New potato technology saves growers thousands of dollars

Potato Calculator enables growers to optimise nitrogen and water use

AUCKLAND, 24th March 2009 Potato growers in North America, Australia and New Zealand are saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in fertiliser and irrigation costs thanks to new technology developed by
scientists at Plant & Food Research.

They have developed the potato calculator, a decision-support web-site that enables growers
to optimise nitrogen and water use as well as predict yield and maturity dates. 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 guess work out of crop
management Peter Roborgh told potato industry members attending the 7th World Potato
Congress in Christchurch, New Zealand, today.

The calculator has been extensively trialled and is now being marketed by Plant & Food
Research business unit, CropLogic. Peter Roborgh is CropLogic’s General Manager and
says 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 says. “Processors appreciate knowledge of crop size and the
harvest dates for optimum quality and it helps with their planning in the factories.”

Mr Roborgh says the calculator helps to satisfy mounting consumer expectations that their
food is grown in an environmentally accountable and sustainable way. 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.

For more information about the potato calculator

Peter Roborgh, CropLogic
Plant & Food Research
Tel +64 3 325 6400
Fax +64 3 325 6541
Email RoborghP@crop.cri.nz
www.potatocalculator.com

Media contact
Iona Boase,
Senior Communications Advisor
T: +64 6 355 6136
M: +64 274 737 080
F: +64 6 351 7050
Boasei@crop.cri.nz
www.plantandfood.com
The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited