Page 19 - Green knowledge 2025

Photo: Erling Fløistad
New sensor tackles uneven fertilising
Norwegian farmers face challenges with non-uniform spreading of mineral fertiliser,
particularly on undulating fields. This has consequences for both the economy and the
environment. NIBIO is collaborating with entrepreneurs on new solutions.
Measurements show that centrifugal fertiliser
spreaders often apply too much fertiliser along
slopes and too little over hilltops, leading to reduced
yields and greater risk of runoff.
Entrepreneurs Ole Kind and Ole Mørch have devel-
oped a simple sensor that measures the tilt angle
between spreader and tractor, sending results to an
app. Together with NIBIO, they mapped the extent
of the problem and found that large areas of Norwe-
gian farmland may be at risk of uneven fertilisation.
“The more we worked on this, the more convinced
we became that these angles can have major conse-
quences for both farmers’ economy and the environ-
ment,” says Ole Kind from Soilmate. The sensor lets
farmers adjust the spreader and tractor angle in real
time, ensuring more even distribution – also on
steep terrain.
NIBIO has contributed advanced terrain analyses.
“According to our model, 35 percent of agricultural
land in Nannestad and 30 percent in Rakkestad has
uneven terrain that may affect fertiliser spreading,”
says researcher Svein Olav Krøgli. He sees great
potential in combining terrain data with knowledge
about environmental effects.
The innovation shows how cooperation between
industry and research can improve precision,
strengthen farmers’ finances, and reduce environ-
mental impacts.
Kind and Mørch are not finished in their quest for
more knowledge. Several future projects may explore
spreader settings, fertiliser type, and application
rates to further improve precision, strengthen farm-
ers’ finances, and minimise environmental impact
from Norwegian agriculture.
Purpose: To develop and test new technology for more precise and environmentally friendly fertiliser
spreading in Norwegian agriculture, in collaboration with industry partners.
Collaboration: Norwegian Agricultural Advisory Service, Yara, Felleskjøpet, Norwegian University of Life Sciences
Funding: Forregion Vestfold Telemark
Contact: Research Scientist Svein Olav Krøgli, Division of Survey and Statistics.
E-mail: svein.olav.krogli@nibio.no | Telefon: +47 469 20 837
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