High-Voltage Soil Electrode Treatment for Pathogen Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing soil pests and pathogens, such as nematodes and fungi, are costly, environmentally harmful, and face challenges with resistance development, necessitating the need for commercially viable and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of high voltage electricity with predetermined capacitance to soil locations using spaced electrodes, capacitors, and solid-state electrical switches to deliver controlled electrical pulses for in-situ management of soil pests and pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fungicides or fumigants are used to manage soil pests and pathogens, then pathogen control is achieved, but environmental harm increases and resistance development occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical systems (fungicides and fumigants) with an electrical system. High voltage electricity with predetermined capacitance is applied through electrodes inserted into the soil to directly affect pests and pathogens. This substitution eliminates chemical residues and environmental contamination while maintaining pathogen control effectiveness through electrical pulses that disrupt cellular functions of target organisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high voltage electricity with predetermined capacitance is applied to soil, then environmental friendliness is improved and resistance development is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical treatment system is divided into discrete components: multiple electrodes that can be independently positioned in the soil, a power supply unit with predetermined capacitance, and control mechanisms. This segmentation allows the complex electrical system to be managed through modular units, where each electrode or electrode array can be controlled separately, simplifying the overall operation and maintenance of the system.
3Reliability
If controlled electrical pulses are delivered to soil treatment area, then pathogenesis reduction is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic electrical pulses rather than continuous electrical application. The power supply delivers controlled pulses of high voltage electricity with predetermined capacitance at specific intervals to the soil treatment area. This periodic action maintains pathogenesis reduction effectiveness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous electrical application, as the soil and target organisms are affected during pulse intervals without requiring constant energy input.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively reduces pathogenesis by more than 5% and enhances plant vigor, crop yield, and production quality by targeting soil pests and pathogens like nematodes and fungi without the drawbacks of traditional fungicides or fumigants.
Implementation Method 1
providing a capacitor and which is electrically coupled with the source of the high voltage electricity, and storing the source of the high voltage electricity in the capacitor so as to form a source of high voltage electricity having a predetermined capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the management of a soil pest or pathogen includes a source of high voltage electricity; at least one capacitor for storing the high voltage electricity; a multiplicity of electrodes inserted into a soil location having a soil pest and/or pathogen to be managed; and an electrical switch which is controllably opened and closes so as to form a pulse of electricity which is passed through the soil location and between the electrodes so as to effect the management of the soil pest and/or pathogen.