The OVERSEER™ Nutrient budgeting software was developed by AgResearch to help farmers calculate the most efficient use of nutrients with the least environmental impact.
We did this in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Fertiliser Manufacturer Research Association and farmers.
OVERSEER™ calculates nutrient budgets for nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, sulphur, magnesium, sodium and calcium, as well as greenhouse gas emissions for methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide. In essence, it distills a wealth of scientific knowledge into a user-friendly tool that service agents and farmers can use to make effective nutrient management decisions.
Like Farmax™, OVERSEER™ is most effective when used with a consultant trained to interpret its output.
AgResearch regularly updates the program as new knowledge is developed. For example, CRI Capability Fund money is being used to advance capability in spatial modelling in order to use GIS information to manage nutrients at specific sites on individual farms better.
