750340New & novel method for cleaning mud from root cropsClosedVouchersInnovate UKWe manufacture crop harvesting, cleaning & sorting equipment, mainly for root crops including potatoes. These crops often carry heavy soil deposits and dried on mud can be particularly difficult to wash off. For stubborn, heavy clay based dried mud, washing costs can exceed crop value. We have established a new method to remove these stubborn deposits and we are characterising the process to allow optimisation for commercial purposes. We will work with independent experts to assess the concept process and confirm the scientific principles and mechanisms in operation. We will then scope out further research and development activities. This new process will enable us to offer an enhanced washing technology that should be more cost effective and potentially faster than current technology, especially for stubborn mud deposits. This would enable us to offer processing cost savings to customers and facilitate greater crop choice for heavy clay soils.