Paul-Tech’s growth stage prediction provides insight into the current developmental stage of the crop.
Unlike calendar-based estimations, growth stage data is based on actual growing conditions and the sowing date recorded in the Fieldbook. The system calculates accumulated active and effective temperature sums and assesses crop development accordingly.
Paul-Tech growth stage prediction is based on real-time measurements from the soil station, which records conditions directly at crop canopy level. This provides a more accurate and up-to-date overview of field conditions compared with calculations based on data from distant weather stations. Growth stage information is visible both on the dashboard and in detailed field view.
Why Is Growth Stage Monitoring Important?
Crop development does not progress identically every season. Two fields sown on the same day may develop at different rates depending on weather and soil conditions.
Growth stage prediction supports decision-making based on the crop’s actual condition rather than solely on calendar dates or routine practice.
Optimising Fertiliser Timing
At different growth stages, crops have different nutritional requirements:
- In early stages, emphasis is on root development and early vegetative growth.
- Later stages prioritise leaf biomass, flowering, and yield formation.
Growth stage data helps ensure fertiliser applications are timed to maximise nutrient uptake. This reduces the risk of applying fertiliser too early or too late, when nutrient uptake may be suboptimal.
Timing of Crop Protection Applications
Timing is critical when applying fungicides and insecticides.
- Application too early may result in protection declining before the actual disease or pest pressure occurs.
- Intervention too late may leave the crop already affected by damage.
Growth stage monitoring helps schedule crop protection applications when the crop is at the appropriate developmental stage and risks are genuinely present. This helps avoid unnecessary costs and repeat applications.
Less Guesswork, Greater Confidence
Experience is invaluable to the farmer. However, increasingly variable weather conditions mean that crop development does not progress at the same pace each year.
Growth stage information links practical experience with measured data, indicating whether the crop is ahead of schedule, on track, or behind typical development. This reduces precautionary field visits and operations carried out “just in case”, enabling more confident and data-driven decisions.
Monitoring Fields at a Distance
Growth stage information is accessible via the Paul-Tech system dashboard and detailed field view.
Before going to the field, you can assess whether the crop has reached the next development stage. This enables more efficient planning of field visits and operations, saving time, fuel, and resources.
Summary
Paul-Tech growth stage prediction connects measured field data with crop development and supports more precise timing of fertiliser and crop protection applications.
The result is better-timed operations, reduced reliance on guesswork, and greater confidence in decision-making throughout the growing season.