Potato desiccation, the process of terminating potato vines before harvest, is critical for ensuring quality tubers and efficient harvesting. The methods used worldwide to date, which are mostly based on chemical herbicides, are coming under increasing pressure due to the often high toxicity of the chemicals for humans, but also due to environmental issues and the more difficult effect of the substances that are still authorised. This blog delves into various potato desiccation methods, compares them using Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scoring, and highlights how crop.zone’s innovative approach aligns with sustainable agricultural practices.

Chemical desiccants, such as paraquat, diquat and e. g. carfentrazone-ethyl, have been widely used for decades. Highly toxic substances such as paraquat, diquat and glufosinate, for example, are increasingly being banned worldwide, meaning that only pyraflufen and carfentrazone are now permitted in the EU. The remaining chemicals require sunlight to take effect, are slower than the banned substances and pose additional challenges for farmers due to the restrictions on the frequency of use.  Non-selective herbicides are still to be further reduced as part of general reductions in the use of crop protection products (Green Deal, Farm2Fork). Additionally, the social acceptability of chemical usage is declining as consumers demand more sustainable, residue-free produce.

Mechanical desiccation involves physically destroying potato vines. This method avoids or at least reduces chemical usage, aligning with environmentally friendly practices. However, mechanical desiccation can be less effective in wet conditions, potentially leading to incomplete vine kill and disease proliferation.

Thermal desiccation uses propane burners to apply direct heat, effectively killing vines. This method reduces chemical reliance but has its drawbacks, such as high energy consumption and potential soil / organism damage from repeated use.

In organic farming, after the end of fungicide treatments with copper, either natural ripening in late summer/autumn or premature destruction of the stems due to late blight or drought is waited for. Haulm topping is also used in some cases.  The main problems lie in the low predictability and the high disease pressure on the storability of the potatoes.

crop.zone’s innovative approach combines the electrophysical destruction of leaves and stems with the effective utilisation of electric current through the use of volt.fuel. This liquid, which is also approved for organic farming, reduces the electrical resistance when the current penetrates the plants. There is no damage to the potatoes, no waiting times and no damage to soil organisms.   

When comparing these methods using ESG criteria, crop.zone’s electro-physical desiccation stands out as the most balanced and sustainable option. Traditional chemical methods score poorly due to their environmental and social drawbacks and declining effectiveness. Mechanical and thermal methods offer better environmental and social scores but face operational challenges. The methods used in organic farming quite sustainable but are not suitable for ensuring larger market shares in a safe and cost-effective manner.

crop.zone’s approach excels by integrating haulm destruction with innovative technology, ensuring effective desiccation while safeguarding environmental and social factors. This method supports sustainable farming practices, maintains crop quality and meets the stringent demands of modern governance frameworks.

As agriculture professionals and farmers strive for sustainability, adopting innovative solutions like crop.zone’s electro-physical desiccation is crucial. This approach not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also enhances operational efficiency and meets the rising consumer demand for environmentally friendly produce. By embracing such technologies, the agriculture sector can ensure a greener, more sustainable future for all stakeholders.

Since its introduction in 1974, glyphosate has become a staple in agricultural weed control, with its use increasing by an astonishing factor of around 265 times. This has led to annual sales reaching approximately 770 thousand tons in the agricultural sector alone, making it possible to treat every tenth hectare of arable land globally.

However, this widespread use of glyphosate also poses significant environmental challenges. In Europe, which accounts for about 4% of the global consumption, the annual usage is around 35 thousand tons. This substantial figure brings to light the urgent need for alternative solutions to reduce such chemicals’ environmental impact.

Enter crop.zone, a game-changer in the agricultural landscape. Our innovative technology doesn’t just offer an alternative to chemical herbicides; it has the potential to revolutionize farming practices. With our volt.apply technology, we can significantly reduce the reliance on traditional chemical methods, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in agriculture.

The energy consumption for using glyphosate in preharvest weed control and oat desiccation is roughly 110 kWh per hectare at an application rate of 1.8 kg/ha. To compare, traditional ploughing consumes about 335 kWh/ha. crop.zone’s technology drastically cuts this down to just 15 kWh/ha for the same applications. This represents a remarkable decrease in energy use, showcasing the efficiency and sustainability of our approach.

Beyond just energy savings, the environmental benefits of adopting crop.zone’s technology are profound. By reducing the use of glyphosate, we can decrease the associated CO2 emissions substantially. Our technology offers a savings potential of 69%, equating to 144 million litres of diesel equivalent. This translates to a reduction of about 382,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. These figures not only underline the effectiveness of crop.zone in reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also highlight its role in promoting a more sustainable agricultural sector.

