NL2026583B1 - Systems and methods for killing or damaging a plant - Google Patents
Systems and methods for killing or damaging a plant Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL2026583B1 NL2026583B1 NL2026583A NL2026583A NL2026583B1 NL 2026583 B1 NL2026583 B1 NL 2026583B1 NL 2026583 A NL2026583 A NL 2026583A NL 2026583 A NL2026583 A NL 2026583A NL 2026583 B1 NL2026583 B1 NL 2026583B1
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- Netherlands
- Prior art keywords
- plant
- emission device
- microwave emission
- microwaves
- ground
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 77
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 claims abstract description 176
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 240000001341 Reynoutria japonica Species 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 235000018167 Reynoutria japonica Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 claims description 61
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 claims description 56
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000008151 electrolyte solution Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- ZOXJGFHDIHLPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Boron Chemical compound [B] ZOXJGFHDIHLPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 229910052796 boron Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000000740 bleeding effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000003020 moisturizing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920003266 Leaf® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004909 Moisturizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001333 moisturizer Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
- A01M21/00—Apparatus for the destruction of unwanted vegetation, e.g. weeds
- A01M21/04—Apparatus for destruction by steam, chemicals, burning, or electricity
- A01M21/046—Apparatus for destruction by steam, chemicals, burning, or electricity by electricity
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Insects & Arthropods (AREA)
- Pest Control & Pesticides (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method for killing or damaging at least one living plant located in the ground, in particular at least one invasive exotic plant, more in particular at least one Reynoutria japonica, the method comprising cutting a stem of the at least one living plant, and heating the at least one cut plant which extends into the ground by emitting microwaves through the at least one cut plant.
Description
P34802NLO0/MLI Title: Systems and methods for killing or damaging a plant
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a method, a system and an assembly for killing or damaging at least one living plant located in the ground. The invention further relates to a method and a system for treating contaminated soil comprising at least one living plant part.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Present globalization has led to an increase of the variety of plants across the world. For example exotic plants from Asia have found their way into private gardens in Europe.
More and more of these Asian plants are considered invasive. Often the invasive exotic plants take over entire gardens. Some plants even grow through existing structures, like walls or pavement.
Complete removal of the plants is often difficult, because the plants tend to return after awhile. This may be due to the existence of a living root system still present in the soil. Also, when the plants are cut and not properly disposed of, the plants may start to grow at the location where they are dumped. Hence, public spaces often see an increase in invasive exotic plants.
An example of an invasive exotic plant in Europe is the Reynoutria Japonica, or Japanese knotweed. Said Japanese knotweed is becoming increasingly invasive and extermination thereof is a problem.
Several solutions exist, but they have their disadvantages.
A solution is to remove the plant and surrounding soil completely. This is cumbersome and prone to failure if a part of the soil containing plant is not removed. The plant may grow again from the remaining plant part. This solution becomes even more cumbersome if the ground is paved, because then also the pavement has to be removed.
Another solution is providing a root barrier in the soil at a certain depth and providing uncontaminated soil an the root barrier. This solution is also cumbersome as it requires hard
2. labour to remove contaminated soil and provide the root barrier and uncontaminated soil thereon. Yet another solution is providing a chemical exterminator in, on or around the plant. The chemical exterminator may have a devastating impact on the surrounding soil and the environment.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a more effective plant killing or damaging method. It is another object of the invention to provide a more effective system for killing or damaging at least one plant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve at least one object, a method is provided for killing or damaging at least one living plant located in the ground, in particular at least one invasive exotic plant, more in particular at least one Reynoutria japonica, the method comprising: a) cutting a stem of the at least one living plant, b) heating the at least one cut plant which extends into the ground by emitting microwaves through the at least one cut plant. The method has as an advantage that the soil does not have to be removed. Hence, the method is less labour intensive. If the plant has grown through pavement the pavement may also remain in place. In that case the plant may be cut up to the pavement and subsequently heated by microwaves. The method requires no use of environmentally unfriendly chemical substances. Cutting the plant makes the plant bleed, improving the conductive properties during heating of the plant via microwaves. Although the microwaves may for example only reach to 5-10 cm below ground level, the conductivity of the bleeding plant allows the plant to be heated beyond the 5-10 cm below ground level. This is beneficial, because the root system of a plant may extend beyond 30 cm into the ground. The cutting and the subsequent improved conductivity allows the complete root system to be heated, thereby providing a more effective killing or damaging method.
