Swiss company develops new weed controller
A new machine that destroys weeds using an electric current has been developed by a Swiss company and will be marketed by Case IH under the XPower brand
It’s part of a portfolio of new precision technologies from Case IH and has the potential to eliminate the need for chemical herbicides.
This new system uses electrical current to control weeds and is the winner of a bronze medal in the Innovation Awards given by the SIMA organisers in advance of its big machinery show in Paris in 2019. Developed by Swiss firm Zasso Group, the ‘electroherbicide’ technology, has been developed in response to the need to find more sustainable solutions for weed control.
Maxime Rocaboy, Case IH product marketing manager, says, "Digital herbicide technology is at least as efficient as chemical herbicides in terms of controlling weeds, and is more efficient, economic, practical, and crop-safe than mechanical weeding. In addition to which it does not disturb the soil nor encourage further weed growth.
"At the same time, it’s more practical, safer, and cheaper than scorching or burning systems used for total weed or haulm control."
During operation, the XPower system converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, substituting chemicals for high-energy electrons, applied through the weed leaves and working down through to the roots.
The tool is adaptable to suit specific crop geometries and needs, thanks to its modular structure. Mounted on a tractor or its implement at a working width of 1.2 to three metres, its weed contact units create a high voltage.
With the aid of a sensor and/or camera-based guidance system, XPower, controlled by the tractor’s Class 3 ISOBUS system, transfers this voltage via one element on contact with the weed leaves, which stand proud of the crop or ground, whereupon it travels down to the roots.
Another element touching another weed closes the electrical circuit and the weed chlorophyll is damaged immediately. The system is as effective on larger weeds as smaller ones.
Maxime adds, "The exact weed species is irrelevant, and there is no risk of subsequent weather changes impacting on the efficacy of a pass with the system or, in the longer term, of herbicide resistance developing.
"There’s also no need for multiple applications or complex spraying schemes, while the system helps to address the gradual reduction that is occurring in the number of available herbicides, and the lack of new ones coming through.
"And, in addition, there are no concerns over compatibility with the crop concerned, providing the system can treat weeds growing above the crop, they will be controlled."
The dwindling number of chemical herbicides and low number of new products coming through is playing a large part in the growing problem of weed resistance to herbicide active ingredients, points out Maxime, and balancing resistance management with the need for effective control is an ongoing challenge.
"Using the electrical weed control, on its own or in conjunction with chemical and/or mechanical weed control, overcomes many of these issues in an economic manner and without requiring long approval procedures," he says.
"Units can be adapted for different row crop systems and can be controlled via ISOBUS Class 3 compatible tractors."
The system is also destined to fulfil other uses as well as controlling weeds such as tall grass species in field crops and treatment of weeds with complex root systems such as couch. It also has the potential to aid weed control in fruit plantations between trees or bushes, making close weeding possible with no risk of tree/bush damage and no soil movement, preventing further weed germination and minimising soil erosion risk.
Manual labour requirements are eliminated, and the system is compatible with organic farming principles. Meanwhile, items such as water pipes and fencing are at much less risk of damage than they are when mowing to control weeds.
Also, Case IH says this technology can be used with other systems in the growing suite of Case IH precision farming products.
"For example, with the required electrical power for best results being dependent on leaf surface moisture, and the ability to travel being dependent on soil moisture, the new FarmXact weather forecast and soil moisture recording system, which uses an in-field weather station, can be used to check whether these factors are right for treatment," Maxime says.
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