Technology

Working principle of electric weeding

The high-voltage electricity is generated locally from the mechanical energy of the tractor or alternative power source. The electric current passes via the applicator into the plants and then into the soil. The electric circuit is closed via a second applicator that either touches other plants or the soil. The energy lets the plants wilt from the inside, right down into their roots. The physical contact of the target plant with the high voltage electrodes establishes a current flow that acts only at the time of application and leaves no residues in the soil. The high voltage is modulated in the patented power modules and allows safe, homogeneous weeding results. The energy let the plants wilt from the inside, right down into their roots.

(01) – Mechanical power (motor)
(02) – Transformed to electrical power (PID – transformer)
(03) – Modular high frequency / voltage transformation
(04) – Electric applicators for different applications
(05) – Electric flow through shoot on contact

Systemic Action

The aim of weed control is to eliminate unwanted plants in a sustainable way, to prevent them from regenerating and multiplying. In order to achieve this goal effectively, the weed control solution must kill the reproductive biomass below ground… but this is not the case with any of the different non-chemical methods.

The advantages of Electroherb™ is that its mode of action is systemic, in other words, root-based, to ensure a much more effective treatment that is comparable to that of chemical herbicides.

Types of weeding

Electroherb™ provides an alternative, non-chemical mode of action that is direct and residue-free. Unlike herbicides, it has no negative environmental impact on agroecosystems. Weeds are removed by electricity, based on a physical principle. No plant resistances can develop, and the environment and users are not exposed to toxic substances. Unlike mechanical weeding, the mode of action is root-based. The resulting application is efficient, with lasting effect on the treated plant. Electroherb™ competes as an economical, powerful and effective alternative.

Mechanical

Physical methods that kill or make growing conditions unfavourable.

• Without control of the root system
• Degrades soil structure and soil biota

Herbicides

Chemical agents that can control or suppress the growth of weeds.

• Potentially harmful
• Spray drift is likely
• Plants may show resistance
• High environmental and social costs

Electrical

Control of unwanted plants through electricity for sustainable destruction.

• Systemics mode of action
• Irreversible destruction of cell compartmentation
• Immediate plant death
• No environmental or social cost

Resistance

Plants employ and can evolve a fascinating biological arsenal for their defence. Herbicide-resistant weeds pass on those characteristics from one generation to another. The most resistant plants are the ones that reproduce the most. This is a critical situation driving the needs for non-chemical alternatives.

• No resistance, as this is a physical mode of action
• Resistance development likely because metabolic selection favours biological resistance growth
• No resistance, as this is a physical mode of action

Soil Microbiology

Zasso has a team of experts focused on the environmental behaviour of Electroherb™ (bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, parasites and protozoa). The team is supported by a wide range of independent Research Institutes. Ongoing multi-year results demonstrate that on the population level of soil living organisms no negative effects are measurable.

• Significant disruption of soil surface
• Soil microbiology is effected
• Soil destruction and modification
• Reduction of soil organisms
• Increased nitrate concentration
• Increased phosphate concentration
• No harmful effects on soil microbiology
• Preservation of soil life
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 45% of all tested agricultural products contained one or more pesticide residues in measurable concentrations.

Safety

Zasso takes great care to ensure full operational safety of the user and third parties. All Electroherb™ products are manufactured to the highest possible standards of production safety and quality. All relevant norms, related to the safe handling of high voltage electricity are respected. Built-in safety mechanisms include visual and acoustic warnings, insulating materials, grounding elements, and speed and height detections.

Training

Professional training by specialist staff

Documentation

Detailed user manual and safety quickguide

Warnings

Built-in visual and acoustic warnings

Norms

Compliant with all safety norms in vigor

Grounding

Built-in protective mechanism

Interested in our Electroherb™ solutions?​