-3- Cutting the plant is also advantageous, because it enables a microwave emitting device to be positioned closer to the ground, allowing the microwaves to be emitted further into the ground.
In an embodiment of the method, in step a) the at least one living plant is cut to a length between 0 cm and 5 cm above ground level, preferably between 0 cm and 2 cm above ground level, more preferably to ground level.
In an embodiment of the method, the microwaves have a frequency of 2.45 GigaHertz.
This frequency is effective, strong enough to emit into the ground, and safe to use. Other frequencies may also be used.
In an embodiment of the method, prior to step b) the ground is moisturized. This may improve the conductive properties of the ground surrounding the plant to be killed or damaged.
In an embodiment of the method, prior to step b} an electrolyte is provided in and/or on the cut plant, in particular an electrolyte solution. The electrolyte may further improve the conductivity inside the plant during heating thereof via microwaves.
In an embodiment of the method, the at least one plant is cut after the stem of the at least one plant has grown to at least 5cm above ground level. This may be advantageous, because the plant tends to bleed more when it is grown, improving the conductivity during heating via microwaves.
In an embodiment of the method, the at least one plant is cut after the stem has a diameter of at least 3mm, preferably at least 5 mm. This may be advantageous, because the plant tends to bleed more when it is grown, improving the conductivity during heating via microwaves.
In an embodiment of the method, in step b) the at least one cut plant is heated for at least one minute, preferably for at least two minutes. Said time may allow the plant including root system to be killed completely, thereby preventing the plant to grow back.
The microwaves may be emitted continuously, or pulsed, or in a combination thereof.
In an embodiment of the method, step b) is started within one hour, preferably within 15 minutes, more preferably within 5 minutes after the stem of the at least one plant is cut. This way the bleeding of the plant is particularly taken advantage of.
-4- In an embodiment of the method, step b) comprises positioning a microwave emitting device over the at least one cut plant. This is a simple and low labour intensive embodiment.
In an embodiment of the method, the microwave emitting device is connected to a control device configured to control the emittance of the microwaves, wherein the control device comprises a sensor for measuring a temperature of the ground or the cut plant, wherein the control device is configured to stop the emittance of microwaves by the microwave emitting device when the ground or cut plant has reached a predetermined temperature measured by the sensor. This way the plant can be effectively killed, because the emittance of the microwaves may be stopped at an optimal time.
In an embodiment of the method, multiple plants are killed or damaged at the same time by heating multiple cut plants at the same time. This is a time efficient embodiment, because the plants do not have to be killed or damaged one by one.
The present invention further relates to a system for killing or damaging at least one living plant located in the ground, in particular at least one Reynoutria japonica, the system comprising: - a base frame, - a microwave emitting device supported by the base frame, the microwave emitting device being configured to emit microwaves into the at least one living plant, - a microwave generator connected to the microwave emitting device for generating the microwaves.
In an embodiment of the system, the microwave emitting device comprises at least one wall defining an internal volume, wherein the at least one wall has an opening, the opening facing downwards, wherein the microwave emitting device is configured to be positioned over or above the at least one living plant with the opening, wherein the microwave emitting device is configured to emit microwaves via the opening into the at least one plant.
This is a simple embodiment, because the system merely has to be placed on the ground at the plant location.
