Ergebnisse zur Ampferbekämpfung mittels Mikrowellentechnologie

Summary

The results of field trials on controlling broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) by
means of microwave technology are presented. Two microwave prototypes of differing
output levels were used in the tests under different site and weather conditions. In
general, microwave technology is suitable for causing long-term damage to the roots
of dock plants and preventing resprouting. The required length of treatment, and
hence the energy to be applied, were revealed as problematic. With increasing heat
output, the heating time evidently decreases linearly, which harbours optimisation
potential. For an 18 kW-heat-output microwave device, the current required heating
time to achieve an 80 % mortality rate is approx. 25 seconds, corresponding to a
calculated exclusive diesel consumption of 0,09 litres/dock plant, or 0.18 CHF/dock
plant.