North Haven energy technology firm Precision Combustion Inc. has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to enhance crop productivity, reduce chemical use in farming, and increase the availability of organically grown foods.
PCI received the Small Business Innovation Research grant to develop a prototype for a compact movile soil steaming system for disinfestation.
The process is meant to remove pathogens, pests, and weeds from the soil so crops are healthier and more productive. Chemical fumigants currently perform this task.
PCI plans to having a working prototype by the fall 2015 strawberry planting season, to see how it helps high value-added plants perform.
