Intellispread®: Precision aerial topdressing

Abstract

Aerial topdressing – the aerial application of fertilisers over farmland using specialist agricultural aircraft – is an integral part of New Zealand’s agricultural heritage. The procedure was born and developed there, so it makes sense that New Zealand researchers are behind much of its development. Dr Miles Grafton and Matthew Irwin from Massey University on North Island, believe that increasing the efficacy of aerial topdressing is possible by reducing the role of a currently crucial part of the procedure: the pilot.