Jay Gogue, Interim President of the NMSU System | Official Website
Jay Gogue, Interim President of the NMSU System | Official Website
New Mexico State University researchers are exploring a novel approach to weed control at the Fabián García Science Center. The project, led by Erik Lehnhoff, Leslie Beck, and Andres Indacochea, investigates the use of electric mulch powered by solar panels to manage weeds under crop canopies. This method has shown near-total effectiveness in initial trials.
The electric mulch system involves metal mesh connected to solar panels. In this setup, electricity is used to kill weeds and small invasive trees without posing risks to humans or animals. "As the weed touches the screen, it gets a jolt of electricity, which keeps the plant from growing," Lehnhoff explained. He noted that this method functions like a pre-emergent herbicide but without chemicals.
Collaborating with Dr. Donovan Bailey from NMSU's Department of Biology, researchers have analyzed plant samples exposed to electricity and observed elevated stress responses compared to untreated plants. Indacochea highlighted that while heat plays a role in killing weeds, other factors may also contribute.
The concept originated with Paul Neher from White Sands Missile Range, who experimented with electrical weed control at home before proposing further research collaboration with NMSU.
Lehnhoff described how the system works: "There is no electricity flowing until a weed comes up and touches the screen, and that completes the circuit." The technology is cost-effective; solar panels represent the main expense while operating costs remain minimal.
Funding for this initiative comes from several sources including the Agricultural Experiment Station and Weed Science Society of America. A similar project in Oregon demonstrated success in blueberry fields.
Lehnhoff hopes for broader applications in commercial landscaping and residential settings but acknowledges more research is needed for large-scale farming due to potential hazards with irrigation systems.
The use of solar-powered electric mulch offers an alternative for organic crop production where traditional herbicides are not permitted.
This article originally appeared in ACES Magazine's fall 2024 issue. For more stories visit https://nmsu.news/aces-magazine-fall-2024.
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