Optimizing nitrogen fertilizer in agriculture

Introducing Messium

Messium is a UK-based precision agriculture company optimizing wheat growth and fertilizer use across the globe. By monitoring crop health, and leveraging hyperspectral satellites and state-of-the-art crop growth models, Messium helps farmers apply the minimal necessary fertilizer to maximize the growth of the crop and reduce the impact on the surrounding environment, all while optimizing farmer profit.

Addressing the problem – Fertilizer Overuse

Determining the optimal amount of nitrogen fertilizer to enhance wheat yields is a difficult task. Fertilizer overuse is a common problem, resulting in increased nitrous oxide emissions (273x more damaging per tonne released than carbon dioxide) and reduced farm profits.

The pre-fertilizer map to the left displays homogenous crop nitrogen distribution as yellow. Meanwhile, the post-fertilizer map to the right shows areas of over-fertilization in red.

Messium detects excess nitrogen concentrations (red) in real-time with laboratory-level precision, allowing customers to tailor fertilizer use with less manual effort, reducing nitrous oxide emissions and increasing farm profitability.

Choosing Wyvern for Hyperspectral Data

For Messium and its customers, space-based hyperspectral data represents a paradigm shift in what is possible within agriculture. Decades of academic research have generated advanced crop growth modelling and weather forecasting. However, commercial obstacles have limited implementation,  including access to frequent, affordable, accurate and scalable crop monitoring. High-resolution hyperspectral satellite imaging from Wyvern helps bring this research to reality, enabling companies like Messium to build real solutions. For Messium, the ability to offer a cutting-edge, data-driven solution using Wyvern hyperspectral data has improved their offerings and created opportunities for further growth and innovation.

Working with Wyvern

“What we value most about working with Wyvern is their commitment to innovation and collaboration. Their hyperspectral imaging technology is truly state-of-the-art, providing the high-resolution, accurate data we require to enhance our product offering.”  – Vishal Soomaney Vijaykumar (CTO, Messium)

“Wyvern’s responsiveness and willingness to work closely with us to tailor their solutions to our specific needs has made them an invaluable partner in driving forward our mission to optimize nitrogen use in agriculture.” – Peter Jupp (Operations Manager, Messium)

Creating a Better Earth from Space

“What excites Messium most about creating a better earth from space is the transformative potential of hyperspectral technology. By monitoring crop health and nitrogen levels remotely, we can make agriculture more sustainable, reduce waste, and optimize resources globally.”- George Marangos-Gilks (CEO, Messium)

“The idea of using advanced satellite data to support farmers and help feed the world while protecting the environment is truly inspiring. The impact of hyperspectral imagery extends beyond agriculture, driving innovation in sectors such as environmental monitoring, mining, and even urban planning. It’s an incredible fusion of innovation and nature, all viewed from the unique perspective of space.” – Spencer Terry (Go-to-Market Lead, Messium)

About the Wyvern Customer Testimonial Program

Early adopters of Wyvern Dragonette hyperspectral data are developing new solutions and extracting valuable insights across numerous industries. Wyvern is proud to present an opportunity to amplify the stories of our early adopters and their hyperspectral solutions to a broader audience. The Wyvern customer testimonial program highlights early adopters and their real hyperspectral solutions, sharing value with the Earth Observation community and beyond.