The transition from chemical herbicides to sustainable treatments like those provided by crop.zone is more than just a shift—it’s a transformation. It’s about creating a sustainable agricultural industry for future generations. The adoption of crop.zone’s technology can lead to a cleaner, greener, and more efficient farming practice, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and environmental degradation. This is a future we can all look forward to.

As we move forward, it’s crucial for stakeholders in the agriculture sector, from farmers to policymakers, to recognise the potential of innovative technologies like crop.zone. By embracing these sustainable alternatives, we can ensure a healthier planet and a sustainable future for agriculture.

In conclusion, the increasing awareness and adoption of crop.zone’s solutions signify a pivotal shift in agricultural practices. With its proven potential to cut down energy consumption and significantly reduce CO2 emissions, crop.zone is not only a sustainable choice but also a financially sound investment. By reducing the reliance on expensive chemical herbicides, farmers can [specific economic benefit]. This is more than just innovation; it’s a commitment to the future of our planet.

In the evolving field of environmental costing, particularly in the agricultural sector, accurately assessing the environmental impact of product use and production remains a challenge. crop.zone is at the forefront of developing application scenarios and quantifying the environmental benefits of its technology over traditional vegetation management practices, such as the use of glyphosate. Using extensive databases and external scientific expertise, initial analysis shows that crop.zone’s technology already requires less energy per hectare than glyphosate. Given glyphosate’s status as a mature technology with limited scope for efficiency improvements, crop.zone’s potential to reduce fossil energy consumption and carbon footprint through technological advances and increased reliance on renewable energy sources is significant.

Other than chemical herbicides, the energy consumption of the volt.apply can be directly measured through the primary power at the PTO of the tractor.

The specific energy use of Glyphosate for preharvest weed control and oat desiccation is about 110 kWh/ha [2] ( at an application rate of 1.8 kg/ha). To put this into perspective ploughing is using about 335 kWh/ha [3]

For the same application, the crop.zone technology only uses  15 kWh/ha.

[1] Source Bayerische Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft www.lfl.bayern.de

[2] *Ecoinvent:     ecoinvent v3.9.1   Zurich   Switzerland    https://ecoinvent.org/the-ecoinvent-database/

[3] KTBL    https://www.ktbl.de/

In pursuing more sustainable agricultural practices, crop.zone has emerged as a leader, introducing a groundbreaking alternative to traditional chemical herbicides. Based in Aachen, Germany, crop.zone is at the forefront of the Ag-tech sector, offering a non-selective systemic herbicide technology that is particularly effective against perennial weeds.

Reliance on chemical herbicides in agriculture has long been a contentious issue. While effective in controlling weeds, these chemicals pose significant environmental risks, including soil degradation and water pollution. Moreover, the health implications for humans and wildlife are profound. As perennial weeds continue to challenge farmers due to their ability to regrow from roots and seeds, the need for an effective yet environmentally friendly solution has never been more pressing.

crop.zone’s technology stands out for its unique approach, harnessing the power of electrical energy and natural conductive solutions to target weeds. This innovative two-step process involves the application of a proprietary conductive liquid, derived from natural ingredients for safety and environmental compatibility, directly to the weeds. Following this, an electrical charge is delivered, causing an immediate halt to the weed’s growth.

The system works by disrupting the internal water balance within the weed, effectively leading to the plant’s cells losing their integrity. This method ensures the destruction of the weeds and does so without leaving harmful residues in the soil or needing excessive water for application.

Perennial weeds are particularly challenging due to their robust root systems, which can often survive and regrow even after removing the plant’s visible parts. crop.zone’s technology addresses this challenge head-on by affecting the whole plant systemically. The electrical charge impacts the above-ground parts of the weed and effectively disrupts the root system, ensuring a comprehensive kill. This is pivotal for farmers battling weeds such as dandelions, thistles, and nettles, which can otherwise be resilient against many herbicidal treatments.

The advantages of crop.zone’s technology extend beyond its effectiveness. By eliminating the need for harmful chemicals, it significantly reduces the environmental footprint of weed management practices. This technology is not only safer for the ecosystem but also for the farmworkers who apply these treatments. Moreover, crop.zone’s method is cost-effective, reducing the need for multiple applications and lowering the reliance on expensive chemical herbicides.

As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, technologies like those developed by crop.zone are pivotal in leading the change towards more sustainable practices. The transition away from chemical herbicides is not just a necessity for environmental health but also a strategic move towards more sustainable and resilient farming. crop.zone’s technology is a beacon of hope in this transition.

