Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for solarizing soil using a moveable optical focusing array. In one example, an apparatus to solarize soil from a moveable platform includes a vehicle, an array of mirrors located on the exterior of the vehicle, in which the mirrors are steerable to control the orientation of the mirrors to direct sunlight to a spot on soil that generates heat to a solarize the soil, and a sensor coupled to the vehicle to measure the temperature of the soil, in which the orientation of the mirrors is determined based at least in part on the measured temperature to control the temperature of the soil.

Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for solarizing soil using a moveable optical focusing array. In one example, an apparatus to solarize soil from a moveable platform includes a vehicle, an array of mirrors located on the exterior of the vehicle, in which the mirrors are steerable to control the orientation of the mirrors to direct sunlight to a spot on soil that generates heat to a solarize the soil, and a sensor coupled to the vehicle to measure the temperature of the soil, in which the orientation of the mirrors is determined based at least in part on the measured temperature to control the temperature of the soil.

A steam shank rotor assembly having rigid teeth connected to a hollow shaft via teeth mounts which collectively allow steam to circulate from the hollow shaft to the nozzles located near the working end of the teeth, and then into the soil. This invention provides an agricultural apparatus that simultaneously tills and disinfects soil with the use of steam.

A steam shank rotor assembly having rigid teeth connected to a hollow shaft via teeth mounts which collectively allow steam to circulate from the hollow shaft to the nozzles located near the working end of the teeth, and then into the soil. This invention provides an agricultural apparatus that simultaneously tills and disinfects soil with the use of steam.

System for the disinfection of agricultural soil includes an electric energy source, at least one radiofrequency or microwave generator connected to the electric energy source and arranged to convert the electric energy into electromagnetic power and a plow-like electromagnetic applicator connected to the radiofrequency or microwave generator via wave-guiding lines, the plow-like electromagnetic applicator being arranged to be inserted into the soil so as to transmit the electromagnetic power to the soil, thus obtaining a disinfection of the soil.

System for the disinfection of agricultural soil includes an electric energy source, at least one radiofrequency or microwave generator connected to the electric energy source and arranged to convert the electric energy into electromagnetic power and a plow-like electromagnetic applicator connected to the radiofrequency or microwave generator via wave-guiding lines, the plow-like electromagnetic applicator being arranged to be inserted into the soil so as to transmit the electromagnetic power to the soil, thus obtaining a disinfection of the soil.

A soil treatment system, including heat treatment apparatus configured to travel in a forward direction along a plot of ground having a soil surface and configured for disturbing the soil surface and treating associated soil with steam as the heat treatment apparatus travels to provide steam treated soil, and a source of steam in flow communication with the heat treatment apparatus for supplying steam to the heat treatment apparatus. The heat treatment apparatus includes a blade configured to contact the soil surface and lift and circulate the soil and return the soil to the ground and a plurality of steam outlets configured to introduce steam to the soil as it is lifted and circulated. The system also includes an insulative sheet material and a cooperating dispenser configured to dispense the sheet material to overlie the treated soil with the sheet material after the passage of the heat treatment apparatus.

A soil treatment system, including heat treatment apparatus configured to travel in a forward direction along a plot of ground having a soil surface and configured for disturbing the soil surface and treating associated soil with steam as the heat treatment apparatus travels to provide steam treated soil, and a source of steam in flow communication with the heat treatment apparatus for supplying steam to the heat treatment apparatus. The heat treatment apparatus includes a blade configured to contact the soil surface and lift and circulate the soil and return the soil to the ground and a plurality of steam outlets configured to introduce steam to the soil as it is lifted and circulated. The system also includes an insulative sheet material and a cooperating dispenser configured to dispense the sheet material to overlie the treated soil with the sheet material after the passage of the heat treatment apparatus.

A system 100 and a method 300 for processing soil. The system comprises a soil processing device 110, arranged to be moved on a soil surface; and a driving device 60, e.g. a vehicle, arranged to move the soil processing device 110 on a portion of the soil surface 170. The soil processing device 110 includes a frame 112, arranged to slide or roll on the portion of the soil surface 170 during operation of the system 0; and at least one substantially horizontal pipe 114, attached to the frame 112, extending along an underside of the frame 112, at a predetermined depth. The pipe 14 has a plurality of apertures 116 along its length, and is connectable to a vacuum generating device that provides an underpressure in the pipe. The system further comprises a protective cover 150 attached to an upper side of the frame 112, the portion of the soil surface 170 and the cover 120 defining a compartment. A conduit for a heated gaseous medium is connectable to a device 162 which provides a heated gaseous medium to an inside of the compartment. The system further comprises a first temperature sensor 220 arranged to measure a first temperature in 1 soil below the soil processing device 110, and a control device 210, configured to adjust a speed of the vehicle 160 in dependency of a signal provided by the first temperature sensor.

A system 100 and a method 300 for processing soil. The system comprises a soil processing device 110, arranged to be moved on a soil surface; and a driving device 60, e.g. a vehicle, arranged to move the soil processing device 110 on a portion of the soil surface 170. The soil processing device 110 includes a frame 112, arranged to slide or roll on the portion of the soil surface 170 during operation of the system 0; and at least one substantially horizontal pipe 114, attached to the frame 112, extending along an underside of the frame 112, at a predetermined depth. The pipe 14 has a plurality of apertures 116 along its length, and is connectable to a vacuum generating device that provides an underpressure in the pipe. The system further comprises a protective cover 150 attached to an upper side of the frame 112, the portion of the soil surface 170 and the cover 120 defining a compartment. A conduit for a heated gaseous medium is connectable to a device 162 which provides a heated gaseous medium to an inside of the compartment. The system further comprises a first temperature sensor 220 arranged to measure a first temperature in 1 soil below the soil processing device 110, and a control device 210, configured to adjust a speed of the vehicle 160 in dependency of a signal provided by the first temperature sensor.