Fertiliser technical manual a first for OVERSEER®
The latest version of OVERSEER® Nutrients Budgets (6.1.3) has been released this week, accompanied by the first-time
release of technical material covering fertiliser, as well as updated advice for users on data input.
The Fertiliser Chapter of the OVERSEER® technical manual will be welcomed by researchers, farm consultants and
fertiliser industry representatives says OVERSEER® General Manager, Caroline Read.
“OVERSEER® is a well-regarded vehicle for guiding farmers in nutrient management, but we know there is a lot of interest
in the farming sector about how it runs under the bonnet.
“Releasing a technical manual ensures users of OVERSEER® have accurate information about what the model does and the
methods and data which support it.
“Getting the chapters published is a lengthy process to make sure all the scientific information is made available, but
the release of the Fertiliser Chapter is very timely given the increasing emphasis on nutrient management and farming
within limits. We know farmers want advice based on sound science, so now farmers and farm advisors can see this for
themselves.”
Lead Developer, David Wheeler says the technical manual is being written with full disclosure in mind.
“The intention is for each chapter to clearly set out the methods and data used and to provide an accurate description
of the model as implemented.”
Fertiliser product lists have been updated in the latest release of the software, and these are also reflected in the
new Fertiliser Chapter of the technical manual.
Also released with OVERSEER® 6.1.3 are notes on the changes made, and an updated version of the Best Practice Data Input
Standards.
Caroline Read says the latest version of OVERSEER® is supported by updated information so users are clear about what is
new and why.
“The Release Notes outline the changes made, in this case bug fixes, and the updated standards ensure that our guidance
remains relevant. While we still have a list of bugs that were not able to be included in this release, we are working
through that list and working on our supporting information to ensure users know where we are at.”
The Fertiliser Technical Manual Chapter, the Release Notes and the updated Best Practice Data Input Standards are now
available for download from our website: www.overseer.org.nz
ENDS