Adam Wiese and co-workers from the U.S. Forest Service's Northern Research Station in Rhinelander, Wisc., and have created a simple device that first crushes weeds to the ground and then sprays them with herbicide through high-pressure nozzles.
This machine increases weed control by 15% compared to traditional weed control methods, even in overgrown fields.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent for "Combination Foliage Compaction and Treatment Method and Apparatus" by Wiese, Dan Netzer, and Don Riemenschneider on October 17, 2006.
The "crush and spray" device promises to increase the efficiency of field preparation for controlling weeds when tree and shrub seedlings are planted. By crushing weeds with an adjustable, heavy roller and placing the spray nozzle close to the ground, the new applicator achieves precise weed control, thus improving growth.
The "crush and spray" machine can also be used for weed control in powerline rights-of-way, wildlife food plots, vineyards, crop rows, tree farms, seed orchards, and invasive plant removal projects.
Use of this invention provides both economic and environmental benefits, with major applications in large-scale fiber and bioenergy plantations. The Forest Service is actively looking for licensees for this patent.
More info: Janet Stockhausen, 608-231-9502, or Deb Dietzman, 651-649-5031
