New Electrical Crop Desiccation
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Responding to the phasing out of potato desiccation chemicals, CROP.ZONE, an ag-tech start-up founded in Germany, together with Nufarm, an Australian-based company, developed NUCROP, an electrical alternative and complementary solution to chemical-based weed and crop control.
This system is established on a unique hybrid herbicide concept combining a conductive liquid called Volt.fuel with electro-physical weeding.
Approximately 140 hp. is needed to run the three required pieces of equipment: a field sprayer mounted to the tractor front end, a Volt.cube on a 3-pt. hitch, and a rear Volt.boom and field applicator system.
The application begins with the uniquely adapted and configured Volt.fuel being sprayed onto potato crops. The key formulation allows the active ingredient electric current to work effectively and minimize the amounts needed. As a result, the working width and treatment speed can be increased, and the plant application becomes even more targeted.
An electric current of 2,000 to 5,000 volts is generated by the tractor with a PTO generator and special high-voltage units. Using unique applicators, the current is passed through plants and, depending on the type of applicator, also through roots and soil. This destroys the water supply to the plants to such an extent that they dry out and die.
The application can be done at a speed of 4 to 5 mph (6 to 8 kph) in all climate conditions delivering an immediate effect.
“The active ingredient must always reach the site of action as effectively as possible,” says Christian Haschka, Media Relations & Head of Corporate Affairs. “The current needs to penetrate the contacted leaves with as little loss as possible and then destroy the water supply in stems and, in some cases, roots. Volt.fuel bridges leaf hairs and irregularities on the leaves, and softens wax layers, thus increasing electrical conductivity. Less energy for more effect is the result.”
When treating with NUCROP and long-range applicators (LRA), desiccated roots, especially the taproot of thistles have been observed to a depth of about 6 in. (15 cm.). Damage also depends on the type of applicator, soil moisture, plant species and the amount of energy applied.
The application is safe for workers and organisms living in the soil.
“Initially, NUCROP will focus on potato desiccation in Germany, France, the UK, and Benelux,” Haschka says. “We’ll be expanding the range of applications (greening control, weed control) and our geographic scope to include other countries from 2022 onward. We aim to reduce the rising pressure on farmers due to the phase-out of ever-more chemical herbicides and the need to replace them effectively without compromising on product quality or climate protection while conserving soil life and quality. We intend to launch NUCROP at prices competitive with current alternatives, enabling us to achieve faster growth.”
The design and production of the machines takes place in Germany.
In 2022, CROP.ZONE will have two systems running in Iowa and Saskatoon, Canada. They’ll be supported by Deere for their North American rollout. A full launch is expected in 2023.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Christian Haschka, NUCROP, (christian.haschka@nufarm.com; www.nufarm.com/us/; www.nucrop.com; www.cropzone.com).
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New Electrical Crop Desiccation NO-TILL EQUIPMENT Responding to the phasing out of potato desiccation chemicals CROP ZONE an ag-tech start-up founded in Germany together with Nufarm an Australian-based company developed NUCROP an electrical alternative and complementary solution to chemical-based weed and crop control This system is established on a unique hybrid herbicide concept combining a conductive liquid called Volt fuel with electro-physical weeding Approximately 140 hp is needed to run the three required pieces of equipment: a field sprayer mounted to the tractor front end a Volt cube on a 3-pt hitch and a rear Volt boom and field applicator system The application begins with the uniquely adapted and configured Volt fuel being sprayed onto potato crops The key formulation allows the active ingredient electric current to work effectively and minimize the amounts needed As a result the working width and treatment speed can be increased and the plant application becomes even more targeted An electric current of 2 000 to 5 000 volts is generated by the tractor with a PTO generator and special high-voltage units Using unique applicators the current is passed through plants and depending on the type of applicator also through roots and soil This destroys the water supply to the plants to such an extent that they dry out and die The application can be done at a speed of 4 to 5 mph 6 to 8 kph in all climate conditions delivering an immediate effect “The active ingredient must always reach the site of action as effectively as possible ” says Christian Haschka Media Relations & Head of Corporate Affairs “The current needs to penetrate the contacted leaves with as little loss as possible and then destroy the water supply in stems and in some cases roots Volt fuel bridges leaf hairs and irregularities on the leaves and softens wax layers thus increasing electrical conductivity Less energy for more effect is the result ” When treating with NUCROP and long-range applicators LRA desiccated roots especially the taproot of thistles have been observed to a depth of about 6 in 15 cm Damage also depends on the type of applicator soil moisture plant species and the amount of energy applied The application is safe for workers and organisms living in the soil “Initially NUCROP will focus on potato desiccation in Germany France the UK and Benelux ” Haschka says “We’ll be expanding the range of applications greening control weed control and our geographic scope to include other countries from 2022 onward We aim to reduce the rising pressure on farmers due to the phase-out of ever-more chemical herbicides and the need to replace them effectively without compromising on product quality or climate protection while conserving soil life and quality We intend to launch NUCROP at prices competitive with current alternatives enabling us to achieve faster growth ” The design and production of the machines takes place in Germany In 2022 CROP ZONE will have two systems running in Iowa and Saskatoon Canada They’ll be supported by Deere for their North American rollout A full launch is expected in 2023 Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Christian Haschka NUCROP christian haschka@nufarm com; www nufarm com/us/; www nucrop com; www cropzone com
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