Friday, 20 November 2020 06:55

Weeds in for a shock

Written by  Mark Daniel
The tractor-based system allows for the effective control of unwanted vegetation. The tractor-based system allows for the effective control of unwanted vegetation.

WIith an increasing focus on reducing chemical herbicides, largely because of crop resistance and a potential build-up of residues, new methods of weed control are appearing.

XPower by AGXTEND, a CNH Industrial aftermarket brand, in cooperation with Zasso, offers a new, disruptive and efficient way of combating weeds without herbicides.

The tractor-based system allows the effective control of unwanted vegetation thanks to the tested XPower system and electrophysical technology. 

As well as being residue-free, the unit can be used at any time of the year and largely independent of the time of day and temperature. 

The system consists of two components that are attached to the front and rear of tractors.

The rear unit includes a generator, up to 12 high-voltage transformers, with an output of 36 kW (including Power Boost option) and an electrical control cabinet.

The swivelling front attachment, able to deal with vegetation outside the tractor wheel tracks, consists of three rows of static electrodes.

The rear-mounted generator is driven by the tractor’s PTO shaft and produces high-voltage electricity, which flows into the plants and then into the ground via the applicator. 

The circuit is completed via a second applicator that either touches other plants or the soil. This allows the electrical energy to systemically deactivate the chlorophyll – as well as the water and nutrient system of the plants.

This means the cells and vascular bundles are irreparably destroyed down to the roots.Weighing in a total of around 1400 kg, divided into 250 kg/1200kg front to rear, the unit has a power requirement of around 100-130-hp.

More like this

Vineyard Nexus: New weed paradigm

Writing a practical guide on non-chemical weed management had an unexpected result for Dr Charles Merfield, as he delved into the interconnected nature of the vines, groun cover and soils, and the damage done to all three by cultivating.

Weed whack exceeds $1b estimate

The true cost of weeds to New Zealand’s agricultural economy is likely far higher than previous research suggests, according to a new study funded by AgResearch.

Maize silage yields high and growing

Since the introduction of Pioneer's New Zealand silage trial programme in 1991, silage yields have increased by an average of 310 kgDM/ha/year.

Waikato faces pest challenges

The Waikato Regional Council is facing a range of environmental and production pest challenges this year following a busy 12 months controlling unwanted animals and plants.

Featured

National

NZ-EU FTA enters into force

Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement…

Machinery & Products

Factory clocks up 60 years

There can't be many heavy metal fans who haven’t heard of Basildon, situated about 40km east of London and originally…

PM opens new Power Farming facility

Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Cut with care

OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.

Bubble burst!

OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter