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A Washer for Removing Thickened Roots from Soil1,2

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 June 2017

Steven J. Carlson
Affiliation:
North Dakota State Univ., U.S. Dep. Agric., Agric. Res. Serv., Metabolism and Radiation Res. Lab./Dep. Agron., Fargo, ND 58105
William W. Donald
Affiliation:
North Dakota State Univ., U.S. Dep. Agric., Agric. Res. Serv., Metabolism and Radiation Res. Lab./Dep. Agron., Fargo, ND 58105

Abstract

A root washer was constructed which rapidly separated Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. # CIRAR] roots larger than 1.3-mm diam with 96% or greater efficiency from cohesive clay soil. The washer removed 93 ± 15% of 43 200 cm clay soil from Canada thistle roots in 2 h. Small residual soil clods and organic debris were removed by hand after washing. The washing action did not damage the root system. From 4 to 6 h were required to wash the large Canada thistle roots from an equivalent volume of clay soil by hand, without using the washer. Rhizomes, seeds, and tubers also may be separated from soil with the washer. The tank and frame of this washer are durable, and moving parts such as bearings can be replaced easily.

Information

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Special Topics
Copyright
Copyright © 1986 by the Weed Science Society of America 

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