7 ms·
Depends on the laser(s) and the weeds in question. Deep rooted weeds require different IR/UV than broadleaf. They actually kill them because they cook the root
by Qworg 5y ago
Depends on the laser(s) and the weeds in question. Deep rooted weeds require different IR/UV than broadleaf.
They actually kill them because they cook the root. That's ALSO why it has to be autonomous - it can't be done at a run.
We worked on this when I was at MTD, but I think they abandoned the project after I left.
- gdubs 5y agoThat’s very cool. Still working on farm space projects?
- Qworg 5y agoNot at this time - founded a fintech company instead. I do miss hardware though!
- chris_va 5y agoWouldn't a microwave be easier (power, speed, penetration depth, etc)?
- Qworg 5y agoDepends on the wavelength/absorption. The goal was to attack both the root and the leaf. There are more mechanical methods using steam + a spike that work very well too. Here's a very (terribly) high level technology overview from the company we were working with: https://g-neighbor.com/gni-technology/ https://g-neighbor.com/gni-technology/ > The reason a plant is green is because it reflects green light and for photosynthesis a plant uses blue light. Overloading the blue frequency range disrupts the enzymes in the photosynthetic process, which cuts off the food supply to the plant and it dies. Some herbicides overload the metabolic system of the plant and makes the weed burn from the inside out. I thought that overloading the photosynthetic system would maybe do the same thing.