Andrej Porovic, chief executive of PES Technologies
Norfolk-based agri-tech company PES Technologies is paving the way in soil health innovation, being crowned Agri-Tech Innovator of the Year 2024 at the British Farming Awards, thanks to its groundbreaking handheld soil health testing device, a product set to revolutionise how farmers manage one of their most vital assets.
In-field soil health data
At the heart of this innovation is Andrej Porovic, chief executive of PES, who identified a major gap in the market after conversations with soil experts at the National Institute of Agricultural Botany. What followed was the development of a first-of-its-kind tool which provides farmers with instant, in-field data on more than a dozen biological, chemical and physical soil health indicators, all in just five minutes.
The device takes a soil sample from a depth of 5-15cm, which is then inserted into the unit and linked to a mobile phone. With the press of a button, the device delivers results in minutes, offering insights into microbial biomass, respiration, organic matter, water holding capacity and nutrient levels including nitrate, ammonium, phosphorus and potassium. It even provides details on soil texture and field water content, giving farmers a comprehensive overview to inform timely decisions.
Soil testing
Traditionally, soil testing relies on lab analysis, which can take several weeks, by which point, changing field conditions can render results obsolete. PES's innovation gives farmers control and immediacy, enabling them to act quickly to improve productivity and sustainability.
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What makes the technology especially remarkable is its ability to ‘smell' soil, using advanced sensors to detect biological activity, a process backed by Government grants and private investment. It is the first technology in the world to use this approach for soil analysis, and its applications reach well beyond farming, with cross-sector potential across the UK and globally.
Efficiency and sustainability
The judges were impressed by the product's ability to save both time and money, while enabling a more sustainable approach to land management. They hailed it as a ‘game-changer' for farmers navigating an increasingly complex agricultural landscape.
Reflecting on the win, Andrej said: "I am absolutely chuffed and surprised. To be recognised for what we have been doing is immense, when we started, this was just a pipe dream. Agriculture is going through massive changes, and in our way, we can help farmers. This award announces that we are here."
With PES Technologies leading the charge, the future of soil health, and by extension, farming, has never looked more informed.
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