TiefGrün combats weeds with hot water
The German startup TiefGrün has developed a machine that can tackle weeds as a spot sprayer. What is unique about the system is the use of water at 95 degrees. So, just below boiling point.
During the Biovelddag in the Dutch town of Lelystad (Fl.), the German startup TiefGrün presents a first. The TiefGrün precision weeder combats weeds very accurately in the row using hot water. So far, the machine is suitable for weed detection in red beet and carrot. In future, crops such as onion and parsnip will be added.
Spraying 95-degree water at high pressure
Through small nozzles, water at 95 degrees is sprayed onto the weeds at high pressure. The idea behind this is that a local plant temperature of 70 degrees is achieved. As a result, the proteins in the weeds coagulate and the weeds die. The healthy plants in the vicinity of the weeds are simultaneously sprayed with cold water to prevent heat damage.
The driving speed of the TiefGrün machine is 2 kilometres per hour. The machine costs €125,000.
