Norfolk firm PES Technologies wins at British Farming Awards

PES Technologies, based in Diss, has developed a sensor system which can "smell" a soil's biological signature, allowing farmers and agronomists to carry out quick, cost-effective tests in the field without the need to send samples to a laboratory.

This instant soil health analysis can help farmers choose which crops to grow, and how to treat them.

The product is the brainchild of PES chief executive Andrej Porovic, who discovered a gap in the market following a meeting with experts from the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB).

The firm developed a handheld device which analyses small samples, scooped from the top 5-15cm of soil, detecting volatile organic compounds and small molecular gases.

Diss-based PES Technologies has developed an in-field sensor system which can ‘smell’ a soil’s biological signature (Image: PES Technologies) It is capable of providing in-field data on more than 12 key indicators of biological, chemical, and physical soil health in just five minutes.

Awards judges praised the "global potential" of the product, alongside the "cross-sector benefit for all UK based farmers". It saves time and money, and "takes a step in the right direction for the industry", they added.

After accepting the award, Mr Porovic said: "I’m absolutely chuffed and surprised. To be recognised for what we’ve been doing is immense - when we started this is was just a pipe dream.

"Agriculture is going through massive changes and, in our way, we can help farmers. This award announces that we are here."

The British Farming Awards highlights the achievements of pioneering farmers and industry professionals across all sectors through 15 categories including technology, science, food production and sustainability.

This year saw a record number of award entries, with the winners of each category crowned at an event in Birmingham on October 17.