WHAT’S NEW
Introducing Ag-Data driven agricultural decisionmaking Agri Technovation New Zealand (AT NZ) and Chengeta Crop Care have partnered up to deliver a sustainable and nutrient-optimising solution to local farmers. Based on the synergy between agriculture, science, and technology, Agri Technovation NZ’s holistic precision farming solution will enable farmers to make more timely and informed decisions based on scientific data, findings and recommendations. Charles Hurly, director of AT NZ, tells us more about this ground-breaking and empowering agricultural solution. “Would you drive a car without a fuel gauge? There’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears riding on a farmer’s harvest. It’s best to cut out as much guesswork as possible,” explains Charles. Fortunately, technological advances and the increasing integration of layered data with computer software into farming practices provide the answers. All your data in the palm of your hand AT NZ’s cloud-based solution enables farmers to visualise and manage previously complex and technical data to assist them with optimal decision-making at farm level. These systems combine data on weather patterns, soil, leaf, root results, moisture levels and more. These services culminate into informed crop nutrient recommendations given by AT NZ agronomists and horticulturalists, in consultation with the farmer, to develop a formula that will determine the best practice during each phenological stage of the cultivar, and record change over time. “The MYFARMWEB™ platform and app serves as an information repository centre for precision-based farming that allows for the transformation of raw data into visualised information, which can be used to formulate sustainable plans of action. Data and maps are layered and integrated, making it easy to view recommendations, best practice, and suggested products. Simply put, the system will allow you to know in a timely manner what actions to take to make your farming more sustainable, and make decisions that can lead to optimising returns,” says Charles. 74
The ORCHARDIST : MAY 2021
Charles Hurly (left), Director, Agri Technovation NZ and Rob Clarke (right), Chengeta Crop Care
Decisions based on precision A front-runner in the sphere of agricultural ‘internet of things’ (IoT), the AT NZ team is looking forward to sharing their unique big data solutions with producers in all the New Zealand regions. “We are particularly excited to share our ITEST™ CARBOHYDRATES analysis programme, where sugar and starch concentrations in leaves and roots are accurately and periodically monitored throughout the season. We have seen great success with this feature in the citrus industry and look forward to empowering other farmers and agricultural industries too. We have already started with the carbohydrate testing on a number of avocado orchards in New Zealand,” says Charles. Other sustainable features include the ITEST™ WATER and MYIRRIGATION™ solutions. MYIRRIGATION™ uses soil moisture probes to gain previously unseen insights on soil moisture levels by installing them in the correct soil type. “MYIRRIGATION™ is a cutting-edge decision support tool that also provides irrigation scheduling recommendations. Water can be used optimally and responsibly.” He goes on to explain that all chemical testing on samples is conducted by ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) accredited laboratories, leaving farmers free to focus on making the right decisions to observe incremental changes throughout the season – which, if acted upon, lead to optimal yields and improved quality. The AT NZ and Chengeta partnership aims to place these invaluable tools in the hands of hopefully all large and small producers across New Zealand. Visualisation of information gives management a call to action and is only a click away. For more information, visit www.agritechnovation.co.nz Enquiries can also be emailed to info@agritechnovation.co.nz
