Boosting farm profits with innovative nitrogen sampling tech

By Scout Nelson

Kansas State University's Technology Development Institute (TDI) and the Agronomy Department have made an advancement in agriculture technology.

They've created a new, cost-effective way for farmers to maximize their profits and minimize environmental impact.

By reducing nitrogen losses through innovative 3D-printed sampling devices, this initiative is set to transform the way fertilizers are used in farming.

The issue at hand is the loss of nitrogen through ammonia volatilization, a process where up to 30% of nitrogen fertilizer can escape into the atmosphere. This not only impacts farmers' profitability but also the environment.

The new samplers, developed with support from a Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research grant, aim to tackle this problem head-on by enabling precise measurement of ammonia loss.

These devices, which do not require external power, are designed to capture ammonia in the air with acid-treated coils, allowing for an accurate assessment of nitrogen loss.

This method, known as the integrated horizontal flux approach, is crucial in understanding how different application timings and methods can affect ammonia volatilization.

Lucas Haag, Dorivar Ruiz Dias, Eduardo Santos, and Peter Tomlinson, the K-State research team, are at the forefront of this study. Their work spans across Kansas, aiming to provide a statewide analysis of soil types, nitrogen application strategies, and their impact on ammonia volatilization.

The collaboration with TDI was crucial in bringing this project to life. By refining the original sampler designs, the TDI team not only reduced costs but also simplified the deployment of these devices in the field.

This partnership highlights the potential of combining agronomy with engineering expertise to solve critical agricultural challenges.

This initiative is part of the K-State 105 initiative, aimed at fostering economic growth and advancement in Kansas.

Through the support of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Research and Entrepreneurship Federal Matching Grant Dollars Fund, TDI continues to contribute to the commercial readiness of new technologies, proving once again the power of innovation in agriculture.

Farmers stand to benefit greatly from this technology, which promises to enhance crop yields through more efficient fertilizer use, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and profitable agricultural sector.

Photo Credit -kansas-state-university