Technology test drive - CROP.ZONE Integrated weed management

CROP.ZONE is a weed management system that combines application of conductive liquid with electricity. It can be used to terminate potato crops as an alternative to herbicide.

The system combines an ionic liquid with electricity. A 12m wide spray boom is attached to the front of the tractor, spraying the potato plants with “Volt.fuel” conductive liquid. The liquid contains a spreader and dissolved solutes, somewhat resembling a leaf fertiliser but without nitrate or phosphate.

Electrical energy is delivered using applicators attached to the rear of the tractor. The system works best if the soil is dry, as electricity passes preferentially through the wet tissues of the plant vascular system. The current collapses the vascular bundles, stopping water and nutrient supply to the plant leaves.

In Issue 02 of PotatoLink magazine, the details of how it works, what problems it solves and the cost vs benefits of CROP.ZONE are outlined.