RootWave eWeeder with Andrew Diprose

This show was published Friday, December 13, 2024

Overview

These week we are with Andrew Diprose, CEO of RootWave, who we met at the Vineyard and Winery Show. RootWave has developed an innovative solution for weed control that avoids chemicals and tillage. Today, Andy explains how it works, its benefits, and the future of vineyard management.

Electric Weed Control Explained: Unlike traditional weed control methods, RootWave’s system uses electricity to kill weeds. The device attaches to the back of a tractor, which moves through the vineyard, sending electrical energy into the weeds. The natural resistance of the plant converts electrical energy into heat, boiling the weed from the inside out, both above and below the soil. This approach eliminates the need for herbicides or mechanical tilling.

Key Benefits

Cost-Effective: RootWave’s running costs are comparable to herbicide spraying but avoid the cost of chemicals. It’s cheaper in terms of operational costs as it requires significantly less energy than traditional herbicide spraying.

Chemical-Free: This method is entirely organic, leaving no chemical residue. It’s an ideal option for vineyards producing fresh food such as wine grapes.

Soil Health: Unlike mechanical tilling, which can damage soil structure and release carbon, RootWave’s non-invasive method protects soil health and avoids CO2 emissions.

Yield Improvements: Mechanical tilling can reduce vineyard yields by 10-20%, but RootWave’s system avoids this damage, potentially increasing yields.

Operational Flexibility: Spraying herbicides is weather-dependent, requiring dry conditions. RootWave’s system can be used right after rain or in light drizzle, giving vineyard owners greater flexibility.

How It Works: RootWave’s system is powered by the tractor’s Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft, a common attachment point on farming equipment. The mechanical energy from the PTO is converted into electrical energy, which is then stepped up to a high frequency to generate the electric currents required for weed control. Future versions may draw power directly from electric tractors.

Safety Innovations: Safety is a top priority for RootWave. The system operates using high-frequency AC electricity, which the human body can tolerate at significantly higher levels than standard mains electricity. This design significantly reduces the risk of fatal accidents. If an incident occurs, the most likely outcome is a surface-level burn, with no life-threatening injuries.

Market Adoption and Costs: RootWave’s system is currently priced at £100,000-£110,000. While this is a high upfront cost, vineyard owners justify it with reduced operational costs and the potential for increased yields and premium organic pricing. Their customers include both organic and conventional vineyards, with vineyard sizes starting at 35 hectares. For smaller vineyards, contractors using the RootWave system can provide weed control services.

Current Availability and Expansion Plans: RootWave’s electric weed control machine has been commercially available for a year. The company has launched its pre-sale in the UK and is now scaling up production to meet demand. Next, RootWave plans to expand into France, Europe, and North America.

Future-Proofing for Autonomous Tractors: RootWave’s system is designed to be compatible with autonomous tractors, which are expected to become more common in the coming years. This alignment with future agricultural technology ensures that vineyard operators can continue to benefit from labour-saving advances. Additionally, as electric tractors become more common, RootWave’s system will be able to draw directly from green energy sources, supporting carbon-neutral and potentially carbon-negative farming practices.

To learn more about RootWave’s innovative system, visit their website at RootWave

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