Flame Weeding
As interest in organic agriculture grows, so does the popularity of flame weeding. By using intense heat to rupture the plant cells, weeds wither and die. This environmentally-friendly practice can replace traditional herbicide applications, and according to the Organic Farming Research Foundation, can be just as effective. Here are a few reasons farmers are using propane for weed control:
Versatile & flexible
- Flame weed control can be practiced in a variety of growth stages and weather conditions – even on a windy day or when the soil is wet.
- Flame weeding allows producers to return to the field immediately after treatment as it does not leave chemical residues.
- Flame weeding more than doubles the level of weed control obtained using only cultivation.
Sustainable & affordable
- Flame weed control does not damage soil microbes, reduce tillage, or cause moisture loss.
- With the low cost of propane, flame weed control is a financially competitive alternative to using herbicides.
- Flame weeding uses 4-10 gallons of propane per acre per treatment. Most producers who use this practice typically apply two treatments per year.
Find these stats and more about how propane is used in organic agriculture at Propane.com.