In conclusion, crop.zone’s innovative approach offers a promising solution to one of agriculture’s most enduring challenges. It is a testament to how technology can align with nature to create a sustainable future.

No-till farming is gaining ground as a sustainable agricultural practice that reduces soil erosion, increases water retention and preserves biodiversity. However, the management of no-till cover crops has been a significant challenge, traditionally addressed by herbicides such as glyphosate. crop.zone offers a breakthrough solution that sets new standards in crop management and no-till farming.

crop.zone technology uses a unique combination of electrical energy and a proprietary conductive liquid to effectively terminate cover crops. This method not only preserves soil structure but also avoids the environmental impact associated with chemical herbicides.

It may surprise many to learn that two-thirds of the total volume of herbicides used worldwide is not primarily for weed control, but for crop management purposes such as desiccation. These practices, aimed at ensuring even ripening and preparing fields for harvest, currently represent a massive $8 billion market. crop.zone is uniquely positioned to fully address this market, offering a sustainable alternative that could transform agricultural practices worldwide.

Glyphosate has been the solution of choice for cover crop and drought management due to its broad spectrum efficacy. However, with increasing regulatory bans and concerns over its environmental and health impacts, growers are urgently seeking alternatives. crop.zone not only matches the efficacy of glyphosate in these applications, but does so without the associated environmental risks, making it a superior choice for modern agriculture.

With the EU ban on glyphosate for crop desiccation, crop.zone has seized the opportunity to prepare the market for a new standard. Potato desiccation is a prime example of how crop.zone plans to aggressively penetrate the herbicide market. In the EU alone, the company is poised to capture a 40% market share within three years – a conservative estimate given current market dynamics.

crop.zone’s technology is not limited to potatoes. There are significant opportunities in other crops such as oats in Canada, cotton and soybean in Brazil, and eventually corn for post-emergence weed control. Each of these represents a significant market opportunity for crop.zone’s sustainable technology.

Cover crops play a vital role in regenerative agriculture by improving soil health, increasing water permeability and increasing biodiversity. However, traditional methods of removal – using total herbicides or tillage – undermine these benefits. crop.zone’s solution stands out as the only sustainable and effective way to manage cover crops without damaging the soil, making it a perfect fit for farmers looking to adopt no-till practices and reduce their environmental footprint.

No-till farming, a practice that helps maintain soil structure and biodiversity, is becoming increasingly important in our quest for sustainable agriculture. crop.zone’s innovation in this area offers a compelling solution that balances environmental goals with economic efficiency. This blog explores how crop.zone’s cover crop burndown solution is reshaping no-till farming by providing a viable, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods such as glyphosate treatment.

crop.zone’s technology combines electrical currents and a proprietary conductive liquid to effectively burn down cover crops without disturbing the soil. This method offers a revolutionary approach by reducing the need for mechanical tillage and chemical herbicides, thereby preserving soil integrity and promoting biodiversity. The solution not only supports sustainable farming practices but also complies with the most stringent environmental regulations.

Glyphosate, commonly used in agriculture for its broad-spectrum weed control, is under increasing scrutiny for environmental and health concerns. In contrast, crop.zone’s process offers an effective and safer alternative. As the only biological herbicide in the world, it represents a significant advance in agricultural technology by eliminating the use of harmful chemicals.

crop.zone’s technology is not only innovative but also cost effective. It is the cheapest cover crop burning option on the market today, making it an attractive choice for growers looking to reduce operating costs. The return on investment (ROI) for the crop.zone system is remarkably fast, with farmers able to recoup their investment in less than two years due to the reduced need for chemical herbicides and the lower cost of mechanical intervention.

Perhaps most importantly, crop.zone’s solution empowers organic farmers to adopt no-till practices. Traditionally, organic farming has relied heavily on tillage to control weeds and prepare fields for planting, which can undermine soil health. crop.zone offers a ground-breaking alternative that allows organic farmers to maintain their organic status while benefiting from the soil-preserving benefits of no-till. This capability is a game changer and has the potential to change the landscape of organic farming by reducing labour and preserving soil organic matter.

In addition, the crop.zone solution is remarkably energy efficient, using 70% less energy than traditional chemical treatments. This significant reduction in energy consumption not only reduces the carbon footprint of farming operations, but is also in line with global efforts to combat climate change by minimising energy use in agriculture.

As the agricultural industry evolves, the integration of technologies such as those offered by crop.zone will play a crucial role in shaping sustainable practices. By providing an economically viable and environmentally responsible alternative to chemical herbicides, crop.zone is leading the way in sustainable agricultural innovation.

