- Hot water and weed
Hot water weed control
Thermal weed control is based on the transfer of energy to the plant in the course of which the cell structure is destroyed. Surface water is one of the best energy sources freely available in nature. Also advantageous is the fact that due to gravity water flows downwards. Another energy source is air. Warm air rises by nature, which means that, when used in weed control, part of the energy does not reach the plant. Besides, air is one of the least effective energy sources in nature. Therefore the WAVE method makes use of the positive properties of water (no steam!). In combination with the sensor technique the result is a method of weed control which is economical with energy. Due to the high energy transfer of hot water the frequency of treatment is low with a maximum of four times a year.
- Configuration
Configuration
The WAVE method provides, all factors considered, the best weed control. In the course of the years this has been achieved by applying hot water technique, buffer tanks and sensors in an increasingly smart way. All the parameters which are necessary for the machine to work effectively are automatically controlled by the software. The WAVE applies hot water with a minimum temperature of 208°F (98°C) sensor- controlled onto the plant. Irrespective of speed, the proper amount of water is applied in all circumstances. Moreover, the sensor restricts the treatment exclusively to the spot where the plant is.
- Energy consumption
Energy consumption
By making use of hot water as an energy source to scald the plant, a very good result can be reached with a measured amount of water. On the one hand, there is the intense effect of the water on the cell structure, on the other hand, there is the effect of the impact of the penetrating water on the root collar. A comparative study by P. Kristoffersen has charted frequency and energy consumption of different methods of weed control. This is the only independent comparative study in Europe, conducted without the involvement of suppliers or users. This study shows that hot water achieves the best quality with the least effort. With regard to the examined hot water "volvelds"- method WAVE saves a minimum of 50% of water and thus energy. This study has led to a follow-up study in which research is being done as to which method actually kills the weeds. The preliminary results of this new study are very positive about hot water.
- Quality
Quality
In order to guarantee the high quality standards of the WAVE method, every year about ten representative practical situations are examined by an independent research bureau. These reports have shown that the WAVE method fully meets the required quality standards. Due to its in-depth effect the WAVE is fully capable of providing CROW A – or high B – quality at reasonable costs. Practical experience has shown that the use of the WAVE method lowers the reappearance of weeds within a certain time (see graph). What can be concluded is that the WAVE method does not only stand for controlling weeds, but in actual fact also for fighting them.
