The Paul-Tech soil station has been upgraded to measure nitrogen availability in real-time.
Working on a per hectare basis, the company states that this is the first time this data will be available through a reliable and proven nutrient-monitoring system.
It takes into account the amount of nitrogen applied as fertiliser, as well as naturally occurring nitrogen, to calculate the level available to plants.
The system works by monitoring and analysing the differing behaviour of anions and cations in the soil to measure the movement of nitrogen.
According to Eve Plakk, Paul-Tech’s product manager and co-founder, the development is a direct result of feedback from Paul-Tech’s clients.
“One of the most frequently asked questions from our clients has been whether it’s possible to see nitrogen quantities in kilograms per hectare.
“We’ve now reached a point in product development where we can show this – and not just total nitrogen, but the portion that is actually accessible to plants.
“This has generated great excitement among both current and potential customers. It’s a major step toward ensuring every fertilisation decision is informed and justified.”
Mikk Plakk, chief executive of Paul-Tech, added the ability to monitor nitrogen in real time is ‘globally unique’.
“Various sensor technologies have been tested in the past to measure nitrate nitrogen in situ, ranging from multispectral cameras (NIR technologies) to ion-selective electrodes.
“But none of these solutions have proven reliable in real agricultural soils – they require frequent recalibration or only function within a very narrow moisture range.
“However, we can now collect this data and incorporate it into the graph view within our system. The NO₃-N graph is a powerful tool to help farmers decide whether fertilisation is needed at all, and if so, when.
“As a result, it provides vital insights into the precise nitrogen requirements of crops and can drive significant efficiencies within a farm business.”
For more information go to www.paul-tech.com