Potato growers in the US, Australia and New Zealand are saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in fertiliser and irrigation costs from a new technology developed by scientists at New Zealand’s Plant & Food Research unit.

The scientists have developed the potato calculator, a decision support website that enables growers to optimise nitrogen and water use, as well as predict yield and maturity dates.

The unit's Peter Roborgh told potato industry members attending the 7th World Potato Congress in Christchurch, New Zealand, that the calculator considers application schedules for nitrogen and water, highlighting deficits or unnecessary surpluses as well as resulting yield, and is helping to take the guesswork out of crop management.

The calculator has been extensively trialled and is now being marketed by Plant & Food Research’s business unit, CropLogic. Roborgh, general manager of CropLogic, said the calculator has received an excellent response from growers and processors alike.

“Growers appreciate accurate input into optimal application schedules for fertiliser and water, as well as yield prediction,” he said. “Processors appreciate knowledge of crop size and the harvest dates for optimum quality and it helps with their planning in the factories.”

The calculator helps to satisfy mounting consumer expectations that food is grown in an environmentally accountable and sustainable way, according to Roborgh. Its accuracy in optimising production significantly reduces the potential for over-use of water and fertiliser.

The software underlying the calculator was developed by scientists at Plant & Food Research and it contains a simulation model that is based on a day-by-day understanding of how a potato crop grows and uses up soil supplies of water and nitrogen in response to daily local weather and other unique local factors. It guides the application of nitrogen and water to meet the optimal requirements of the crop, while reducing the risk of nitrogen leaching.

Topics