In an embodiment the system further comprises a drilling device supported by the base frame, wherein the drilling device comprises at least one drill, preferably a rotating drill configured to drill a hole into the ground, the drill being movable relative to the base frame in a first direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drill between a first drilling
-5- position and a second drilling position, wherein in the second drilling position a tip of the rotating drill extends a drilling distance away from the first drilling position, wherein the microwave emitting device comprising a first end and a free, second end, the microwave emitting device being movable relative to the base frame in the first direction between a non-emitting first position, wherein the free end of the microwave emitting device is configured to be located above the ground, and an emitting second position, wherein the free end is configured to be located in the hole, wherein in the emitting second position the microwave emitting device is configured to emit microwaves into the adjacent sail for killing the at least one plant.
The drilling device and microwave emitting device allow the microwaves to be emitted deeper into the ground, which is beneficial for the killing or damaging of the plant located deeper into the ground.
A rotating drill is beneficial, because of its drilling effectiveness.
In an embodiment of the system, the drilling device comprises a guiding frame for guiding a movement of the at least one drill in the first direction.
In an embodiment of the system, the guiding frame is movable between a drilling position and a non-drilling position, wherein in top view the non-drilling position is located adjacent to the drilling position. The movement of the guiding frame and drilling device makes room for the microwave emitting device.
In an embodiment of the system, the microwave emitting device comprises at least one elongate member configured to be inserted into the hole.
In an embodiment of the system, the elongate member has a length being substantially equal to the drilling distance, wherein the elongate member is configured to extend into the hole over said drilling distance.
In an embodiment of the system, the microwave emitting device is integrated in the at least one drill. This way the guiding frame does not have to be moved from between the drilling position and non-drilling position, adding to the simplicity of the system.
In an embodiment of the system, the frame is configured to be positioned on the ground. This provides stability during use of the system.
-6- In an embodiment of the system, the frame comprises a connecting member for connecting the frame to a vehicle. In an embodiment of the system, the at least one drill and/or the at least one microwave emitting device has a length of at least 20 cm, preferably at least 30 cm, more preferably at least 40 cm. In an embodiment of the system, the microwave emitting device is configured to emit
2.45GHz microwaves. Other frequencies may however also be used.
In an embodiment of the system, the at least one drill has a substantially vertical orientation. In an embodiment of the system, the microwave emitting device has a substantially vertical orientation. The present invention further relates to an assembly comprising - a system according to the invention, - a vehicle, wherein the system is connected to the vehicle, wherein the vehicle is configured to transport the system in a plane which is substantially parallel to the ground from a first killing or damaging location to a second killing or damaging location. In an embodiment of the assembly, the vehicle is a tractor.
In an embodiment of the assembly, the base frame with the microwave emitting device is connected to the vehicle and movable up and down relative to the vehicle. The present invention yet further relates to a method for killing or damaging at least one living plant located in the ground, in particular at least one Reynoutria japonica, the method comprising: a) drilling at least one hole in the ground adjacent the at least one living plant, b) inserting a microwave emitting device in the at least one hole, c) emitting microwaves via the microwave emitting device, thereby heating the at least one plant. The method has as an advantage that the microwaves may be emitted deeper into the ground for Killing or damaging the at least one plant.
-7- In an embodiment the method comprises providing a system according to an embodiment of the invention for performing the method steps. The present invention further relates to a method for treating contaminated soil comprising at least one living plant part, in particular at least one living Reynoutria japonica part, the method comprising: - providing the contaminated soil on a conveyor belt, - conveying the soil on the conveyor belt in a first conveying direction, - emitting microwaves through the contaminated soil located on the conveyor belt via a microwave emitting device, thereby heating the at least one living plant part for damaging or killing the at least one living plant part. An advantage of the method is that contaminated soil may be treated effectively and fast, because the contaminated soil is conveyed along the microwaves emitted by the microwave emitting device. Said method is also beneficial for contaminated soil which has already been removed and stored somewhere, because a labour intensive part of the work has already been done. In an embodiment of the method, the microwave emitting device emits microwaves through to contaminated soil while the contaminated soil is being conveyed or while the contaminated soil is not being conveyed. Hence, the method allows for both a continuous treatment as well as a batch treatment. This embodiment provides a flexible method. In an embodiment of the method, a layer with a height of 5 cm or less of contaminated soil is provided on the conveyor belt, preferably a layer with a height of substantially 5 cm. In an embodiment of the method, the microwave emitting device emits microwaves with a frequency of 2.45 GigaHertz.
