French manufacturer, Sky Agriculture (formerly Sulky) has won a Silver Agritechnica 2025 innovation award for its latest FertiEye system.

FertiEye is an image analysis system which automatically adjusts fertiliser spreaders to the product actually within the hopper for accurate application.

The system takes a representative sample and mechanically separates the fertiliser granules. An image is then taken in shape and colour which is then analysed with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Unlike other image analysis systems, an algorithm then precisely measures the morphological characteristics of each granule’s diameter, angularity, size distribution, etc – to establish individual granuale size. Based on this data, FertiEye calculates the ballistic parameters and automatically sends the correct settings to the spreader, via Wi-Fi within as little as five seconds.

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Calculating a products max spreading width

The tool can also be used to anticipate the maximum spreading width achievable of any given product.

In addition, Sky has said that in theory, farmers will have the ability to analyse a fertiliser product before it is purchased from the merchant. Through the FertiEye system, a quick photo taken of the product using a smartphone will return information on the fertiliser characteristics in seconds.

Once the image has been taken and analysed the correct settings are sent to the spreader via wifi.