On May 27, DELPHY successfully hosted its first webinar focused on the optimisation of nutrient management in potatoes, drawing attention from growers, advisors, and agricultural professionals across the sector. The session highlighted innovative strategies and digital tools to help farmers reduce nutrient inputs while maintaining high productivity.
The webinar was structured around five main themes:
- Current Seasonal Insights
Experts provided a real-time overview of the season’s conditions, including soil moisture levels, climate patterns, and potato crop development stages—factors that directly influence nutrient requirements. - Smarter Fertilisation with QMS Tools
The DELPHY team introduced the Quality Management System (QMS), featuring:- QMS Plant Advice: a tool that tailors fertilisation plans using field-specific crop data.
- QMS Water: an irrigation-aware module that aligns nutrient supply with water management strategies, promoting both efficiency and environmental care.
- Leaf Analysis: Data-Driven Decisions
The importance of leaf content analysis was emphasised as a key method to monitor plant nutrition during the season. This “measure-to-manage” approach allows for early identification of deficiencies and fine-tuning of nutrient applications. - Smart Tools from the Netherlands and Beyond
Participants were introduced to a range of emerging technologies such as:- Real-time nutrient sensors
- NDVI imaging via drones and satellites
- Decision support platforms based on long-term field data
These tools are already being implemented in both Dutch and international potato farms.
- Looking Ahead: The Future of Fertilisation
The discussion concluded with a forward-looking reflection on the role of digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and sustainability in shaping the next generation of fertilisation strategies. Participants shared their perspectives, highlighting the growing need for collaboration and data integration.
The webinar closed with a strong message: “Measuring is knowing, and knowing is growing.” Participants were encouraged to adopt data-driven fertilisation practices that reduce environmental impact and increase profitability.
DELPHY will continue this webinar series in the coming months, offering growers practical knowledge and tools to support precision agriculture in the potato sector.
Stay updated with upcoming webinars and tools by visiting our YouTube channel!
