[Steam-engine] Steaming tobacco beds?

[Chris R. Brew]

Dumb question here. but what does steaming the ground get you?
Thanks
Chris

	-----Original Message----- 
	From: Andy glines [mailto:pioneersop96 at yahoo.com] 
	Sent: Fri 8/26/2005 1:28 PM 
	To: Steam-engine mailing list 
	Cc: 
	Subject: RE: [Steam-engine] Steaming tobacco beds?
	
	

	Thanks for the info fellas.  You told me exactly what
	I wanted to know
	
	--- John Byers <byers at bluemarble.net> wrote:
	
	> Back in the day, this was often the last gasp
	> (literally) for a traction
	> engine with a sketchy boiler, worn out gearing, etc.
	> as full pressure wasn't
	> needed, just the ability to produce lots and lots of
	> steam, and move about
	> the field periodically. I was told by the old-timers
	> that it was really hard
	> on the boiler, especially the flues, because the
	> blower was run continually
	> at full blast.
	>
	> The process destroyed soil born fungi that produced
	> fusarium (sp?, or
	> tobacco wilt as well as weed seeds. It took about 20
	> minutes to steam about
	> a 4x8 foot area by means of a steel pan of that size
	> that sat on the ground.
	> The same old-timers recollected putting potatoes and
	> eggs under the pan
	> around dinner time. Now a days chemical means
	> accomplish the same thing for
	> non-organic tobacco growers.
	>
	> John
	>
	> Ps. The Advance-Rumely is *still* for sale....don't
	> let this one get away!
	>
	>
	>
	>
	>
	> -----Original Message-----
	> From:
	> steam-engine-bounces at lists.stationary-engine.com
	>
	[mailto:steam-engine-bounces at lists.stationary-engine.com]
	> On Behalf Of Ken
	> Hough
	> Sent: Friday, August 26, 2005 8:48 AM
	> To: Steam-engine mailing list
	> Subject: Re: [Steam-engine] Steaming tobacco beds?
	>
	> It sterilizes the ground against certain "bugs"
	> Ken
	>
	> > I often read that an engine or boiler was used for
	> > steaming tobacco beds or gardens etc.  What is
	> > happening when you steam a garden?
	> >
	> > Andy Glines
	> > Evansville, IN
	>
	>
	> Andy Glines
	> Evansville, IN
	>
	>
	>
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	Andy Glines
	Evansville, IN
	
	
	               
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