The Crop.Zone electric haulm desiccator will have its first public demonstration in Ireland at the upcoming Crops and Technology event at Teagasc Oak Park on 25 June.
The German-developed system will be shown in operation on potato plots during a demonstration assessing haulm desiccation methods.
The Crop.Zone technology provides a non-chemical method for desiccating crops by applying a combination of a conductive spray and controlled electric current directly to the plant. The electric current disrupts the plant’s internal water transport systems, bursting plant cells, leading to rapid foliage drying.
Crop.Zone’s system is already in use across parts of mainland Europe and the UK and is now being introduced to Ireland by Meath Farm Machinery. Although the machine was operating in Ireland last year, this will be the first time the general public will have the opportunity to see it in action.
What can this be used on?
As pressure grows due to reduced chemical availability, tighter regulations, increasing weed resistance and the expansion of organic farming, demand for alternative crop desiccation methods is rising. The Crop.Zone machine has proven effective in desiccating plants such as cover crops, oats, cereals, oilseed rape, sunflowers, potatoes and many other annual crops. It is in use across Europe, primarily on potatoes, vegetables and organic crops.
How does it work?
The machine is available in either 9m or 12m widths and applies electricity through purpose-built applicators mounted on a generator. A generator mounted to the tractor supplies the required power, while a conductive liquid spray ensures even electrical flow through the plant tissues. The machine consists of three separate components, each serving a specific role:
Conductive liquid – volt.fuel: the process begins with the application of volt.fuel, Crop.Zone’s conductive liquid. This solution lowers the electrical resistance of the plant tissue, ensuring that the electric current can travel evenly through the foliage. It is applied at 10l/ha. Power supply – volt.cube: the electrical energy required for the process is generated by the volt.cube, a high-voltage power unit mounted on the tractor. The generator produces controlled voltages typically ranging from 1,600 to 5,500 volts, depending on the crop type, growth stage and weather conditions. A 190hp tractor is required to drive the generator for the 9m version. The machine weighs 2.4t. Applicator – volt.apply: the volt.apply is the applicator boom that delivers the electric current directly to the crop. Fitted with specialised electrodes, the boom makes contact with the treated foliage, allowing the current to pass through the plant’s vascular system. This disrupts the plant’s internal water transport. The machine on demo at the Crops and Technology day will treat 10 drills at a time. Effectiveness
The effects of the machine can be seen within hours, and full haulm desiccation can be achieved within 12 to 14 days, it’s claimed. The suppliers state that the electricity does not reach or damage the tubers. Depending on the field and conditions, it can cover 4-5ha/hour.
Safety
The operator must be trained, and all operations are recorded. The volt.fuel is supplied in a container with a QR code that must be scanned and recorded before use.
The machine has several built-in safety features, including the requirement for the operator to be seated in the tractor and for a ground wheel to be moving before it can start.
People are expected to stay at least 10 metres away from the machine during operation.
The electricity only travels within four inches of the electrodes and is guided by the volt.fuel liquid.
The machine can be used when the crop is wet, and studies carried out by the company suggest that it does not harm the soil or soil organisms.
The Crop.Zone electric haulm desiccator will have its first public demonstration in Ireland at the upcoming Crops and Technology event at Teagasc Oak Park on 25 June.
The German-developed system will be shown in operation on potato plots during a demonstration assessing haulm desiccation methods.
The Crop.Zone technology provides a non-chemical method for desiccating crops by applying a combination of a conductive spray and controlled electric current directly to the plant. The electric current disrupts the plant’s internal water transport systems, bursting plant cells, leading to rapid foliage drying.
Crop.Zone’s system is already in use across parts of mainland Europe and the UK and is now being introduced to Ireland by Meath Farm Machinery. Although the machine was operating in Ireland last year, this will be the first time the general public will have the opportunity to see it in action.
What can this be used on?
As pressure grows due to reduced chemical availability, tighter regulations, increasing weed resistance and the expansion of organic farming, demand for alternative crop desiccation methods is rising. The Crop.Zone machine has proven effective in desiccating plants such as cover crops, oats, cereals, oilseed rape, sunflowers, potatoes and many other annual crops. It is in use across Europe, primarily on potatoes, vegetables and organic crops.
How does it work?
The machine is available in either 9m or 12m widths and applies electricity through purpose-built applicators mounted on a generator. A generator mounted to the tractor supplies the required power, while a conductive liquid spray ensures even electrical flow through the plant tissues. The machine consists of three separate components, each serving a specific role:
Conductive liquid – volt.fuel: the process begins with the application of volt.fuel, Crop.Zone’s conductive liquid. This solution lowers the electrical resistance of the plant tissue, ensuring that the electric current can travel evenly through the foliage. It is applied at 10l/ha. Power supply – volt.cube: the electrical energy required for the process is generated by the volt.cube, a high-voltage power unit mounted on the tractor. The generator produces controlled voltages typically ranging from 1,600 to 5,500 volts, depending on the crop type, growth stage and weather conditions. A 190hp tractor is required to drive the generator for the 9m version. The machine weighs 2.4t. Applicator – volt.apply: the volt.apply is the applicator boom that delivers the electric current directly to the crop. Fitted with specialised electrodes, the boom makes contact with the treated foliage, allowing the current to pass through the plant’s vascular system. This disrupts the plant’s internal water transport. The machine on demo at the Crops and Technology day will treat 10 drills at a time. Effectiveness
The effects of the machine can be seen within hours, and full haulm desiccation can be achieved within 12 to 14 days, it’s claimed. The suppliers state that the electricity does not reach or damage the tubers. Depending on the field and conditions, it can cover 4-5ha/hour.
Safety
The operator must be trained, and all operations are recorded. The volt.fuel is supplied in a container with a QR code that must be scanned and recorded before use.
The machine has several built-in safety features, including the requirement for the operator to be seated in the tractor and for a ground wheel to be moving before it can start.
People are expected to stay at least 10 metres away from the machine during operation.
The electricity only travels within four inches of the electrodes and is guided by the volt.fuel liquid.
The machine can be used when the crop is wet, and studies carried out by the company suggest that it does not harm the soil or soil organisms.
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