Device for mitigating unwanted life forms in a crop field

A method for mitigating unwanted life forms, the method comprising:

• detecting, with a sensor system on a vehicle, an unwanted life form;
• adjusting, with a controller, a position of a first arrangement to be adjacent to, yet separate from, the unwanted life form and a second electrode, wherein the first arrangement includes a first electrode and a first nozzle, wherein a position of the first arrangement relative to the vehicle is adjustable, and wherein the second electrode is grounded;
• engaging the first nozzle to produce a first water jet, wherein the first water jet increases a conductivity between the first electrode and the unwanted life form, wherein the first water jet includes an additive that increases a stability of the first water jet;
• engaging a second nozzle on a second arrangement to produce a second water jet, wherein the second electrode is grounded through the second water jet;
• and
• after producing the first water jet and the second water jet, initiating, with the controller, a transfer of voltage from a voltage generator through the first electrode, through the unwanted life form, and to the second electrode.

A system comprising:

• a vehicle;
• an apparatus for mitigating unwanted life forms mounted to the vehicle, the apparatus including:
• a sensor system configured to detect an unwanted life form;
• a first arrangement including a first electrode and a first nozzle configured to produce a first water jet, wherein a position of the first arrangement relative to the vehicle is adjustable;
• a second arrangement including a second electrode and a second nozzle configured to produce a second water jet;
• a voltage generator connected to the first and second electrodes;
• a controller in communication with the sensor system, the voltage generator, the first electrode, the first arrangement, and the second arrangement, the controller to at least:
• using a signal from the sensor system, adjust the first arrangement to a position adjacent to, yet separate from, the unwanted life form and the second electrode;
• engage the first nozzle to produce the first water jet, wherein the first water jet increases a conductivity between the first electrode and the unwanted life form, wherein the first water jet includes an additive that increases a stability of the first water jet;
• engage the second nozzle to produce the second water jet, wherein the second electrode is grounded through the second water jet;
• and
• after producing the first water jet and the second water jet, control the voltage generator to initiate a transfer of charge from the voltage generator through the first electrode, through the unwanted life form, and to the second electrode;
• and
• an actuator, the actuator configured to be controlled by the controller.