventing germination.

[0016] The present invention's method for treating weeds using acetic acid bubbles rapidly changes the soil pH to an acidic state of 4.5 or lower through the use of highly acidic bubbles, thereby disrupting the microbial environment surrounding the rhizomes of the plant's underground parts, weakening the plants, or ultimately causing them to die. In addition, by making the chemical highly acidic, the bubble state of the herbicide can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0017] According to the present invention's method for treating weeds using acetic acid bubbles, a high proportion of bubbles measuring 0.1 mm to less than 10 mm can be generated using a plant-derived surfactant, thereby enhancing the herbicidal effect.

[0018] According to the weed treatment device of the present invention, a herbicide containing brewing acetic acid, a surfactant, and water can be formed into a foam, the pressure can be increased, and it can be accurately sprayed onto the soil where weeds thrive, achieving the effect of faithfully implementing the weed treatment method using acetic acid bubbles of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the relationship between the pH value and temperature of the herbicide used in the weed treatment method according to the present invention and the weed treatment effect. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the foaming state of the foam herbicide produced by the weed treatment device 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a graph of the temperature change on the ground surface when the foam herbicide produced by the weed treatment device 1 according to the present invention is sprayed on the ground surface. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the flow path configuration of the weed treatment device 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a side view of the discharge nozzle 50 that forms the foam of the weed treatment device 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a plan view of the discharge nozzle 50 that forms the foam of the weed treatment device 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a front view of the discharge port 56 of the discharge nozzle 50.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Embodiments for implementing the weed treatment method using acetic acid bubbles according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] As stated in "Problems the Invention Aims to Solve," it is possible to kill weeds using acetic acid. The acidic components in vinegar are effective in killing plants. When plants absorb strong acids or alkalis, they weaken from the inside and die. Therefore, by allowing concentrated vinegar to seep into the soil, weeds can be expected to absorb the vinegar through their roots and die. In addition, highly acidic liquids such as vinegar and citric acid solution are so influential that they can partially kill plants even if they only come into contact with the leaves. High concentrations of acid destroy leaf cells, and it is known that the parts of the leaves that come into contact with the liquid weaken within about a day. Furthermore, although vinegar causes significant damage to plants, it is not very harmful to animals, so it can be used safely in gardens of homes with children or pets.

[0022] However, in liquid form, the short retention time on the surface of plant leaves resulted in a limited effect in killing the leaves. Furthermore, when sprayed onto the soil, liquid vinegar and citric acid easily flowed through the soil, limiting the amount absorbed by the roots, and thus failing to achieve a significant effect in killing plants.

[0023] On the other hand, the weed treatment method using acetic acid bubbles according to the present invention is a method of weakening weed growth or killing plants using a herbicide, and involves spraying a herbicide containing brewed acetic acid, a surfactant, and water into soil where weeds are abundant in the form of countless bubbles. At that time, the water is preheated and mixed with the brewed acetic acid and surfactant, and the prepared mixture is also kept hot until it is discharged. Just before discharge, the mixture is passed through fine holes to generate foam. Foam is made up of many bubbles. By forming foam, the soil retention is increased, the sprayed area of ​​the soil is rapidly made highly acidic, and the sudden change in the soil environment stresses soil microorganisms and disrupts the plant growth mechanism.

[0024] The raw materials for generating the foam are a mixture of surfactant and acetic acid derived from plants such as sugar beets, corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and sugarcane. The surfactant is used to turn the acetic acid solution into foam. By generating foam, an air layer is created between the outside air and the heated herbicide, making it difficult for the herbicide's thermal energy to be absorbed by the air layer, and allowing the thermal energy to be effectively transferred to the plants.

[0025] Furthermore, compared to the method of spraying a blank (hot water only) liquid onto the soil, foam herbicides have lower soil penetration. This is because, being a foam, the rate at which moisture is absorbed into the soil is slower compared to the blank liquid, and by remaining on the soil surface or in the topsoil, the temperature rises, allowing for effective damage to the base of the weeds and the weed seeds remaining at the base.

[0026] By creating a denser foam compared to an aqueous solution, acetic acid, a component of herbicides, can be more easily retained on the leaves and stems of plants. This allows plants to absorb acetic acid from areas other than the roots and rhizomes, thereby providing sufficient stress to the plants.

