Site-specific fertilisation of maize using variable nitrogen supply technology is gaining ground
The producers who attended the workshop held at the THESGI Cooperative in Larissa were informed about the benefits and advantages of site-specific fertilisation of maize using variable nitrogen supply technology.
The workshop took place in the context of the approved pilot project of the ‘KAL.LI.S.TI’ Operational Team, which is being implemented in the context of Measure 16 ‘Cooperation’ of the 2014-2022 Hellenic Rural Development Programme (RDP), on the initiative of the members of the ‘KAL.LI.S.TI’ Operational Team: the Goulandris Natural History Museum, the Institute of Industrial and Livestock Plants – ELGO Dimitra, the ‘THESGI’ Farmers’ Cooperative of Thessaly, GAIA EPICHEIREIN, and PRO DEPOT. The producers were briefed by scientists and researchers, as well as colleagues, who spoke in their own language about the site-specific fertilisation process in maize, using variable nitrogen supply technology.
Stamatis Stamatiadis: Reduction of surface fertilisation did not result in loss of crop yield or impact crop quality
The director of the Soil Ecology Laboratory at the Goulandris Natural History Museum’s Gaia Centre and the coordinator of the KAL.LI.S.TI project, Dr. Stamatis Stamatiadis, elaborated on the application of variable liquid fertilisation supply in maize (KAL.LI.S.TI project).
Speaking to “Ypaithros Chora”, Dr. Stamatiadis described the results obtained from the KAL.LI.S.TI project, stating that he was optimistic about the development of the project over the coming years.
Mr. Stamatiadis, what were the most significant results obtained from the KAL.LI.S.TI project?
The most important results concern the good operation of the robotic system for variable nitrogen supply in liquid form and its effectiveness in the fertilisation of maize crops in the area of Omorfochori. Variable supply is based on detecting plant robustness through active foliar sensors and calculating site-specific nitrogen needs through a scientifically valid algorithm.
The system was installed in the producer’s tractor and it applied fertilizer with reliability at a speed of 6-8 km/h, when the corn was at an initial stage of development (5-6 leaves) in mid-May. Site-specific fertilisation via variable supply resulted in redistribution of nitrogen doses within the field. As such, it achieved a 43% (on average) reduction in surface fertilisation compared to the producer’s uniform surface fertilisation on six maize crops (three crops per year). This decrease occurred without loss of crop yields in 2023 and without negative impacts on the quality of the corn.
The average dose of the variable flow rate in each field was close to the economically optimal dose of nitrogen and thus translates into a profit of 10-15 euros per stremma from the nitrogen fertiliser savings. Therefore, producers can adopt this variable supply system – if it is so close to the economically optimal dose – in other areas of the Thessalian plain. The benefit assessment does not include the cost of the technology; neither does not take into account the environmental benefits that arise from improved water quality or the subsidisation of the use of this technology by farmers participating in ecological organisations.
How do you see the project evolving in the coming years? Are there plans for further development?
The project team’s advantage is scientific knowledge on the topic of site-specific fertilisation, and it is the basis for research and development in the coming years. One area of interest is collaboration with cooperatives on adoption of the existing fertilisation technology by producer groups cultivating cereals and cotton, where our system has been tested. This would be followed by an investigation of the suitability of the technology for high added-value and tree crops.
The variable liquid fertiliser supply also enables nutrients, micro-nutrients and biostimulants to be sprayed onto the foliage, instead of into the soil. Technologically, we aim at system flexibility, so that it works with drone maps or satellite imagery, thus overcoming, in certain cases, reliance on ground foliar sensors. In the scientific field and in collaboration with U.S. research agencies, we plan to improve the prediction accuracy of site-specific fertilisation by integrating soil fertility into the spatial data algorithm.
Avraam Papadopoulos: Site-specific fertilisation is the future of surface fertilisation of crops
Producer Avraam Papadopoulos, who cultivates 45 hectares in Omorfochori, Larissa, attended the conference and referred to the advantages of variable fertilisation of maize, as he was one of the first to implement it. He stated that he felt vindicated in having implemented it and answered various questions from the audience, providing technical details of the cultivation process.
On the margins of the workshop, he spoke to ‘YX’ about site-specific fertilisation of maize and his excellent relationship with new technologies.
Mr. Papadopoulos, how did you decide to choose site-specific fertilisation for maize?
My concern and interest as a producer prompted me to look for the best possible yield at the lowest cost for my crop. Site-specific fertilisation is a process that solves the producer’s major problem in this matter. Following some discussions with the cooperative, we decided to proceed with this programme. The science of site-specific fertilisation confirms and fully corrects my thinking regarding the parcels I farm. That is, before using this method, and relying on experience, I used more fertiliser in problematic areas of my fields. Now, through this procedure, we administer the precise amount of fertiliser required by each plant.
Where did you learn about site-specific fertilisation?
I’d heard about it at some workshops, read about it in magazines, and many briefings from scientists. It was a great pleasure to implement it in my crops.
What results did you see in yield and quality?
I got the best possible results, in terms of both yield and economic footprint. We reduced the amount of fertiliser used by about 30%, combined with maximisation of yield. If we add that we achieved a reduction in our environmental footprint, with the smaller amount of nitrogen we used, contributing to environmental protection, then the final result is the best possible result: Maximisation of production, with savings and protection of the environment.
“We reduced the amount of fertiliser used by about 30%, combined with maximisation of yield.” – Avraam Papadopoulos
As far as quality is concerned, the programme leaders informed me, following their analyses, that it was exactly the same as the quality achieved with conventional fertiliser.
Would you recommend it to other producers?
I would recommend this, without reservation, to everyone. It is the future of surface fertilisation of crops.
What is your relationship with new technologies? Do you use them? And if so, which ones?
My relationship with new technologies is excellent. I have seen – not just in theory, but also in practice – that there is no way around using these technologies. I try to use them as much as possible in fertilisation, in soil treatment and in cultivation methods. Of course, we are at an early stage, but gradually their use will become more frequent.
