Manufacturing and evaluation of steamers to eliminate weed seeds in the soil used in the reproduction of forest tree species

Abstract

In greenhouses used for reproduction of tree species, several methods can be used for controlling seeds and rhizomes of weeds in soil. A number of these methods are used in situ, whereas some are applicable in fields when mass reproduction is pursued. The methods embrace a range from heat-based methods to those using chemicals. However, the chemical method is associated with a number of restrictions including harmful environmental effects and high costs. Therefore, we designed and constructed a steam-based instrument which additionally contributes to a disinfection of soil by water steam. The system was tested at different treatments as three temperature levels of 70, 90 and 110 degrees, as well as at three soil types containing various portions of clay. The study site was conducted in a botanical garden, in which garden soil was mixed with compost and weed species seeds of Dactylis glomerata, Festoca arundinacea and Medicago sativa. The 110 degrees temperature and a mixture of garden soil with compost were shown to be associated with the best performance of soil sterilization in eliminating all three weed plants. Due to the fact that the designed system is a small industrial steam instrument which is domestically manufactured, it can be suggested as an appropriate cost-effecting means for easing the mass reproduction of forest species within greenhouses and botanical gardens.

Keywords

• Steam instrument
• weed seed
• soil sterilization
• greenhouse