In South Carolina, Clemson University researchers used field results to prove the effectiveness of a new sensor-based nutrient management plan that can reduce expenses and environmental impact. In three years of testing, the sensor-based nutrient management method applied 48 percent less nitrogen than farmers’ rule-of-thumb methods without affecting crop yields. The results showed savings ranged from $27 to $60 an acre and the plan is now available to cotton growers.
On-farm trials were conducted with six cotton growers in South Carolina. Using empirical field results to determine the optimal nitrogen inputs to achieve maximum yields, the researchers then used handheld, optical sensors to measure nutrient content within the plants. That information, along with planting date and historical yield data, was plugged into an algorithm to tell how much fertilizer should be added.
A version for corn growers and a smartphone app are in the works. The optical sensor costs around $500.