Rational Fertilization with the Help of Specialized Software Developed by AUA

Dr. Dimitris Savvas, professor and director of the Laboratory of Vegetable Production at the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), spoke to YX about how special software developed by the lab has been applied by the producers of the Psari Agricultural Cooperative, located in Psari Forada, Heraklion, Crete. The initiative is part of the DSS Kipeftikon Operational Group under Measure 16 ‘Cooperation’, coordinated by Gaia EPICHEIREIN.

As he explained, the program revealed that the cooperative’s producers – who mainly grow cucumbers, most of which are exported – were unknowingly using much larger quantities of fertilizers than necessary.

“There was massive over-fertilization. We measured extremely high concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil, indicating excessive fertilization without any regulation. Each person applied whatever they thought best,” noted Dr. Savvas.

Could you describe the program for us?
The program aims to help the cooperative’s producers make rational decisions about crop fertilization based on plant needs. This is done using a software tool developed at AUA. By inputting data such as soil analysis results and the chemical composition of irrigation water, the software provides comprehensive guidance for fertigation in both soil-based and hydroponic cultivation systems.

Was the software developed specifically for this program?
The software was developed by our lab. We have also launched a spin-off company within AUA to commercialize this innovation. Farmers can use the software through a subscription service costing approximately €150 to €200 per year, depending on the plan. Psari Cooperative producers are currently using it free of charge as part of the program.

Did you make any adaptations?
Yes. In collaboration with the farmers – and having gained an understanding of their specific requirements – we tailored the existing software to meet the cooperative’s needs. For example, they asked if they could continue using a specific fertilizer they were accustomed to.
We then conducted pilot tests on two types of cultivation: hydroponic and soil-based. Both were very successful. In both cases, we observed a significant reduction in fertilizer use. In hydroponics, there was even an increase in yield. These were last year’s results. We are now in the second year, and the new pilot is underway. Meanwhile, all members of the cooperative have been given access codes to use the software. The program concludes this summer.

And are they actually using it?
Yes, absolutely. And we expect more producers to adopt it as they come to understand and learn how it works.

Did the lab draw any conclusions from this process?
Certainly. What we found was a massive overuse of fertilizers. Extremely high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were detected in the soil – showing there was no control. Everyone was applying what they thought was right.
This not only increases costs for the producer but also harms plant health and ultimately affects production. Excess fertilization raises soil salinity, which can become toxic to crops.
For us, this was also an opportunity to test new features and gather valuable, real-world insights from farmers. We collected critical parameters that were then integrated into the software. It was a very important process of mutual exchange.

So, there is room for improvement in the software as well?
Absolutely. It’s not a closed system – it’s constantly evolving and being enriched with new functions to make it more user-friendly and adaptable to special cases.
For instance, one farmer wanted to cultivate stamnagathi (a local wild green).

Additionally, the software can also integrate with automated irrigation management. It can be adapted to a variety of vegetable crops, as well as ornamental plants such as cut roses, gerberas, carnations, and chrysanthemums.

Through our company, we also have users cultivating ornamental flowers.