Crop.Zone

Based in Aachen, Germany, Crop.Zone was established in 2019 by CEO Dirk Vandenhirtz to provide agricultural solutions that reduce the need for chemical herbicides. The company has developed a 'hybrid herbicide' technology that combines an organically-approved conductive liquid (volt.fuel) with an electrical application (volt.apply) to control weeds and manage crop desiccation before harvesting. The process works by first spraying the plants with the conductive liquid to increase their conductivity and lower their resistance to electricity. Subsequently, an electrical charge is applied, which destroys the plant's water transport system and chlorophyll, causing it to dry out and die. This method is positioned as a sustainable alternative to non-selective herbicides like glyphosate and diquat.

The founder, Dirk Vandenhirtz, is a biologist and ecotoxicologist by training and a serial entrepreneur in the AgTech sector, having previously founded LemnaTec GmbH in 1998. His background in ecotoxicology and experience in developing agricultural technologies informed the creation of Crop.Zone, aiming to address the environmental impact of chemical herbicides. The company's business model involves providing its technology as a complete system that integrates with existing farm machinery, such as standard tractors and sprayers. The system is available to farmers and contractors through distribution partners, including Nufarm, Kamps de Wild, and fenaco. Revenue is generated from the sale of these systems and likely the accompanying conductive liquid.

Crop.Zone serves both conventional and organic farmers looking for effective, residue-free crop and weed management solutions. The technology is used for several applications, including pre-harvest desiccation in crops like potatoes and cereals, weed control, and managing cover crops. The company has received significant investment to scale its operations, including an $11 million funding round in 2022 to enter serial production and expand into new markets. Crop.Zone has also engaged in strategic collaborations, such as working with John Deere to develop a 24-meter wide system to cater to larger North American farms.

Keywords: electric weed control, hybrid herbicide, agricultural technology, sustainable farming, crop desiccation, herbicide-free, agtech, electrophysical plant control, volt.fuel, residue-free agriculture, pre-harvest treatment, cover crop management, glyphosate alternative, soil health, sustainable agriculture, NUCROP, farm technology, weed management, crop management, electrical weeding