[0027] Experiments were conducted to confirm germination and growth under three different temperature ranges and three different pH environments. The experimental conditions are shown in Table 1. [Table 1] Figure 1 shows the relationship between the pH value of the herbicide used in the weed control method according to the present invention, temperature, and the weed control effect. A comparative example of a weed control method using a blank liquid is shown alongside it. "E" represents oats, "Yo" represents mugwort, and "Ke" represents Kentucky bluegrass. The number to the right of the hyphen indicates the number of germinated plants.

[0028] In the comparative blank, none of the weeds germinated at 100°C, but at 27°C and 60°C, more than 5 germinated after 12 days.

[0029] On the other hand, in the weed treatment method according to the present invention, at pH 5, the number of germinated plants after 12 days at 27°C was 3 or less, and at 60°C, the number of germinated plants after 12 days was 2 or less, showing some variation. On the other hand, at pH 4, the number of germinated plants after 12 days was 1 or less at all temperatures. Furthermore, at pH 3, a particularly remarkable effect was observed, with zero germinated plants at all temperatures. From the above results, it is possible to rapidly change the soil pH to an acidic state of 4.5 or less, thereby stably destroying the microbial environment around the rhizomes of the underground parts of plants and weakening the plants.

[0030] Furthermore, in the case of a blank at 100°C, most of the material turns into water vapor and scatters easily, making it difficult to reach the target location. In particular, it is difficult to get it to reach the ground surface and retain it there.

[0031] According to the weed control method of the present invention, since the herbicide is in the form of a foam, it can be accurately sprayed onto the target area and can remain there for a long period of time afterward.

[0032] First, the properties of the foam of the herbicide foam will be explained. Using the weed treatment device 1 described later, three types of foam-like herbicides with small, medium, and large foam sizes were prepared from a 1 w / v% plant-derived surfactant solution (pH 3) containing vinegar (T-15 20 LQT (manufactured by Hinode Holdings Co., Ltd.)) at room temperature (18-20°C). Figure 2 shows photographs of the foaming state of the prepared foam herbicides. Below the photographs, the foam size distribution is shown. It is shown that foam containing a high proportion of bubbles between 0.1 mm and 5 mm can be produced using a plant-derived surfactant.

[0033] Table 2 shows the results of measuring the average foam diameter, foam content, and the rate at which the height of the formed foam decreased per second, one minute after the preparation of the herbicide foam.

[0034] [Table 2]

[0035] The smaller the bubble size, the higher the bubble content, but the faster the foam height decreases. This indicates that the bubbles can penetrate even the smallest gaps, but they disappear quickly. On the other hand, larger bubbles cannot penetrate even the smallest gaps, but they disappear slowly.

[0036] Next, we will describe an experiment that investigated the retention of foam herbicides on the soil surface. The experimental method is as follows: Step 1 involves filling a 600ml container with decomposed granite soil and compacting it. Step 2 involves dispensing foam herbicides of three different foam sizes (large, medium, and small) using the weed treatment device 1 described later. In Step 3, the temperature of the container surface and the impregnation distance of the foam into the soil are measured at predetermined time intervals, and the retention state of the foam is observed visually. The temperature of the container surface is measured by installing a data transfer device capable of measuring temperature on the surface, and the data is transmitted to a general-purpose computer for recording. The impregnation distance of the foam is measured visually at 3, 6, and 10 minutes after the application of the foam herbicide, using a millimeter-scale marking on the container.

[0037] Figure 3 shows a graph illustrating the temperature change at the container surface. Table 3 shows the relationship between foam size and the foam's penetration distance into the ground after herbicide application.

[0038] [Table 3]

[0039] In the large foam sample, the foam and water separated, resulting in an impregnation distance similar to that of the blank. In the small foam sample, the foam and water were thoroughly mixed, and the impregnation distance (depth) into the ground was approximately 40% of that of the blank. In the medium foam sample, the degree of mixing between the foam and water was lower compared to the small foam sample, resulting in greater impregnation into the ground than in the small foam sample, and an impregnation distance (depth) of approximately 50% of that of the blank. After 5 minutes, there was no change in the impregnation distance for the medium and small foam samples.

[0040] It is hypothesized that the large foam, like the blank, has high impregnation properties and, because it impregnates a large amount of soil per unit volume, tends to cause a significant decrease in temperature.

