Friday, December 29, 2017

Terminology: Replacing 'mechanical' with 'physical'

I have repeatedly referred to "mechanical methods" (of weed control, for example), both here and elsewhere. However, it has occurred to me that this phrase is far too constrained, failing to invite the broad-ranging imagination that will be needed, going forward. My sincere apologies.

'Mechanical' implies rigid structural components in more-or-less direct contact with whatever is being manipulated. Even solid components with a high degree of elasticity, such as are frequently used in soft robotics, aren't clearly included, much less devices with no moving parts, like phased-array radars, that project energy in a controlled manner.

"Physical methods" is a better, more inclusive term. The point is to differentiate methods involving pressure, momentum, impact, heat, cold, acoustic disruption, and so forth from methods involving the application of toxins.

"Physical methods other than tillage" is even better, since it helps avoid confusion with conventional physical methods. We need physical methods compatible with perennial polycultures which can be highly automated so they can be applied at scale. To this end, terminology which blinders the imagination is not helpful.