From data to decision: how VisualNACert digitalises potato growing

This capability is key to improving crop profitability, both agronomically and financially.

All of this information stays traced in a way that is secure, accessible and useful.

Satellite technology to understand the crop

One of the pillars of the project has been satellite monitoring through the NDVI index (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index), which measures crop vigour across the cycle. Using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, Visual makes it possible to follow the state of the crop remotely, continuously and objectively.

This year, for example:– In the 2025 trial field (Medina del Campo), with the Corinna variety, peak NDVI was reached on 14 July.– In the 2024 trial, with the Donata variety, that value was reached on 24 July.

These NDVI peaks are more than a figure: they are key points for reading the crop cycle. From there, behaviour models can be established by variety, area or climatic conditions.

NDVI biofix: knowing when to harvest, precisely

In farming, anticipating is winning. The so-called "NDVI biofix" consists of identifying the moment the crop reaches maximum vigour (peak NDVI) in order to detect the transition towards physiological maturity.

This value, obtained remotely, makes it possible to forecast the harvest date more precisely, adjust field operations in advance, optimise logistics and reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the final quality of the product.

In farming, anticipating makes the difference.

Intelligent irrigation recommendation with NDVI and SAVI

Another of VisualNACert's technological contributions to the project has been irrigation recommendation based on satellite indices such as NDVI and SAVI (Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index).

Both indicators measure the crop's real vigour, which is directly related to its level of transpiration and its water requirement. From those values we generate precise recommendations that make it possible to:

Compare to improve: 2024 vs 2025 analysis

Thanks to NDVI monitoring and the records held in the Visual system, we can compare behaviour by variety, year and conditions. For example:

This comparison makes it possible to tune models and future decisions with more information, greater precision and less risk.

Partners on the MeléndezXOrigen 2025 project

On the MeléndezXOrigen 2025 project, VisualNACert has shared the field and its objectives with a broad group of specialist agricultural companies. Each has contributed its experience, technology and products to maximise the potential of the potato crop at every stage.

• Aerobur – Drone solutions
• Agrocontrol Iberica – Certification, auditing and inspection
• Corteva Agriscience – Plant nutrition and health
• Europlant – Seed potatoes
• Fertinagro Biotech – Technological and sustainable fertilisers
• FMC Agricultural Solutions – Pest monitoring and control
• O2 Agricultura – Innovation in agricultural products
• Omawa – Carbon footprint calculation
• Plant Health Care – Natural biological solutions
• Riegos del Duero – Irrigation equipment
• Seipasa – Naturally based crop protection products
• Tajada Barrio / Crop.Zone – Electric herbicide and desiccant

Conclusion: more data, better decisions

Applying technology to farming is not merely a trend: it is a necessity. On projects such as MeléndezXOrigen, we show that agricultural digitalisation delivers real benefits:

At VisualNACert we carry on working so that every grower can manage their farm more efficiently, more profitably and on the basis of data.

Because the future of agriculture is built as a team. And we are here to make it possible, alongside the people who work it every day.