rHiNoBaLlS - 11/30/2011 23:51

I did look at the weed badger but what I didn't like about them is the soil disturbance. I am sure a better operator could run it more shallow than the demonstration I was given but it seemed like they were going down about 2-3" and we have a lot of feeder roots for the vines there. I also thought it was slow and I don't think it was too easy on the fuel (just my observance). I do agree, I can by a boat load of glypho for the price of these flame systems. It did seem like a propane set up would be more "idiot" proof. I do all the chemical application for our operation and it goes well. As we expand, I won't be able to do everything so at some point one of our guys will be responsible for application of chems. A grape vine I thought would come back form being torched but not round up'd. I do get asked ALOT of questions about how much and what kind of chemicals we use in the vineyard becuase what we produce is a food and people are extremely particular about it. So that's part of the reason for looking into alternative methods as well. To be honest, we use more chemicals per acre than corn but hand pulling weeds is NOT an option nor is going organic (leaving the weeds).