Managing Interplant Competition in Prickly Pear Cactus Fields Using Microwave Technology

Abstract

Microwave-based weed control offers a sustainable alternative to chemical herbicides. This study investigates the feasibility of applying microwave technology for selective weed management in prickly pear cactus plantations, with a focus on minimizing thermal damage to the crop while maximizing weed suppression. A chamber–waveguide device operating at 2.45 GHz was used under controlled conditions to evaluate plant physiological responses, heating dynamics, and optimal orientation for energy delivery. Comparative energy analyses were conducted between the proposed solar-powered autonomous microwave system and traditional tractor-based herbicide application. This analysis reveals that the traditional method requires substantially higher energy input than the proposed microwave-based approach, while relying exclusively on nonrenewable fossil resources. Indeed, the energy embodied in herbicide production, transportation, and tractor-based application contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. On the other hand, the proposed system is powered by solar energy, a renewable and locally accessible resource that avoids the environmental burdens associated with fossil fuels.