LAUSR

Abstract There is a demand for nonchemical weed control strategies, with microwave radiations one possible option. Accurately measuring a weed's exposure level to microwave radiations is a challenge when there is a gap between when electricity is applied to the magnetron and actual production of microwave radiations. This gap causes an error in the calculation of actual energy needed for weed management. Any misinterpretation over-estimates the required energy load, adversely affecting the perceived value of the technology. Studies were conducted to eliminate the existing lag period. A running belt prototype was built for this purpose using two magnetrons producing 900 watt each installed on a treadmill with a power supply. There was significant improvement in the precision for calculations of total energy required for weed control. These anatomically diverse weeds showed more uniform thermal injuries and greater control using the running belt prototype system than a stationary unit. The LD50 for broadlea...