In the world of agriculture, finding effective methods for crop management is crucial, especially when dealing with resilient varieties like the Karelia potato. This robust potato type has garnered attention for its tenacity, making it challenging for farmers to effectively desiccate and prepare for harvest. In the Dutch village of Dirksland, arable farmer Hans Biemond faced this very challenge, applying a series of chemical treatments with unsatisfactory results. However, a novel approach using the Nucrop method has proven to be a game changer.
Biemond’s initial attempts included multiple applications of Quickdown and Spotlight, followed by Affinity, but these efforts failed to achieve the desired desiccation of the Karelia crop. It was Emiel Noordermeer, his cooperation advisor, who suggested an innovative solution: electrocute the crop before applying a full-field spray with Spotlight. This two-step method involved using a conductive liquid and electric current to kill off the foliage, a process that Biemond implemented in September. The results were remarkable; just nine days after the electrocution, the Karelia foliage was nearly entirely dead, and only a few tubers were pulled up with the foliage when harvested.
The Nucrop method, which Biemond employed, is a chemical-free approach that utilizes a specially formulated conductive liquid called VOLT.FUEL. This liquid is sprayed over the potato foliage, and an electric current (Volt.apply) follows, effectively killing the treated plants. The immediate onset of desiccation is a significant advantage, allowing for better harvest management. While the method costs €235 per hectare—more expensive than traditional two-stage chemical desiccation—its environmental benefits and potential marketing advantages for the potatoes make it an attractive option for farmers like Biemond.
Despite the higher initial costs, Biemond recognized the primary benefit of the Nucrop method: ensuring that his Karelia potatoes could be harvested predictably and on time. This approach not only saved three spraying sessions but also reduced the overall cost of chemical agents, making it a financially viable option in the long run. The success of the pilot project in Dirksland highlights the potential for this method to revolutionize potato harvesting strategies.
The electrocution rig used in this process operates at a speed of approximately four kilometers per hour, with a working width of nine meters. This requires significant power, prompting Biemond to boost his Massey Ferguson S 6718 tractor from its nominal 172 HP to around 230 HP. The careful management of equipment is crucial; using a four-cylinder tractor with row-crop wheels helps avoid damage to the soil ridges, which is a common concern in potato farming. Diesel consumption during this operation ranges from 30 to 45 liters per hour, depending on the conditions.
While Biemond was aware that some tubers might become exposed and turn green due to the electrocution process, he was willing to accept this risk. The impact of soil moisture plays a significant role in this issue, and with average moisture levels, the effects on the tubers were minimal. Observations made during the process revealed some exposed tubers, many already showing signs of greening, indicating that they had been exposed for some time.
The implications of this new method extend beyond just one farmer’s experience. As the agricultural sector increasingly seeks sustainable practices, methods like Nucrop could pave the way for more environmentally friendly approaches to crop management. By reducing chemical usage and potentially enhancing marketability, farmers may find themselves better positioned in a competitive marketplace that values sustainability. As the agricultural community watches Biemond’s success, the Nucrop method could very well become a standard practice for potato farmers looking to optimize their harvests while minimizing environmental impact.