In conclusion, crop.zone’s cover crop burndown solution offers a pioneering approach to no-till farming. It allows growers to improve their sustainability credentials, reduce costs and improve soil health without the environmental impact associated with glyphosate and other chemical herbicides. As we move towards more sustainable farming practices, crop.zone’s technology is an example of the kind of innovation that can lead to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future for agriculture.

Revolutionizing Potato Desiccation: The Sustainable Choice

In the quest for sustainable agriculture, traditional practices are being reevaluated to meet today’s environmental and economic challenges. A standout example of innovative adaptation in agrotechnology is found in crop.zone’s approach to potato desiccation. As regulations tighten and the need for eco-friendly solutions grows, Crop.zone offers a promising alternative that outshines traditional chemical methods.

crop.zone’s potato desiccation technology combines electrical energy and a proprietary conductive solution to target and effectively halt the growth of potato vines. This method provides a non-chemical desiccation process that significantly reduces the environmental footprint associated with potato farming. This approach not only supports sustainable farming practices but also aligns with increasing regulatory demands for safer and cleaner agricultural processes.

Historically, chemical desiccants like Reglone (diquat) were widely used for desiccating potato crops. However, due to environmental concerns, including potential risks to aquatic life and human health, the European Union banned the use of diquat in 2019. This ban necessitated the search for alternative methods that maintain crop efficiency without compromising environmental and public health standards.

When comparing Crop.zone’s technology to traditional chemical methods, the advantages become clear. Chemical desiccants are fast-acting but leave behind residues that can be harmful to the environment and potentially enter the food chain. In contrast, crop.zone’s method is residue-free, reducing environmental risks and promoting healthier, cleaner produce. The technology is not only effective but also aligns with global trends towards reducing chemical usage in agriculture.

Adopting crop.zone’s system offers significant economic benefits. Notably, it is currently the most cost-effective option for potato desiccation on the market. With increasing costs associated with chemical herbicides and the additional burden of compliance with environmental regulations, Crop.zone’s technology provides a financially viable alternative. Importantly, the return on investment (ROI) for a Crop.zone system is impressive, with farmers able to recover their costs in less than two years. This rapid ROI is attributed to the reduced need for expensive chemical treatments and the potential for higher-quality produce that meets consumer demands for residue-free vegetables.

As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, technologies that offer sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions will lead the way. Crop.zone’s innovative approach to potato desiccation exemplifies how technological advancements can align environmental stewardship with economic viability. By reducing dependency on chemical herbicides, enhancing crop quality, and providing a fast ROI, Crop.zone is setting a new standard for the future of potato farming.

In conclusion, as the industry moves forward, embracing technologies like those offered by Crop.zone will be crucial for sustainable agriculture. By choosing smarter, safer, and more sustainable desiccation methods, farmers not only adhere to stricter regulatory frameworks but also contribute to a healthier planet. Crop.zone is at the forefront of this transformation, offering solutions that promise a better future for both the agriculture industry and the global community.

As the agricultural sector moves away from chemical-based solutions, innovative technologies such as crop.zone leads the way in sustainable farming practices. A significant challenge in potato farming has been the destruction of potato haulm (the stems and leaves of the plant) as part of the pre-harvest process. Traditionally, this has been achieved using chemical desiccants such as diquat, but withdrawing these chemicals from the market has created a need for alternative methods. crop.zone offers a ground-breaking solution that not only meets this need but also improves the sustainability of farming practices.

This method, known as Electro-Physical Disruption (EPD), uses the volt.apply system to deliver high voltage to the plants, disrupting their water transport system, resulting in rapid desiccation without the use of harmful chemicals. The volt.fuel solution, a vital component of the system, is specially formulated to reduce the electrical resistance of plants, making the technology efficient and effective.

The benefits of using crop.zone for haulm destruction are many. Firstly, it ensures that the process is residue-free, leaving no harmful chemicals in the soil or on the crop. This is crucial for farmers who are increasingly moving towards organic and sustainable farming practices. Moreover, the technology is designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing farm equipment, reducing the need for additional investment and making the transition process smooth and hassle-free.

From an operational perspective, crop.zone technology is not only effective, but also fast acting, which is essential in the tight harvest windows that characterise potato farming. It allows growers to manage their harvesting time more efficiently, ensuring that potatoes are harvested at the highest quality. In addition, the absence of chemical residues means that there is no need for a withholding period, so the potatoes can be harvested immediately after treatment, giving you the confidence of a smooth and efficient harvest.

