Experimental Evaluation of Thermal Performance of a Propane Flame Weeding System under Varying Operating Conditions for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Flame weeding is a promising non-chemical technique for weed control, wherein thermal energy is applied to plant tissues for a short duration to induce cellular damage. The present study evaluated the thermal performance of a propane-based flame weeding system under varying operating conditions. Experiments were conducted using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD), considering operating pressure, burner distance and exposure duration as independent variables. Burner temperature, target surface temperature and soil temperature were measured as response parameters. The results indicated that operating pressure was the most influential factor governing flame intensity and temperature generation. Target surface temperature increased significantly with operating pressure and decreased with increasing burner distance, while exposure duration primarily influenced cumulative heating and soil temperature. Burner temperature was mainly dependent on fuel flow rate. The developed regression models adequately predicted temperature responses and highlighted the importance of proper parameter optimization for efficient and safe flame weeding operations. The study also underscores the environmental significance of flame weeding as a sustainable alternative to chemical herbicides. By reducing reliance on synthetic inputs, the technique minimizes soil and water contamination. Furthermore, optimization of operating parameters enhances energy-use efficiency, thereby reducing fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions. Overall, the findings support the potential of flame weeding as an eco-friendly and climate-resilient weed management strategy for sustainable agricultural systems.