Subsurface Herbicide Applicator for Brush Control

Abstract

A tractor-drawn machine was designed to apply soil-active herbicides subsurface to experimental brush control plots. The applicator was constructed with a large coulter, 32 inches in diameter, to penetrate soil to a depth of 0 to 8 inches and to cut through woody vegetation. An injector-knife immediately behind the coulter supported a spray nozzle to apply herbicide into the bottom of the slice made by the coulter. The injector applies herbicides in continuous narrow bands spaced on 6-inch centers at 3- to 6-ft intervals and requires low energy input to operate. Spacing of herbicide bands depends upon type and size of brush being treated.