As the agricultural sector grapples with stringent fertilization regulations and skyrocketing fertilizer prices, machinery manufacturers are stepping up to meet the challenge by developing innovative solutions for precise fertilizer application. Among these advancements is the concept of spot application during sowing, which promises to deliver “dots” of fertilizer rather than a continuous band. This method raises questions about farmers’ preferences and the ongoing debate between granular and liquid fertilizers.
Kverneland’s Pudama technique exemplifies this shift toward precision fertilization. The name stands for PUnktgenaue DüngerApplikation bei der MAisaussaat, or point application of granular fertilizers during maize and sugar beet sowing. Instead of applying starter fertilizer in a continuous band adjacent to the seed, the Pudama system delivers fertilizer in precise spots, both next to and beneath the seed. This is achieved through a conical, funnel-shaped brush that collects granules and expels them at the right moment using a burst of air. According to Kverneland, this method can achieve the same yield with up to 25% less starter fertilizer, thus optimizing resources. Since its initial tests in 2019, the Pudama system has been gradually rolled out, with limited availability in 2023 and broader access expected in 2024. Currently, four systems are operational in Germany, mounted on Optima TF Profi SX seeders, with the technology also compatible with other Optima models. The cost for this innovative system stands at €17,450 for an eight-row maize seeder.
In competition, Amazone has introduced its own solution, FertiSpot, which was unveiled at the Agritechnica trade fair for Precea seeders last fall. Due to Kverneland’s patent on Pudama, Amazone opted for a different approach, utilizing a rapidly spinning portioning blade to collect and release fertilizer granules at the correct moment during sowing. Like Kverneland, Amazone claims a 25% reduction in starter fertilizer usage for maize and sugar beet. Notably, FertiSpot is designed to group granules between sugar beet seeds, mitigating the risk of seed burn caused by fertilizer application. This technology is now widely available and can also be retrofitted, with an additional cost of €8,000 for a new eight-row seeder.
Monosem is also joining the race, developing its own spot application technique for starter fertilizers and microgranules. While specific details and launch timelines remain sparse, Monosem has announced plans to introduce spot application for liquid starter fertilizers by 2025.
The question of whether granular or liquid fertilizers are more effective remains a topic of debate. In countries like the Netherlands, granular fertilizers dominate, with farmers typically applying starter fertilizers during sowing. However, there is a growing interest in liquid fertilizers, particularly in regions like the United States, where systems such as CapstanAG SelectShot and John Deere’s ExactShot are gaining traction. These systems deliver a precise “shot” of liquid fertilizer near the seeds, raising questions about the relevance of granular spot application in different agricultural contexts.
Rick de Groot, Product Manager for Sprayers and Precision Seeders at Kverneland Group, notes that while granular fertilizers are still widely used in the Netherlands, there is an increasing interest in liquid alternatives like Entec. However, the application of liquid fertilizers in spots has not yet gained widespread adoption, often being applied in continuous bands instead.
Erwin Tessers, Business Unit Manager at Amazone, raises concerns about the economic viability of granular spot application for contractors. He points out that if a maize grower already has fertilizer on hand, contractors may not see any financial benefit from investing in new technology. In this scenario, he suggests that contractors should focus on the supply, logistics, and application of liquid fertilizers to maintain control and generate revenue.
Chris van de Lindeloof, Product Manager at Farmstore, echoes Tessers’ sentiments, emphasizing the logistical efficiency of liquid fertilizers. He highlights that liquid fertilizers are not affected by humidity, unlike granular options, although granular fertilizers tend to be slightly cheaper.
As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, the choice between granular and liquid fertilizers will be heavily influenced by the advice of consultants and the results farmers achieve in their fields. The push towards precision fertilization reflects a broader trend in agriculture, where efficiency and sustainability are increasingly paramount.