NTL-HIGHWAY/ROAD TRANSPORTATION-Construction and Maintenance
Abstract:
Environmental concerns have prompted many agencies to seek alternatives to herbicides in controlling vegetation on roadway shoulders. This study was implemented to evaluate the potential for infrared technology to address this need. Infrared technology uses radiant energy to kill unwanted vegetation. Intense heat generated by liquid propane coagulates plant proteins and bursts cell walls, killing seedling plants and destroying the tops of established vegetation. Repeated treatments at regular intervals deplete the root reserves of established plants and lead to their decline and eradication. Infrared treatments were applied at three rates (8, 6 and 4 treatments/year) along Oregon highways from November 1996 through June 1999. These treatments were compared to shoulders treated with herbicides and to shoulders where vegetation was left unmanaged (control sites). Results suggest that infrared technology can keep vegetation under control on roadway shoulders.
Environmental concerns have prompted many agencies to seek alternatives to herbicides in controlling vegetation on roadway shoulders. This study was i...
Previous studies by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have established that many different herbicides can be found in small Willamette Valley streams....
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United States Department of Transportation
[PDF-1.04 MB]
