Current traditional fertiliser application methods contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), nitrate leaching, and inefficient nutrient use. Tow and Fert’s innovative Fine Particle Application (FPA) technology provides a science-backed, scalable solution that:
✅ Reduces nitrogen inputs by 30-47% while maintaining or increasing yields.
✅ Decreases volatilisation and nitrate leaching, improving water quality.
✅ Supports corporate sustainability goals without sacrificing productivity.
By adopting Tow and Fert, corporate food producers and agribusinesses can meet sustainability commitments, enhance farm profitability, and future-proof their supply chains.
Scientific research from University of Canterbury, Massey University, and industry trials has proven that applying nitrogen in fine particle form significantly increases efficiency compared to traditional granular applications.
| Application Method | Nitrogen Efficiency (kg DM/kg N) | Nitrate Leaching (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Granular Urea | 10 kg DM | 2.1% |
| Fine Particle Urea | 19 kg DM | 0.92% |
| Fine Particle Urea + Agrotain | 23 kg DM | 0.04% |
Data sourced from “Urease inhibitor reduces N losses and improves plant-bioavailability of urea applied in fine particle and granular forms under field conditions” (Dawar et al.) 1 and additional field trials conducted by industry researchers that back up this data 2,3,4.
Switching to foliar-applied fine particle fertilisers means more nutrient uptake, less waste, and better environmental outcomes.
Traditional granular urea leads to nitrogen losses through volatilisation, increasing GHG emissions.
FPA technology delivers nutrients directly to plants, minimising loss and maximising efficiency.
Reduce GHG emissions & nitrogen runoff.
Align with regenerative and sustainable farming goals.
Help farmers reduce inputs and costs.
A proven, science-backed solution.
Less input waste, more productivity.
Simple implementation across regions.
Conventional nitrogen fertiliser use is a major contributor to agricultural GHG emissions, particularly through:
The increased Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) through foliar application results in key environmental benefits:
✅ Lowering N₂O emissions compared to traditional granular urea.1
✅ Reducing ammonia volatilisation, ensuring more nitrogen reaches the crop and less escapes into the atmosphere.1
✅ Minimising nitrate leaching, protecting waterways and reducing indirect emissions.1
The Tow and Fert system uniquely addresses the challenges allowing farmers to continue with thier using the granular fertiliser products that are globaly available and turning them into a more efficient foliar application. This results in costs saved for the farmers bottomline, while contributing to cleaner nutrient management practices.
Founded in Dannevirke, New Zealand, Tow and Fert has spent the last 20 years working alongside farmers, ensuring our technology is built for purpose and built to last. Our machines aren’t just fit for purpose, they’re the most reliable, robust, and capable liquid fertiliser sprayers in the world.
Innovative Technology, Built for Performance
Our patented technology seamlessly handles a wide range of inputs, including:
✅ Granular fertilisers
✅ Fine particle products like lime, gypsum, and mag-oxide
✅ Biologicals for soil health
✅ Small seeds for nitrogen-fixing legumes over-sown in one pass with fertiliser
Proven Globally, Trusted by Progressive Farmers
Tow and Fert is used across five continents, trusted by high-performing farmers, forward thinkers, and environmentally conscious companies looking for a scalable, efficient, and sustainable fertiliser solution.
Committed to Our Farming Communities
We stand with our farmers supporting education, discussion, and innovation in fertiliser application and nutrient input strategies. Our commitment is to empower users with knowledge and tools to maximise efficiency, profitability, and environmental stewardship.
Tow and Fert isn’t just a machine it’s a tool that offers farmers sustainable productivity at scale.
1. K. Dawar, M. Zaman, J.S. Rowarth, J. Blennerhassett, M.H. Turnbull (2011).
Urease inhibitor reduces N losses and improves plant-bioavailability of urea applied in fine particle and granular forms under field conditions.
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2. Crossley, C. (2017). Literature review of the use of fine particle fertilisers and application methods. Waituna Partners Group.
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3. Howells, N., & Little, T. (2022). European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Wales – Foliar feed for grassland. Business Wales.
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4. Schofield, P., Watt, N., & Schofield, M. (2013). Using humic compounds to improve efficiency of fertiliser nitrogen.
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