To help farmers apply fertilizer more effectively, a Lakehead University researcher is developing a low-cost, high-tech device that provides real-time data on nitrogen loss – solving a long-standing challenge of balancing crop yields with environmental sustainability.
The research team has developed a prototype device, based on patented technology, that accurately detects gases such as nitrous oxide (N₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), ammonia (NH₃), and other nitrogen oxides released from fertilized fields. A specialized laser now in development will enhance its sensitivity and accuracy, giving farmers a clear, real-time picture of nitrogen loss to guide smarter fertilizer use.
By using affordable components from the telecommunications industry, the device is far more cost-effective than existing systems, making advanced monitoring accessible to farmers in Ontario and worldwide. The innovation offers multiple advantages: helping farmers boost yields and profits while using less fertilizer, reducing pollution, and potentially setting a new industry standard for nitrogen management. It also aims to provide scientists, agronomists, and policymakers with valuable data to inform fertilizer choices across different climates, optimizing plant growth and minimizing nitrogen loss.
For more information, visit Lakehead University.
