In recent years, potato farming has experienced a transformation, driven by both regulatory changes and consumer demand for more sustainable agricultural practices. One of the key processes in potato production – desiccation – has traditionally relied on chemical herbicides to kill off the potato haulm before harvesting. However, with increasing restrictions on chemical plant protection products and a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, the future of potato desiccation lies in innovative and sustainable solutions.

At the forefront of this change is crop.zone, whose unique hybrid electric desiccation technology offers a promising alternative to chemical desiccation methods. In this blog, we will explore how sustainable potato desiccation is reshaping the industry, and why professional farmers should consider making the switch to this greener technology.

Dessiccation is crucial for an effective potato harvest. Killing the weeds before harvest allows the tubers to mature, improves skin formation and reduces the risk of disease and potato storage problems. Traditional chemical siccation methods using the herbicide diquat have proven to be very effective, but are now banned in Europe due to the substance’s high toxicity to humans on tractors and in the field. The substitutes work only in combination with sunlight, are generally slower, usually require multiple applications, and are less effective. However, as the use of chemicals is increasingly restricted in Europe, farmers need a reliable and environmentally friendly alternative.

In light of these challenges, farmers have been looking for a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable solution that not only complies with regulations but also meets the environmental expectations of modern consumers.

crop.zone’s hybrid-electric desiccation system represents a new frontier in potato desiccation. By combining electrical energy with a pre-treatment that increases conductivity, this technology disrupts the plant’s cell structure, effectively drying the haulm without the use of chemicals. This solution not only provides effective desiccation, but also meets the growing demand for environmentally friendly farming practices.

The benefits of crop.zone go beyond compliance. As agriculture becomes increasingly focused on sustainable production, methods such as electric dessiccation offer growers a way to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining or even improving crop quality and safety.

This approach ensures that potatoes remain undamaged and free of chemical residues, which is increasingly important to both processors and consumers who demand high-quality, residue-free produce.

As chemical desiccants for other crops become less or no longer viable, the need for innovative, sustainable desiccation methods increases. crop.zone’s electric desiccation technology offers professional growers a way to future-proof their operations while contributing to a more sustainable agricultural system. Moving to environmentally friendly technology is not just an option, but a necessity for potato growers and beyond who want to be competitive and innovative in producing safe and healthy food on healthy fields.