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Spent Coffee Grounds as Air-Propelled Abrasive Grit for Weed Control in Organic Production

Author:
Frank Forcella
Source:
Weed technology 2017 v.31 pp. 769-772
ISSN:
1550-2740
Subject:
Abutilon theophrasti, Amaranthus tuberculatus, agricultural wastes, atmospheric pressure, corn cobs, crops, food waste, organic production, seedlings, shredding, value added, weed control
Abstract:
Spent coffee grounds (SCG) represent a significant food waste residue. Value-added uses for this material would be beneficial. Gritty agricultural residues, such as corncob grit, can be employed as abrasive air-propelled agents for organically-compatible and selective shredding of weed seedlings within established crops. SCG were tested and compared with corncob grit for their ability to injure seedlings of two important weeds: waterhemp and velvetleaf. Waterhemp seedlings were controlled completely with as little as 0.5 g of SCG at an air pressure of 690 kPa. Velvetleaf seedlings were much larger than those of waterhemp at the time of grit application, better tolerated SCG abrasion, but still were damaged appreciably by 1 to 2 g of grit. SCG were at least as effective for abrading weed seedlings as corncob grit, whose value for this purpose in organic crops was demonstrated previously. Nomenclature: Tall waterhemp, Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer; velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti Medik.
Agid:
5922756
Handle:
10113/5922756