Perennial
Weed Control Using The Atarus Ranger Propane Flamer in a Non-Cropland
Environment
Dr. Thaddeus Gourd, Extension Agent (Agriculture), Colorado State
University Extension in Adams County. 9755 Henderson Road,
Brighton, CO 80601. Phone: 303-637-8117 FAX: 303-637-8125
E-mail: tgourd@co.adams.co.us
Tim
Ferrell, Producer, Berry Patch Farms Certified Organic Pick Your Own
Farm Market, 13785 Potomac Street, Brighton, CO 80601 Phone: 303-659-5050.
E-mail: berrypatchfarms@qwest.net
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Flame Applications
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First
flame application was applied on April 8, 2002. Each plot was
flamed for 60 seconds.
Second flame application was applied on April 17, 2002. Each plot
was flamed for 45 seconds.
Third flame application was applied on May 5, 2002. Each plot
was flamed for 45 seconds.
Fourth flame application was applied on May 20, 2002. Each plot
was flamed for 45 seconds.
Plot size was 4 feet by 5 feet (20 square feet).
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Perennial
weeds are common pests of non-cropland areas such as ditch banks,
fencerows and irrigation canals along the Front Range of Colorado.
The perennial weeds encountered in this study were stinging nettle
(Urtica dioica); scouringrush (Equisetum hyemale); and poison hemlock
(Conium maculatum).
Perennial
Weeds at Treatment
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Stinging
Nettle Urtica dioica was 1 to 3 inches tall.
Scouringrush Equisetum hyemale was 1 to 4 inches tall
Poison Hemlock Conium maculatum was 2 to 4 inches in size
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The
use of thermal weed control systems addresses a growing trend towards
identifying effective, economical alternatives to herbicides for controlling
weeds. The purpose of this study was to examine whether propane flaming
treatments of non-cropland (ditch banks) in the early spring could
reduce perennial weed populations. Weeds were flamed using the handheld
Atarus Ranger Thermal Weed Control Device. The Atarus Ranger uses
propane as the fuel source and provides about 45 minutes of flaming
per 3 kg tank of propane when used at the high flame setting. Flame
treatments were applied on April 8, April 17, May 5 and May 20, 2002.
Flame
treatments occurred when the stinging nettle, scouringrush and poison
hemlock were 1 to 4 inches tall. All weed species plant densities
averaged about 5 plants per square foot. Each plot was 16 square feet
and required 60 seconds of flaming to treat all weeds during the first
treatment and 45 seconds for all subsequent treatments. Successful
flaming requires only a blanching of weed tissue without reaching
the fire point (the temperature at which the flame becomes self-sustained).
Two days after the first flame application, 73.75% control of nettle
and 87.5% control of hemlock were achieved. Five days after the second
application of flame revealed an average of 80% control of nettle
and hemlock. Nine days after the third flame application, 87.5% control
of nettle, 99.5% control of hemlock and 87.5% control of scouringrush
were observed. Nine days after the fourth and final flame application,
97.25% control of nettle, 100% control of hemlock and 97.5% control
of scouringrush was achieved. Twenty-five days following the fourth
and final flame application, 93.75% control of nettle, 100% control
of hemlock and 85% control of scouringrush was observed.
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Four
applications of flame gave good to excellent control of stinging
nettle, poison hemlock and scouringrush for 25 days following
the fourth flame application.
When used to sear weeds, little if any smoke was produced.
The Atarus Ranger Thermal Weed Control Device was very effective
in flaming weeds in a non-cropland environment.
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A statewide burning ban prevented further flame treatments. Flaming
weeds using the Atarus Ranger effectively managed the perennial weeds
stinging nettle, poison hemlock and scouringrush after four flame
applications.
Other
Agriculture Projects:
CONTROLLING
WEEDS USING PROPANE GENERATED FLAME OR STEAM TREATMENTS IN CROP AND
NON CROPLANDS
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