Our Agronomic Approach
Science-Led Agronomy for New Zealand Commercial Farming
At DCT, our agronomic approach is built around practical on-farm performance, sound science, and New Zealand commercial farming systems.
Our products are developed to support farmers and growers operating under increasing pressure — rising fertiliser costs, tighter environmental expectations, and greater seasonal variability — by improving nutrient efficiency, soil function, and consistency of production.
We focus on outcomes that are defensible, repeatable, and grounded in agronomic reality, not marketing claims or one-size-fits-all solutions.
Clear Product Categories, Clear Agronomy
DCT products are deliberately designed to fit into two distinct agronomic categories, each addressing different on-farm needs:
1. Nitrogen Fertiliser Products
Some DCT products are formulated as urea-based nitrogen fertilisers, designed to supply plant-available nitrogen efficiently.
These products are used as a replacement for conventional urea applications, with a focus on improved nitrogen utilisation, consistency of response, and reduced nitrogen losses under risk conditions.
2. Nutrient Efficiency & Soil Function Products
Other DCT products are designed to support nutrient availability, soil function, and root-zone performance when used alongside fertiliser and crop protection programmes.
These products are not fertilisers. They are intended to help nutrients already present in the system perform more effectively, particularly where soil or environmental constraints limit uptake.
This clear separation reflects our commitment to responsible, science-led agronomy.
Working With Existing Farming Systems
Modern production systems are influenced by more than nutrient inputs alone. Crop and pasture performance is shaped by the interaction between:
Soil chemistry and structure
Biological activity in the root zone
Root development and nutrient access
Seasonal and climatic conditions
DCT products are designed to work within existing fertiliser and agronomy programmes, supporting system performance rather than attempting to replace established practices.
Sound agronomy remains essential. Our products are tools to support decision-making — not substitutes for it.
Where DCT Products Are Most Effective
Across both product categories, DCT products are most commonly used in situations where performance is constrained by efficiency or environmental factors, including:
High fertiliser cost environments where efficiency matters
Cold, compacted, or structurally limited soils
Early-season establishment challenges
Periods of plant stress (dry, wet, cold, or post-spray conditions)
In these scenarios, improving nutrient availability, nitrogen utilisation, or root-zone function can help stabilise performance and reduce variability across the season.
Purpose-Driven Use, Not Blanket Application
Our agronomic philosophy prioritises targeted, purpose-driven use based on known constraints and production goals.
DCT products are intended to:
Complement existing fertiliser programmes
Be applied where there is a clear agronomic rationale
Fit within an advisor-led nutrient and production plan
Clear use-cases and realistic expectations are essential for consistent, defensible outcomes.
Supporting Advisors and Commercial Growers
We recognise the importance of trusted agronomic advice in New Zealand commercial farming.
Our approach is built around:
Clear, explainable modes of action
Conservative, evidence-based claims
Practical guidance on when products should — and should not — be used
Support for trials, field evaluation, and case study development
Where appropriate, we also reference independent testing to support claims. For example, the Cawthron Institute has evaluated DCT products and reported reduced nitrogen leaching compared to conventional urea under the conditions tested. This independent evidence supports more efficient nitrogen use, while recognising that outcomes depend on soil type, climate, and management practices.
Our objective is to provide products that advisors can confidently recommend and growers can rely on under real-world conditions.
What DCT Products Are — And Are Not
DCT products are:
Designed to improve nutrient efficiency, nitrogen utilisation, or soil function
Compatible with conventional fertiliser and crop protection systems
Built for New Zealand commercial farming conditions
DCT products are not:
A replacement for sound agronomic management
A guarantee of performance in all situations
A justification for poor nutrient stewardship
A Practical, Systems-Based Approach
As farming systems continue to evolve, long-term performance increasingly depends on better use of existing inputs, improved efficiency, and informed agronomic decision-making.
DCT’s agronomic approach reflects this reality — science-led, practical, and aligned with the needs of New Zealand commercial farmers, growers, and advisors.