Crop Flamers
Propane flame weeding and pest control is an ideal alternative to the use of pesticides. Propane is nontoxic, costs 3-5 times less per acre than chemicals, and is very effective -- a propane gas flamer can provide 70-90 percent control of wintering adult insects, compared with 25-50 percent with chemical pesticides.
Propane-fueled flamers have several applications:
- Burning off weeds, cover crops, and dead plants
- Heating up soil to kill insects and other pests
- Removing plant suckers at the base of plants and thinning back plants
- Pre-treating muck and killing flies and other insects in stockyards
- Killing pests and burning the top layer of waste in poultry houses
Propane flamers offer numerous advantages to the farmer:
- There is no carryover or residue and no pollution to the soil, air, or water.
- They are generally less expensive than using chemicals.
- No special licensing or any special clothing or protective gear is required.
- Local residents need not be forewarned, and there is no need to impose field entry bans.
- Flaming can be used near footpaths, watercourses and game areas.
Propane flamers are available for general or crop-specific uses:
- Row Crop Flaming: Row crop flaming can be applied to a large variety of crops. Flames from staggered torches are directed under the crop leaves and through the crop row. The average fuel consumption is 5-10 gallons per acre.
- Alfalfa Flaming: In alfalfa flaming, liquid propane is sprayed onto the ground by a spray unit pulled behind a propane tank trailer. A 500-1000 gallon tank is commonly used. Fuel consumption averages 20-30 gallons an acre.
- Grapevine Flaming: This is an excellent method of removing weeds and debris, and reducing insect habitat, breeding grounds, and populations. On average, grapevine flaming consumes 11-21 gallons of propane fuel an hour.
- Potato Flaming: Flaming can provide 70-80 percent control of the adult Colorado potato beetle and reduce egg hatch by 35 percent.
