text: Fertiliser technologies, are offering innovative solutions to the agricultural sector.
  Fertiliser replenishes soil nutrients depleted during crop growth cycles by providing key elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, poor application can lead to nutrient imbalances, so innovative fertiliser approaches are necessary to transition to more sustainable agricultural practices.
  Drones with high-resolution cameras and multispectral sensors are transforming how farmers monitor paddocks by capturing detailed images which reveals variations in crop health, soil conditions, and nutrient levels. The images help farmers identify specific areas requiring fertiliser, ensuring precise nutrient application and reducing the risk of over fertilisation.
  Ground-based robots, equipped with soil sensors, traverse fields collecting real time data on soil moisture, temperature, pH, and nutrient levels. Essential data is provided by robots for farmers to make an informed fertiliser application decision. For instance, if soil sensors detect low nitrogen levels, the robot can apply nitrogen fertiliser directly to a precise position, reducing waste and improving crop uptake.
  Nanotechnology is another promising innovation. Nanofertilisers, formulated with nanoparticles, enhance nutrient solubility, absorption and transport within plants. These nanoparticles release nutrients in response to specific environmental triggers, such as changes in soil moisture or pH.
  Adopting advanced fertiliser technologies can offer economic and environmental benefits for farmers by introducing a new level of efficiency on farms. Although some of these technologies are not yet commercially available in New Zealand, they offer an exciting glimpse at potential methods to make farming in New Zealand more efficient and sustainable.PGG Wrightson is keeping a close eye on these technologies, and always looks for innovative ways to work alongside farmers to help grow their farming operations.
  Contact your local PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative to discover more about fertiliser technology advancements.