[0041] Because small bubbles have low impregnation, the surface temperature does not rise to near the temperature immediately after discharge, but the heat retention after 10 minutes is slightly higher compared to medium bubbles. On the other hand, because the degree of impregnation is small, it is thought that the impact on vegetation is small. Furthermore, when large bubbles are included in dense bubbles, if the large bubbles burst, they form craters, and the viscosity around the craters increases, making it difficult to cover the surface (not shown), thus reducing the weed-killing function on vegetation.

[0042] Since the foam retains heat at 60°C after about 10 minutes with an impregnation depth of approximately 25mm from the soil surface, it is considered that it exerts a more effective herbicidal effect on plants than small or large foams.

[0043] When the bubble diameter reaches 0.1 mm or larger, a balance begins to be achieved between soil permeability and soil retention, resulting in improved weed control efficiency. However, care must be taken because if the proportion of bubbles larger than 10 mm becomes too high, soil permeability will decrease, reducing the weed control effect. According to Figure 2, in the large bubble size (average diameter: 1.654 mm), the proportion of bubbles with a diameter of 4.25 mm is approximately 5%. Although not shown in the illustration, when the average bubble diameter exceeds 3.0 mm, the proportion of bubbles with a diameter of 10 mm or larger exceeds 5%, and soil permeability decreases. [Examples]

[0044] An embodiment for implementing the weed treatment device 1 using acetic acid bubbles of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. The weed treatment device 1 consists of at least a chemical tank 10, a water supply pump 20, a boiler 30, a liquid transfer pump 40, a discharge nozzle 50, and a liquid flow path 60.

[0045] The liquid flow path 60 in the weed treatment device 1 is configured to reach the discharge nozzle 50, passing through a mixing unit 64 that mixes hot water with a mixed liquid agent LQ consisting of brewing acetic acid and a surfactant, from the boiler 30. Water WT is introduced to the boiler 30 via a water supply hose 61 by a water supply pump 20, and the liquid level of the introduced water WT is monitored using a float 34. Since the flow path through which the acidic brewing acetic acid passes is prone to rusting, it is preferable to use a material that is resistant to rust, such as stainless steel.

[0046] Since the liquid pump 40 may cause excessive pressure in the liquid channel 60, it is preferable for safety reasons to install pressure regulating valves 70 and safety valves 74 on the liquid channel 60, which is supplying warm water that does not contain brewing acetic acid or surfactants. It is also preferable for safety reasons to install a pressure gauge 72 so that the pressure can be monitored at all times. In addition, it is preferable to install safety devices on the liquid channel 60.

[0047] The chemical tank 10 stores a mixed liquid agent LQ of brewing acetic acid and surfactant. The water supply pump 20 supplies water WT to the weed treatment device 1 by inserting it into a water tank WP or, outdoors, into a river or waterway. The introduced water WT is stored in the boiler tank 32 and heated by a burner 39 supplied with fuel from the fuel tank 38. The heated hot water also serves as a heating medium for the herbicide passing through the coil section 36 located in the boiler tank 32.

[0048] The heated water becomes hot water and is drawn from the boiler tank 32 via the liquid pump introduction channel 62 by the liquid pump 40, passes through the mixing section introduction channel 63, and is sent to the mixing section 64. In the mixing section 64, the flow channel on the chemical tank 10 side becomes negative pressure, so with the chemical tank 10 released by the solenoid valve 12, the mixed liquid agent LQ of brewing acetic acid and surfactant is guided to the mixing section 64, mixed with the hot water, and formed as a herbicide.

[0049] The herbicide passes through the boiler inlet channel 65 and is reintroduced into the boiler tank 32, where it passes through the coil section 36 and is heated to 100°C. The high-temperature herbicide then passes through the hose reel inlet channel 66, and is sent to the discharge nozzle 50 at high pressure via the hose reel 67 and discharge hose 68.

[0050] The discharge nozzle 50 is shown in Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a side view of the foam-forming discharge nozzle 50 of the weed treatment device 1 according to the present invention. Figure 6 is a top view of the foam-forming discharge nozzle 50 of the weed treatment device 1 according to the present invention. Figure 7 is a front view of the discharge port 56 of the discharge nozzle 50. The discharge nozzle 50 consists of a stop lever 52, a grip 54, a discharge pipe 55, and a discharge port 56. The discharge port 56 forms a triangular shape with the discharge side enlarged. Inside the discharge port 56, there is a foaming mesh 58 for forming the herbicide into foam.