The present invention further relates to a system for treating contaminated soil comprising at least one living plant part, in particular at least one living Reynoutria japonica part, the system comprising - a conveyor belt comprising an upper surface having a length and a width, the conveyor belt being configured to move in a first conveying direction, wherein the upper surface is configured to support and convey the contaminated soil, - a conveyor belt drive for driving the conveyor belt in the first conveying direction,
-8- - a microwave emitting device located adjacent the conveyor belt, the microwave emitting device being configured to emit microwaves towards the upper surface of the conveyor belt.
In an embodiment of the system, the microwave emitting device is located directly above the upper surface of the conveyor belt. This way the microwaves may be transmitted substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, which provides an effective way of treating contaminated soil located on said upper surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Embodiments of the system and the method will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which: Figures 1 to 6 schematically show in side view different steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention. Figure 7 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a system according to the invention. Figures 8 and 9 schematically show different views of an embodiment of a microwave emitting device of a system according to the invention. Figure 10 schematically shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a system according to the invention. Figures 11-13 schematically show different steps of another embodiment of a method according to the invention. Figures 14 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention. Figures 15 schematically shows a top view of the assembly of figure 12. Figures 16 — 18 schematically show different steps of the assembly performing an embodiment of a method according to the invention. Figure 19 schematically shows an embodiment of a method and a system according to another aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Turning to figures 1 to 6 different steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention is shown. The method is for killing or damaging at least one living plant 1 located at least partly in the ground 2, in particular at least one invasive exotic plant 1, more in particular at least one Reynoutria japonica.
-9- Figure 1 schematically shows the plant 1 to be killed or damaged. The plant 1 may have leafs 5, but it may also possible that only a part of the stem 3 extends out of the ground
2. The at least plant 1 comprises a root system 12 extending over a depth D1 into the ground
2.
Figure 2 shows step a) of the method, i.e. cutting a stem 3 of the at least one living plant 1. The plant 1 may be cut by a handheld cutting device 50. The plant 1 may also be cut by a cutting machine, or mowing machine. When there are a plurality of plants 1 to be killed or damaged a mowing machine may increase the cutting speed compared to cutting each plant 1 one by one by hand. In said step a) the at least one living plant 1 may be cut to a length 6 between 0 cm and 5 cm above ground level 7, preferably between O cm and 2 cm above ground level 7, more preferably to ground level 7, or pavement level when pavement is located on the ground. Cutting the plant 1 to said lengths allows for a good placement of a microwave emitting device 10 on or over the plant 1. The at least one plant 1 may be cut after the stem 3 of the at least one plant 1 has grown to at least 5cm above ground level 7. The at least one plant 1 may be cut after the stem 3 has a diameter of at least 3mm, preferably at least 5 mm.
Figures 4 and 5 show the positioning of the microwave emitting device 10 on or over the cut plant 1. The positioning of said microwave emitting device 10 is done prior to emitting the microwaves 4 through the cut plant 1. The microwave emitting device 10 may be configured to emit microwaves 4 having a frequency of 2.45 GigaHertz. Figure 6 shows step b) of heating the at least one cut plant 1 which extends into the ground 2 by emitting microwaves 4 through the at least one cut plant 1. The microwave emitting device 10 emits the microwaves 4 for heating the cut plant 1. Heating the plant 1 may eventually Kill the cut plant 1, thereby killing or damaging the plant 1.
