The future of farming may lie beneath the surface. In the rolling hills of Austria’s Mühlviertel region, a new approach to fertilization is gaining traction, promising to reduce fertilizer use, minimize environmental impact, and potentially offer farmers greater independence from volatile global markets. The method, known as Cultan, involves injecting nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer directly into the soil, close to plant roots, creating localized “depots” of long-term nourishment.
For decades, conventional agriculture has relied heavily on widespread application of synthetic fertilizers. While effective in boosting yields, this practice has drawn criticism for its potential to pollute waterways and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Thomas Neudorfer, of Agrarservice Neudorfer in Peilstein, is championing Cultan as a more sustainable alternative. He’s collaborating with MR-Liquid Power GmbH, based in Lower Austria, to refine and implement the technique. The core principle of Cultan – which stands for “Controlled Uptake Long Term Ammonium Nutrition” – is precision. Instead of broadcasting fertilizer across fields, it delivers nutrients exactly where plants need them, reducing waste and maximizing efficiency.
A Shift to Targeted Nutrient Delivery
“With Cultan fertilization, modern liquid fertilizer injections create nitrate-free, long-term fertilizer depots under the earth’s surface, about seven centimeters below the ground, directly at the plant root,” explains Neudorfer. “This makes the process a particularly sustainable and precise fertilization method.” The benefits, he says, are multifaceted. Farmers using Cultan can reduce their overall fertilizer consumption by 15 to 20 percent, and the targeted application minimizes nutrient runoff, protecting local ecosystems. The slow-release nature of the depots is particularly advantageous during periods of drought, ensuring plants have access to essential nutrients even when rainfall is scarce.
Beyond Sustainability: Time and Cost Savings
The Cultan method isn’t just about environmental responsibility; it also addresses practical concerns for farmers. “The plants don’t simply absorb nitrogen from the water in the soil with Cultan fertilization; their roots must first ‘grow’ towards the depot,” Neudorfer explains. This process reduces leaching after rainfall, making the fertilization more environmentally friendly and soil-conserving. The system is deployed using specialized equipment towed behind a tractor, and Neudorfer notes that the fertilizer itself is sourced locally from Chemie Linz, reducing transportation costs and reliance on international supply chains. According to reports, a significant benefit for farmers is the time saved, as Cultan fertilization requires only one application per growing season and can be performed regardless of weather conditions.
From Root Pest Control to Innovative Fertilization
Interestingly, the Cultan method wasn’t initially conceived as a fertilization technique. Neudorfer explains that it evolved from efforts to combat root pests, specifically Engerlings (larvae of click beetles). “The Cultan fertilization actually developed from Engerling control,” he says. Early efforts involved using a cultivator to till the soil and plant a fungus-resistant grain to suppress the pest population. This groundwork laid the foundation for the precise fertilizer delivery system now known as Cultan.
Understanding the Cultan Process
The Cultan system utilizes a specialized injector that places the liquid fertilizer directly into the root zone. This contrasts with traditional methods where fertilizer is spread across the field surface and relies on rainfall or irrigation to move nutrients into the soil. The ammonium-based fertilizer used in the Cultan process is designed for controlled release, providing a sustained supply of nutrients over an extended period. This minimizes the risk of nutrient loss through leaching or volatilization, improving fertilizer use efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
What is Cultan?
Cultan stands for “Controlled Uptake Long Term Ammonium Nutrition,” representing a shift towards a more sophisticated and sustainable approach to plant nutrition. The method aims to provide plants with a consistent and readily available supply of nitrogen, optimizing growth and yield while minimizing environmental harm.
Farmers interested in learning more about Agrarservice Neudorfer can find information on their Facebook page.
The adoption of Cultan represents a broader trend towards precision agriculture, where technology is used to optimize resource use and improve farming practices. As concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability grow, innovative approaches like Cultan are likely to play an increasingly important role in ensuring food security while protecting the planet. The next step for Neudorfer and MR-Liquid Power GmbH is continued refinement of the technique and expansion of its application across a wider range of crops and soil types.
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