Archive for Juni, 2016

EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF TIGER NUT SEDGE WITH HOT STEAM

Dienstag, Juni 21st, 2016

On 17.06.2016, the research group Extension Gemüsebau of the Swiss Agroscope Institut presented several methods for combatting tiger nut sedge. One of the most effective methods among these is steaming.

Three different steaming methods were successfully tested: hood steaming, sheet steaming and pile steaming via steam conveyor in cooperation with several partners, including MSD Corp., Durbach.

Little steaming hood set on open field
Little steaming hood set on open field

In the two surface steaming processes (hood and sheet), the tiger nuts are completely killed off to a depth of around 25cm, which translates as an effective rate of around 95% over the entire area. After steaming, the steam-treated surface areas were observed. Growth from deeper lying tiger nuts, which the steam was not able to reach, can subsequently be killed off easily by mechanical or chemical means. In the case of pile steaming, e.g. via steam conveyor, the soil that is contaminated with tiger nuts is lifted completely and treated with steam.

Tiger nut sedge can be killed off completely with a soil temperature of 75°C. It is recommended that heat is maintained for at least 15 minutes in order to achieve a clean result.

Sheet steaming against neophytes at Sinzheim
Sheet steaming against neophytes at Sinzheim

More information can be found in the “Mit Dampf erste Befallstellen tilgen” (eradicate first infestations with steam) leaflet on www.agroscope.ch from July 2017.

STEAMING TESTS FOR STRAWBERRY CULTIVATION IN THE KARLSRUHE DISTRICT SHOW IMPRESSIVE RESULTS

Donnerstag, Juni 2nd, 2016

Steaming tests for strawberry cultivation were held on 1.06.2016 and included a tour of inspection, offering consultancy from Karlsruhe district experts on horticulture, fruit and wine cultivation and providing results of tests carried out using soil steaming, outdoors and in tunnels. The event took place at the Böser strawberry and asparagus farm in Forst, Baden.

Steaming tests for strawberries near Karlsruhe
Steaming tests for strawberries near Karlsruhe

Steaming was carried out in summer 2015 by Mr. Steffen Koch from the company Mobildampf. The expert consultant from the Karlsruhe district, Mr. Arno Fried, carried out a steaming demonstration resulting in improvements of up to 500%.

Diagram showing results of steam treatment in strawberry cultivation
Diagram showing results of steam treatment in strawberry cultivation

Steam treatment is the ideal sanitation method for contaminated soils or grounds with a relatively high level of soil fatigue. You can obtain more details directly from Mr. Arno Fried: Contact