-10- Step b) may be started within one hour, preferably within 15 minutes, more preferably within 5 minutes after the stem 3 of the at least one plant 1 is cut. Starting with step b) within said time period is advantageous, because the cut plant 1 is then bleeding at a relatively high rate. Said relatively high bleeding rate is beneficial for the conductive properties during microwave heating of the cut plant 1.
In step b} the at least one cut plant 1 is heated for at least one minute, preferably for at least two minutes. This time tends to be sufficient to heat the cut plant 1 in such a way that the cut plant 1 including the root system 12 is heated and killed.
The microwave emitting device 10 may be connected to a control device 11 (figure 7) configured to control the emittance of the microwaves 4. The control device 11 comprises a sensor (not shown) for measuring a temperature of the ground 2 or the cut plant 1. The control device 11 is configured to stop the emittance of microwaves 4 by the microwave emitting device 10 when the ground 2 or cut plant 1 has reached a predetermined temperature measured by the sensor.
Figure 3 shows optional steps of the method. The figure shows moisturizing the ground 2 by a moisturizer 8. In addition, or instead, figure 3 shows the optional step of providing an electrolyte 9 in and/or on the cut plant 1, in particular an electrolyte solution 9. The electrolyte 9 may for example be provided as a salt and water solution by spraying the solution on the plant 1. It may also be possible to inject the solution into the stem 3 of the cut plant 1 via a needle.
These optional steps as shown in figure 3 may be done prior to step b). Moisturizing the ground 2 prior to emitting microwaves 4 may increase the conductive properties of the ground 2, thereby improving the heating of the plant 1 in the moisturized ground. Providing an electrolyte 9 in and/or on the plant 1 may improve the conductive properties of the cut plant 1 for improving the heating effect of the microwaves 4 emitted through the plant 1.
The method may also be used to exterminate multiple plants 1 at the same time by heating multiple cut plants 1 at the same time by emitting microwaves 4 through multiple plants 1.
Turning to figure 7 a system 12 for killing or damaging at least one living plant 1 located in the ground 2, in particular at least one Reynoutria Japonica is schematically shown. The system 12 comprises a base frame 13 and a microwave emitting device 10 supported by
-11- the base frame 13. The microwave emitting device 10 is configured to emit microwaves 4 into the at least one living plant 1. The system 12 comprises a microwave generator 14 connected to the microwave emitting device 10 for generating the microwaves 4. A power generator 51 is connected to the microwave generator 14. The system 12 is supported by a transport vehicle 37. The microwave emitting device may be lifted from the transport vehicle 37 to position the device 10 over or above the at 10 least one cut plant 1, as shown in figures 4 and 5. The shown embodiment may useful for smaller areas, like private gardens, because the dimensions of the system 12, in particular of the microwave emitting device 10 and the microwave generator, are relatively small. The dimensions of the microwave emitting device 10 may be in the range of a cube of 50 by 50 by 50 cm or smaller. Also the weight may be relatively low, making the microwave emitting device 10 relatively easy to lift by a single person.
The system 12 of figure 7 further comprises a control device 11 for starting and stopping the emittance of the microwaves 4. The control device is connected to the microwave emitting device 10, either by wire or wireless.
The control device 11 may comprise a control panel for manually starting and stopping the emittance of the microwaves 4.
Figures 8 and 9 show the microwave emitting device 10 as also shown in figures 4 to
6. The microwave emitting device 10 comprises at least one wall 15 defining an internal volume 16. The at least one wall 15 has an opening. The opening 17 faces downwards.
The microwave emitting device 10 is configured to be positioned over, or above the at least one living plant 1 with the opening, as shown in figure 5. The microwave emitting device 10 is configured to emit microwaves 4 via the opening 17 into the at least one plant 1, as shown in figure 6. The at least one wall 15 defines an aiming direction of the microwaves in order to effectively emit said microwaves into the plant 1. The at least one wall 15 also prevents the microwaves to emit substantially sideways.
