In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture, Crop.zone, a pioneering German ag-tech company, has partnered with Big Iron Equipment, a Wisconsin-based agricultural machinery dealer, to bring electric crop management to the U.S. This innovative technology offers an herbicide-free alternative for weed control and crop desiccation, aligning with the growing demand for reduced pesticide use.
Electric crop management leverages high-voltage electricity combined with a conductive spray liquid to disrupt plant cells, effectively drying down or killing weeds and crops without the need for synthetic chemicals. This method stands out from traditional chemical desiccation as it leaves no residue, making it an attractive option for farmers seeking to minimize their environmental impact.
Crop.zone developed this technology, which is marketed under the name Nucrop in collaboration with Australian crop protection firm Nufarm. Nucrop has already made waves in Europe, winning multiple innovation awards for its performance in potato vine killing and weed management. The technology is particularly relevant in the U.S. as it provides a viable replacement for Diquat, a herbicide banned in the EU and UK in 2020.
The partnership with Big Iron Equipment marks Crop.zone’s expansion into the U.S. market, with a focus on potato and specialty crops. Wisconsin, home to Big Iron Equipment, is one of the U.S.’s most important potato-growing regions. Local farmers will now have access to the Nucrop system, which has proven effective in potato desiccation, cover crop termination, and non-selective weed control.
The Nucrop system operates through a front-mounted sprayer that applies a patented conductive liquid called Volt.fuel. This liquid is then followed by an electrical applicator that passes over the crop, increasing conductivity and efficiency. The electric charge desiccates the plant, with an application rate of 10 litres of Volt.fuel diluted in 300 litres per hectare. The system operates at speeds of up to 8 km/h, with power sourced from a tractor PTO driving a 140 kW generator, delivering up to 5,000 volts across a set of electric applicators.
This hybrid liquid-electric system is already in use in Europe and is being positioned as a sustainable solution in the face of tightening herbicide regulations. As the U.S. agricultural sector faces increasing pressure to reduce chemical use, the introduction of the Nucrop system could provide a much-needed alternative.
Big Iron Equipment, based in Plover, Wisconsin, is a family-owned business offering a curated selection of modern ag machinery. The company’s focus on specialty crop growers makes it an ideal partner for Crop.zone’s expansion into the U.S. market. With this partnership, Big Iron Equipment will provide service and support for the Nucrop system, ensuring that local farmers can effectively integrate this innovative technology into their operations.
The collaboration between Crop.zone and Big Iron Equipment represents a significant step forward in sustainable agriculture. By bringing electric crop management to the U.S., the partnership aims to support farmers in reducing their reliance on chemical herbicides, contributing to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural future.