Environmental sustainability is another key benefit of the crop zone system. By avoiding the use of chemical herbicides, the technology supports biodiversity and helps maintain soil health. It is in line with global efforts to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint and promotes the well-being of the ecosystem surrounding farmland.

For farmers, adapting to crop.zone technology means staying ahead in a competitive market by adopting more efficient, sustainable and cost-effective farming practices. It is not just a tool for haulm destruction, but a crucial step towards future-proofing your farming operations against increasingly stringent environmental regulations, providing you with a secure and sustainable future in the industry.

In conclusion, crop.zone’s innovative approach to potato haulm removal provides an exemplary model of how modern technology can intersect with traditional farming to create more sustainable and productive agricultural practices. As the industry continues to evolve, technologies such as crop.zone will play a key role in shaping the future of agriculture. By adopting crop. zone technology, farmers are not only improving their immediate productivity and sustainability, but also contributing to the long-term health of their soil, the environment, and the agricultural industry as a whole.

The Crop.zone Advantage!

In the realm of agricultural technology, crop.zone introduces a pioneering approach to potato haulm destruction, also known as desiccation. This method, crucial for the effective harvesting of potatoes, traditionally relies on chemical herbicides. However, crop.zone’s solution shifts this paradigm by eliminating the need for these chemicals, thereby offering a more environmentally friendly alternative.

The core of crop.zone’s innovation lies in its Hybrid Herbicide Technology, which combines electrical energy and a conductive liquid to desiccate plants efficiently. This method disrupts the water supply within the plant, causing it to dry out and die. This technology not only matches the effectiveness of chemical herbicides in speed and reliability but does so without leaving any harmful residues. As a result, crop.zone provides a significant ecotoxicological advantage by reducing the environmental and health risks associated with chemical use in agriculture.

From an ecological perspective, the advantages of crop.zone’s technology are manifold. Firstly, it significantly reduces groundwater contamination risks, a common issue with traditional herbicides that can leach into water sources. Secondly, it supports biodiversity by avoiding the adverse effects that chemical herbicides can have on non-target species, including beneficial insects and microorganisms essential for soil health.

Moreover, the technology promotes sustainability by aligning with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, which prioritize minimizing the use of chemical inputs. This approach is crucial in managing pesticide resistance, a growing concern in many agricultural regions. By providing an effective alternative to chemical methods, crop.zone helps farmers manage weeds and plant growth with less reliance on herbicides, thus contributing to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

In addition, crop.zone’s method is highly adaptable and can be used across various stages of crop management, from initial growth control to preparation for harvest. This versatility makes it an attractive option for farmers looking for efficient, sustainable crop management solutions.

Finally, crop.zone’s technology reflects a commitment to innovation in the AGtech sector, offering a competitive edge in markets increasingly driven by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. As regulatory pressures increase and consumer preferences shift towards more sustainable products, crop.zone positions itself as a leader in next-generation agricultural solutions.

In summary, crop.zone’s Hybrid Herbicide Technology not only sets a new standard in plant desiccation but also demonstrates how innovative engineering can lead to practical, sustainable agricultural practices. By replacing chemical herbicides with a cleaner, equally effective alternative, crop.zone is paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future in agriculture.

Overview of Cotton Defoliation Methods

Crop.zone’s technology offers a novel and sustainable alternative to traditional cotton defoliation methods. It addresses key environmental issues by reducing chemical dependency and conserves energy compared to mechanical methods. The social implications are also favourable, enhancing worker safety and health. Governance-wise, the innovative approach positions farms to better meet stringent environmental regulations.

In the realm of cotton production, the phase of defoliation is pivotal yet fraught with challenges pertaining to sustainability and environmental compliance. Traditional methods, while effective, often compromise our shared environmental responsibilities and pose significant health risks to our workers.

At crop.zone, we have pioneered a groundbreaking solution that redefines cotton defoliation. Our unique method merges the precision of conductive electricity with a proprietary, biodegradable liquid solution to facilitate a natural and efficient leaf drop. This approach eliminates the need for traditional chemical defoliants and reduces the physical footprint associated with mechanical methods.

From an ESG perspective, our technology stands out:

The benefits extend beyond compliance and worker safety. By adopting crop.zone’s technology, cotton producers can enhance the quality of their crop, reduce costs associated with traditional defoliation methods, and position their operations at the forefront of sustainable agricultural practices.

We invite you to join us in this journey towards a more sustainable agriculture. By choosing crop.zone, you are not only optimizing your production processes but also contributing to a healthier planet and society.