Unattended Electric Weeder (UEW): A Novel Approach to Control Floor Weeds in Orchard Nurseries

Abstract

This study developed an unattended electric weeder (UEW) to control floor weeds in an orchard greenhouse. The UEW was a motor-driven dolly equipped with a spark exposer. The spark exposer was constructed by applying an alternating voltage (10 kV) to a conductor net (expanded metal net). The charged conductor net (C-CN) discharged into the surrounding space. Wild oat and white clover were used as test weed species. Weed seedlings growing on the floor were grounded by the biological conductor and were subjected to a spark from the C-CN when they reached the discharge space. The spark-exposed seedlings were singed and shrunk instantaneously. In the present experiment, the UEW was remotely controlled to move on the soil-cover metal nets, which were laid on the floor to make a flat surface, in a stop-and-go manner, and to eject a spark to the weed seedlings that emerged from the floor. All of the mono- and dicotyledonous weed seedlings, which had been artificially sown on the floor, were completely eradicated using this method. Thus, this study provides an experimental basis for developing an unattended technique for controlling floor weeds in an orchard greenhouse.

Design and Test of Hydraulic Driving System for Undercarriage of Paddy Field Weeder

“…Only the driving system is designed in this paper, and only the hydraulic interface can be provided for the hydraulic lifting system (Figure 1). series, Mitsubishi Agricultural Machinery LW-8, real industry RW50 and other models [12], and the 2BYS-6 paddy field weeding machine [13] developed by Nanjing Agricultural Mechanization Research Institute, most of which use a traditional chassis as the carrying unit [14,15]. However, the traditional chassis has the following disadvantages: (1) the transmission system is complex and bulky, increasing the complexity of its adaption to the working condition of the paddy field with poor bearing capacity, and the layout is fixed and single; (2) failure to realize continuous speed change; and (3) achieving automation and intelligent control is also difficult [16,17].…”

“…The monitoring and maintenance of the hydraulic system are facilitated by several key components: the pressure gauge (6) monitors the circuit pressure, the accumulator (7) stabilizes the energy and balances the pressure fluctuations, and the level gauge (11) measures the hydraulic oil height in the cylinder (8), ensuring optimal operation. Thermal management is addressed by the thermometer (12), which provides temperature readings, and the temperature regulator (13), which cools overheated oil, maintaining the system's efficiency and preventing damage. The relief valve ( 14) plays a vital role in maintaining system pressure, ensuring the hydraulic system operates within its safe operating parameters.…”

“…The riding weeder is typically operated approximately seven rows each time, and the work efficiency is relatively high. These weeders are mainly Japanese Yanma SJVP series, Mitsubishi Agricultural Machinery LW-8, real industry RW50 and other models [12],…”

Electrostatic Techniques for Physically Managing Pathogens, Insect Pests, and Weeds in Field and Greenhouse Cropping Systems

“…For safe usage, the pulse-charging type of voltage generator was employed to operate screens for eliminating invasive kudzu vines climbing on a fence [47], weed seedlings emerging in crop fields [48], and adult houseflies emerging from underground pupae [49]. Recently, Matsuda et al [50] integrated a continuous-charging type of voltage generator into an unattended electric weeder and effectively controlled ground weeds in a greenhouse orchard while ensuring safety.…”