The crush and spray: a patented design for herbicide application with less waste

Abstract

The USDA Forest Service recently patented an equipment design to deliver herbicides more efficiently and cost-effectively. Towed by a standard all-terrain vehicle, the Crush and Spray can access out-of-the-way or wet locations. An adjustable roller first knocks down the unwanted plants. A low-set spray boom with wide angle sprayer nozzles then provides precise, close-to-the-ground application of herbicide along the length of each plant. The operator can easily control the flow of chemicals using a pressurized pumping system with a simple on-off switch. This Crush and Spray system treats targeted plants without wasting herbicides or creating overspray and chemical drift.

Citation

Fisher, Cherie LeBlanc; Wiese, Adam H. 2009. The crush and spray: a patented design for herbicide application with less waste. Native Plants. 10: 53-56.