Plant husbandry – Heating or sterilizing separated earth
Patent
1987-01-20
1989-10-17
Hafer, Robert A.
Plant husbandry
Heating or sterilizing separated earth
47DIG10, A01B 7700
Patent
active
048737895
ABSTRACT:
Disclosed is an apparatus for and a method of soil sterilization to control undersirable biotica resident therein. The apparatus for soil sterilization includes a shielded chamber with a baffled inlet and a baffled outlet formed on side walls thereof. Means for generating electromagnetic energy in the gamma region is provided, and the rays emitted therefrom are contained within the shielded chamber. A conveyor means such as a conveyor belt continuously and sequentially conveys portions of unsterilized soil from a tillable field into the baffled inlet, then through the energized chamber, and thence out of the baffled outlet. After exposure to the gamma rays contained within the chamber, undesirable biotica resident in the unsterilized soil are significantly reduced by death and morbidity. The apparatus may further comprise a scalping blade for scooping up soil from a tillable field, a screening device to screen out undesirable debris, a discharge means to discharge the sterilized soil back unto the tillable field, agitating means to agitate and turn the soil within the shielded chamber, and a monitoring device to measure the radiation level of the sterilized soil. A method of sterilizing soil by application of gamma rays is also disclosed.
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DeMille Danton D.
Hafer Robert A.
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