Turning to figures 10 to 13, another embodiment of a system 12 for killing or damaging at least one plant 1 according to the invention is shown. The system 12 comprises a base frame 13 and a microwave emitting device 10 supported by the base frame 13. The
-12- microwave emitting device 10 is configured to emit microwaves 4 into the at least one living plant 1. The system 12 comprises a microwave generator 14 connected to the microwave emitting device 10 for generating the microwaves 4. A power generator 51 is connected to the microwave generator 14. The system 12 further comprises a drilling device 18 supported by the base frame 13. The drilling device 18 comprises at least one drill, here a rotating drill, configured to drill 19 a hole into the ground 2. The drill 19 is movable relative to the base frame 13 in a first direction 21 substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 22 of the drill 19 between a first drilling position 23 (figure 10) and a second drilling position 24 (figure 11). In the second drilling position 24 a tip 25 of the rotating drill 19 extends a drilling distance 26 away from the first drilling position
23.
The drilling device 18 comprises a guiding frame 31 for guiding a movement of the at least one drill 19 in the first direction 21. The guiding frame 31 is movable between a drilling position 32 (figures 10 and 11) and a non-drilling position 33 (figures 12 and 13), wherein in top view the non-drilling position 33 is located adjacent to the drilling position 32. The guiding frame 31 moves to a side of the base frame 13 when travelling from the drilling position 32 to the non-drilling position 33. The drilling device 18 comprises a drill drive 52 for driving the at least one drill.
The at least one drill 19 extends has a substantially vertical orientation. The microwave emitting device 10 comprises a first end 27 and a free, second end 28. The microwave emitting device 10 is movable relative to the base frame 13 in the first direction 21 between a non-emitting first position 29 (figure 12), wherein the free end 28 of the microwave emitting device 10 is configured to be located above the ground 2, and an emitting second position 30 (figure 13), wherein the free end is configured to be located in the hole. In the emitting second position 30 the microwave emitting device 10 is configured to emit microwaves 4 into the adjacent soil for killing the at least one plant 1.
-13- The microwave emitting device 10 comprises at least one elongate member 34 configured to be inserted into the hole. The elongate member 34 extends between the first end 27 and free, second end 28 of the microwave emitting device 10.
The elongate member 34 may have a length 35 which is substantially equal to the drilling distance 26. The elongate member 34 is configured to extend into the hole over said drilling distance 28. This way the entire drilled hole is used by the elongate member 34.
The at least one drill 19 and/or the at least one microwave emitting device 10 may have a length 35 of at least 20 cm, preferably at least 30 cm, more preferably at least 40 cm. The microwave emitting device 10, in particular the at least one elongate member 34 thereof, extends has a substantially vertical orientation. The microwave emitting device 10 may be configured to emit 2.45GigaHertz microwaves 4. The microwaves 4 may be emitted continuously or pulsed. The system 12 as shown in the embodiment of figures 10-13 comprises four rotating drills 19 and four elongate members 34 for emitting microwaves 4. The rotating drills and elongated members are located at a distance from each other, in the shown embodiment in a square configuration. The system 12 may comprise at least two drills 19, in particular rotating drills and at least two elongate members 34. The at least two elongate members 34 may be integrated into the at least two drills 19. It may also be possible to integrate the microwave emitting device 10 into the at least one drill. This way no separate elongate member 34 has to be provided. The base frame 13 may be configured to be positioned on the ground 2. The base frame 13 comprises a connecting member 36 for connecting the base frame 13 to a vehicle 37, as shown in figures 14-18. The system 12 as shown in figures 7 to 9 may also comprise a connecting member 36 for connecting the system 12 to a vehicle 37.
-14 - The present invention further relates to another method for killing or damaging at least one living plant 1 located in the ground 2, in particular at least one Reynoutria japonica. An embodiment of the method is shown in figures 10 to 13.
