In both developing and underdeveloped nations, weeds constitute the most significant biotic restrictions to crop output. They, together with pathogens (fungi, bacteria, etc.) and animal pests (insects, rodents, nematodes, mites, birds, and so on), present the greatest probable yield loss to crops. Besides, some of the weeds are harder to get rid of than others. This creates a different level of problem for those who are averse to using dangerous chemicals.
A Row Crop Flamer is an excellent weed management tool, especially for organic farmers. Propane Weed Burners are a certified organic weed management method that is a great way to keep weeds out of the row. The flamer is non-discriminatory in its weed removal.
What is Row Crop Flamer aka Weed Burner?
Row Crop Flamers provide producers with a variety of weed management alternatives, thus lowering or eradicating the use of herbicides. Weed Burner burns propane in a clean, practical, and cost-effective manner, leaving no residue or run-off. Flaming can be done both before and after emergence on a wide range of crops, including corn, millet, soybean, milo, cotton, carrots, lettuce, and many others.
Decoding Flaming Mechanism
A well-directed natural gas or liquid propane (LP) flame elevates the temperature inside the weed, driving cells to rupture and effectively removing weeds with minimal crop damage. Flaming produces heat, which reduces weed growth, so it is advisable to exercise the practice when the plants are dry, and the wind is blowing in the conducive direction. Moisture and wind can lower the amount of heat created by the flame, limiting the efficiency of the flaming application.
Using Row Crop Flamer | Benefits for organic farmers
A skillfully focused flame powered by natural gas or liquid propane (LP) raises the temperature inside the weed, forcing cells to break and effectively eradicating weeds while inflicting minimal crop harm. Flaming slows weed growth by generating heat; therefore, it’s best to do it when the plants are dry, and the wind is blowing in the right direction. Moisture and wind can reduce the heat produced by the flame, limiting the flaming application’s effectiveness.
When weeds are 1 – 2 inches high or in the three – five-leaf cycle, they are most vulnerable to flame heat. Flaming is more likely to impact broadleaf weeds than grasses like a foxtail.
Some farmers have discovered that burning is more effective at controlling certain weeds (such as lambsquarters and pigweed) than others (such as mustards or common ragweed). Also, the process is found to be extremely successful in crops where the growth point is underneath the soil surface.
Although this may vary depending on the weed kind and size, exposing a weed seedling to flame for 1/10 of a second is usually adequate to achieve the desired outcome. Heat affects smaller, more delicate plants more than larger, more mature plants. When the crop plants grow taller than the weeds, the Row Crop Flamer offers the best control. Weed leaves appear dull after an efficient flame application, and it is easy to press a visible fingerprint onto the leaf surface.
Final Words
Flaming has a variety of advantages over methods such as rotary hoeing, which is a common organic weed control method. In shallow or dense claypan soils, rotary hoeing is problematic; however, weed burners can be used in systems with any soil type or depth. Dry soil conditions are similarly important for rotary hoeing; however, weather fluctuation has less of an impact on the flame application. Flaming is also less intrusive, protecting the soil structure and avoiding damage to crop roots.
