Jersey trialling machine to reduce fertiliser use

A machine which reduces the amount of fertiliser potato farmers use, is being trialled in Jersey today.

It's part of a project between the Infrastructure Department and the Action for Cleaner Water Group, to improve water quality.

In December, the States announced a five year plan to tackle high levels of nitrates, phosphates and pesticides.

Levels of carcinogenic nitrates in untreated water supplies in the island are among the highest in Europe.

The machinery sees a little bit of fertiliser planted with each potato, instead of it being sprayed across a whole field.

The Minister for Environment will be at the test in the Jersey Royal Company potato fields this morning.