[0051] It has been found that the properties of the foam can be controlled by the diameter, number, and arrangement of holes in the foam mesh 58. For example, to obtain large foam, the hole diameter is 2.3 mm and 167 holes are arranged in an area of ​​204 mm (W) x 20 mm (H). As mentioned above, to obtain medium foam, which has high weed control efficiency, the hole diameter is 1.0 mm and 257 holes are arranged in an area of ​​204 mm (W) x 9.9 mm (H). To obtain small foam, the hole diameter is 0.5 mm and 590 holes are arranged in an area of ​​204 mm (W) x 9.9 mm (H). Note that the above hole diameters and arrangements are just examples. Although the properties of the foam can be controlled by the hole diameter and arrangement alone, the proportion of large and small foam diameters is also affected by environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, so it is necessary to prepare and change nozzles with different hole diameters and arrangements according to the environment.

[0052] Further experiments revealed that the properties of the foam can be controlled by the mixing ratio or concentration of the surfactant and the acetic acid aqueous solution. The discharge nozzle 50 was fixed to a foaming mesh 58 with a hole diameter of 1.0 mm and 257 holes arranged in an area of ​​204 mm (W) × 9.9 mm (H). Increasing the mixing ratio of the surfactant tends to increase the proportion of large bubbles. On the other hand, increasing the concentration of the acetic acid aqueous solution tends to increase the proportion of small bubbles. Controlling the mixing ratio of the two tends to increase the proportion of medium bubbles. Therefore, by preparing a matrix in advance showing the relationship between the mixing ratio or concentration of the surfactant and the acetic acid aqueous solution and the environmental conditions, it becomes easy to control the content of large and small bubbles in the foam. The herbicidal effect is influenced by the properties of the bubble diameter, and it is preferable to control the foam properties by this method. [Industrial applicability]

[0053] The present invention's method for treating weeds using acetic acid bubbles makes it possible to efficiently remove weeds in fields, road embankments, and residential areas while minimizing adverse effects on people and the environment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1. Weed treatment device 10 Chemical tanks 12 Solenoid valve 20 Water supply pump 30 boilers 32 Boiler Tanks 34 Floats 36 Coil section 38 Fuel Tank 39 burners 40 Liquid transfer pumps 50 Discharge Nozzles 52 Stop lever 54 Grip 55 Discharge pipe 56 Discharge port 58 Foam Mesh 60 Liquid flow path 61 Water supply hose 62 Liquid transfer pump introduction channel 63 Mixing section introduction channel 64 Mixing section 65 Boiler Inlet Flow Channel 66 Hose reel introduction channel 67 Hose Reel 68 Discharge hose 70 valves 72 Pressure gauge 74 Safety valve WP Aquarium WT water LQ Mixture

Claims

1. In a method of weakening weed growth or killing plants using herbicides, The herbicide, containing brewing acetic acid, a surfactant, and water, is sprayed onto soil where weeds are thriving in a form of countless bubbles. A weed control method using acetic acid bubbles, characterized by the following.

2. In the countless bubbles generated one minute later, It must contain 90% or more of bubbles with a diameter of 0.1 mm or more and less than 10.0 mm. A method for treating weeds using acetic acid bubbles as described in claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The pH of the aforementioned herbicide is 4.5 or less, A method for treating weeds using acetic acid bubbles as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The aforementioned surfactant, It is plant-derived, A method for treating weeds using acetic acid bubbles as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

5. A device that uses herbicides to weaken the growth of weeds or kill plants, It consists of at least a chemical tank, a water supply pump, a boiler, a liquid transfer pump, a discharge nozzle, and a liquid flow path, The aforementioned beverage tank, Store a mixed solution of brewing acetic acid and surfactant. The aforementioned water supply pump, Water is introduced into the device, The aforementioned boiler, The water or the herbicide is heated, The aforementioned liquid channel The flow path is configured to reach the discharge nozzle from the boiler, through the mixing section of the water and the mixed liquid agent, The aforementioned liquid transfer pump, The liquid is sent from the boiler to the herbicide discharge nozzle. The aforementioned discharge nozzle, The aforementioned herbicide is dispensed in a foamy form. Spread it on soil where weeds are growing profusely. A weed treatment device characterized by the following.

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