The method comprises a) drilling at least one hole in the ground 2 adjacent the at least one living plant 1, as shown in figures 10 and 11 by the rotating drills, b) inserting a microwave emitting device 10 in the at least one hole, as shown in figures 12 and 13 by the elongate members 34 c) emitting microwaves 4 via the microwave emitting device 10, thereby heating the at least one plant 1, as shown in figure 13.
When the microwave emitting device 10 is integrated in the drill 19 steps a} and b) are performed at the same time.
In figure 10 the plurality of rotating drills are in the first drilling position 23. The drills are connected to the guiding frame 31, wherein the guiding frame 31 is in the drilling position
32.
Figure 11 shows the drills in the second drilling position 24, wherein the drills have moved over a drilling distance 26 relative to the first drilling position 23 of figure 10.
In a next step the drills are moved back from the second drilling position 24 to the first drilling position 23. Subsequently the guiding frame 31 and the drills connected thereto are moved from the drilling position 32 to the non-drilling position 33, as shown in figure 12.
The microwave emitting device 10 in the form of the elongate members 34 is now ready to be inserted in the drilled holes, because they elongate members 34 are positioned above the drilled holes. The elongate members 34 are in the non-emitting first position 29.
Figure 13 shows the microwave emitting device 10 in the form of the elongate members 34 after the movement thereof to the emitting second position 30. In the emitting second position 30 the microwave emitting device 10 emits the microwaves 4 for heating the at least one cut plant 1 or the ground 2 adjacent the at least one cut plant 1. The elongate members function 34 as antennas.
Figures 14 to 18 schematically show an assembly 40 according to the invention. The assembly 40 comprises a system 12 according to the invention and a vehicle 37. The system
-15- 12 may be for example a system 12 as shown in figures 7 to 9 or a system 12 as shown in figures 10 to 13. The system 12 is connected to the vehicle 37. The vehicle 37 is configured to transport the system 12 in a plane which is substantially parallel to the ground 2 from a first killing or damaging location 41 to a second killing or damaging location 42, e.g. from plant 1 to plant 1 or from a plurality of plants 1 to a plurality of plants 1 to be killed or damaged.
The base frame 13 with the microwave emitting device 10 is connected to the vehicle 37 and movable up and down 44 relative to the vehicle 37. A power generator 51 for generating power to the microwave emitting device 10 is attached to a front end of the vehicle 37, here a tractor 43.
The base frame has a length 49 and a width 48. The width 48 is at least equal to the length 49. For the embodiment as shown in figure 15 the width is at least twice the length.
Figures 16 to 17 show the positioning of the system 12 for killing or damaging at least one cut plant 1 over or above the at least one cut plant 1.
Figure 18 shows the emittance of microwaves 4 far heating the at least one cut plant
1. The system 12 of figure 18 is the same system 12 as shown in figures 10 to 13. It is also possible to use a system 12 similar to the system 12 as shown in figures 7 to 9 on the tractor
43. The microwaves 4 are shown schematically in figure 18 and may be emitted from the elongated members of the system 12 of figures 10 to 13 or via the opening 17 of the system 12 of figures 7 to 9.
Turning to figure 19 a side view of an embodiment of a method and a system 100 according to another aspect of the invention is shown, in particular a method and a system for treating contaminated soil 101 comprising at least one living plant part 102, in particular at least one living Reynoutria japonica part.
The system 100 comprises a conveyor belt 103 comprising an upper surface 107 having a length 108 and a width. The conveyor belt 103 is configured to move in a first conveying direction 104. The upper surface 107 of the conveyor belt 103 is configured to support and convey the contaminated soil 101 in the first conveying direction 104.
