Crop.zone and Big Iron bring herbicide-free weed control to U.S.
Crop.zone and Big Iron bring herbicide-free weed control to U.S.
Electric crop management is an emerging alternative to chemical herbicides. It uses high-voltage electricity, combined with a conductive spray liquid, to disrupt plant cells and dry down or kill weeds and crops without synthetic chemicals. Unlike traditional chemical desiccation, this method leaves no residue and supports efforts to reduce pesticide use.
The technology was developed by German ag-tech company Crop.zone, and is marketed under the name Nucrop in collaboration with Australian crop protection firm Nufarm. Together, the companies aim to provide a viable replacement for Diquat, which was banned in the EU and UK in 2020. Nucrop has already won multiple innovation awards in Europe for its performance in potato vine killing and weed management.
Now, Crop.zone is expanding into the U.S. market through a partnership with Big Iron Equipment, a Wisconsin-based agricultural machinery dealer.
Focus on potato and specialty crops
Wisconsin is one of the U.S.’s most important potato-growing regions. Through Big Iron Equipment, local farmers will gain access to the Nucrop system, which has proven effective in potato desiccation, cover crop termination, and non-selective weed control.
How the Nucrop system works
The system uses a front-mounted sprayer to apply a patented conductive liquid—called Volt.fuel—before an electrical applicator passes over the crop. The liquid increases conductivity and efficiency, allowing the electric charge to effectively desiccate the plant.
- Application rate: 10 litres of Volt.fuel diluted in 300 litres/ha
- Operating speed: Up to 8 km/h
- Power source: Tractor PTO drives 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.
About Big Iron Equipment
Based in Plover, Wisconsin, Big Iron Equipment is a family-owned business offering a curated selection of modern ag machinery, including equipment from SPUDNIK, LS Tractor, and DEMCO. The company provides service and support tailored to specialty crop growers.
