Yoshinori Matsuda^1,, Koji Kakutani², Hideyoshi Toyoda³

The objective of this study was to create a straightforward electric soil covering method for controlling weed seedlings on slopes, in response to the request of a road construction association. The main requirements for this weeding approach were twofold: the first was to inhibit weed growth, which shaded solar panels on the slope, and the second to prevent soil erosion on the slopes after the weeding process. To address both of these needs simultaneously, we developed a system using a pulse-charged metal net with spacers of 60-mm height (PC-MN60). The PC-MN60 generated an arcing region in the surrounding air, with a 5 mm radius around the net. The apparatus, placed on the slope, emitted spark discharges to weed seedlings that emerged from the ground beneath the net when they reached the boundary of the arcing region. A spacer was attached to the bottom surface of the net, creating a 60 mm gap between the net and the ground. Underneath the PC-MN60, weed seedlings grew with green foliage until they reached the arcing region. Even after the top part of the seedling was disrupted by the spark exposure in the arcing region, they continue to enlarge leaves. This spark exposure effectively prevented the seedlings from growing through the net. These seedlings under the PC-MN60 also helped to prevent soil erosion on the slope faces, thanks to their extended root system in the rhizosphere. One noteworthy feature of this device was its simplicity, which enabled regular workers to create it inexpensively using common materials without requiring specialized construction skills. Furthermore, the device was pulse-charged by a voltage generator connected to a solar panel-equipped storage battery, eliminating the need for electrical wiring. As a result, this work offers a straightforward and cost-effective electric method for weeding on slopes, ensuring no soil erosion after the weeding operation.

Electric weeder, pulse-charged metal net, spark exposure