-16 - A conveyor belt drive 110 drives the conveyor belt 103 in the first conveying direction
104. The system 100 comprises a microwave emitting device 10 which is located adjacent the conveyor belt 103. In the shown embodiment the microwave emitting device 10 is located directly above the upper surface 107 of the conveyor belt 103. The microwave emitting device is configured to emit microwaves 4 towards the upper surface 107 of the conveyor belt 103 for heating the contaminated soil 101 located thereon. The at least one living plant part 102 is affected by the microwaves 4 and becomes a damaged or killed plant part 114. The system 100 may further comprise a contaminated soil supply member 111 for supplying contaminated soil 101 on the upper surface 107 of the conveyor belt 103. The contaminated soil supply member 111 is located upstream of the conveyor belt 103. A treated soil collecting member 112 may be provided downstream of the conveyor belt 103 for collecting the treated soil 113. A housing 115 may be provided around the microwave emitting device 10 for preventing microwave emittance beyond said housing 115. The method comprises: - providing the contaminated soil 101 on a conveyor belt 103, - conveying the soil 101 on the conveyor belt 103 in a first conveying direction 104, - emitting microwaves 4 through the contaminated soil 101 located on the conveyor belt 103 via a microwave emitting device, thereby heating the at least one living plant part 102 for damaging or killing the at least one living plant part
102. The soil 101 is schematically shown by the dashed rectangle, wherein at least one living plant part 102 is shown, and a treated plant part located in the soil. The microwave emitting device 10 may emit microwaves through to contaminated soil 101 while the contaminated soil 101 is being conveyed or while the contaminated soil 101 is not being conveyed.
-17 - A layer 105 with a height 106 of 5 cm or less of contaminated soil 101 is provided on the conveyor belt 103, preferably a layer 105 with a height 106 of substantially 5 cm. The microwaves may be emitted through the entire layer.
The microwave emitting device 10 emits microwaves 4 with a frequency of 2.45 GigaHertz. Other frequencies may also be used. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.
The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.
The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
Claims (37)
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2026583A NL2026583B1 (en) | 2020-09-30 | 2020-09-30 | Systems and methods for killing or damaging a plant |
| PCT/EP2021/076542 WO2022069418A1 (en) | 2020-09-30 | 2021-09-27 | Systems and methods for killing or damaging a plant |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2026583A NL2026583B1 (en) | 2020-09-30 | 2020-09-30 | Systems and methods for killing or damaging a plant |
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| NL2026583B1 true NL2026583B1 (en) | 2022-06-01 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2026583A NL2026583B1 (en) | 2020-09-30 | 2020-09-30 | Systems and methods for killing or damaging a plant |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
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| NL (1) | NL2026583B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2022069418A1 (en) |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3804052A1 (en) * | 1988-02-10 | 1989-08-24 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Device for pest control with microwaves |
| EP1611788A1 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2006-01-04 | Celltec Project Management Co., Ltd. | Soil processing method |
| DE102007043326A1 (en) * | 2007-09-12 | 2009-03-19 | Claas Saulgau Gmbh | Pesticide device for curbing plant-eating pests like the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) and the corn-root borer (Diabrotica virgifera) has an impinging device for controlling and guiding a thermal treatment process |
| CN210538432U (en) * | 2019-06-06 | 2020-05-19 | 广西科学院 | Device for sterilizing and killing insects by using microwave |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR101639941B1 (en) * | 2015-03-05 | 2016-07-25 | 장흥균 | Moving type weeds remove device using microwave |
-
2020
- 2020-09-30 NL NL2026583A patent/NL2026583B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2021
- 2021-09-27 WO PCT/EP2021/076542 patent/WO2022069418A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3804052A1 (en) * | 1988-02-10 | 1989-08-24 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Device for pest control with microwaves |
| EP1611788A1 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2006-01-04 | Celltec Project Management Co., Ltd. | Soil processing method |
| DE102007043326A1 (en) * | 2007-09-12 | 2009-03-19 | Claas Saulgau Gmbh | Pesticide device for curbing plant-eating pests like the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) and the corn-root borer (Diabrotica virgifera) has an impinging device for controlling and guiding a thermal treatment process |
| CN210538432U (en) * | 2019-06-06 | 2020-05-19 | 广西科学院 | Device for sterilizing and killing insects by using microwave |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2022069418A1 (en) | 2022-04-07 |
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