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Irrigation sensors detect plant nutrients

Biochips in irrigation sensors can allow instantaneous transmission of data which can be used to adjust irrigation activity.

During the Jan. 13-17 International Conference on the Status of Plant and Animal Genome Research at the Town and Country Hotel in San Diego the Jan. 15 plenary session included a presentation by Iowa State University researcher Liang Dong titled "Agricultural Sensors and Biochips to Advance Plant Phenomics and Smart Agriculture".

Irrigation includes fertilizer as well as water. "If we apply too much then we basically waste the input costs," Dong said. "If we apply less we're going to lose yield."

Dong and his collaborators developed, at least in prototype form, a sensor utilizing a needle which can be inserted into a region of a plant. The sensor provides continuous measurement of nitrate level. "As you insert the needle into the plant immediately you've got information," Dong said. "This measurement is instantaneous."

The sensor/needle combination can be used to detect other elements the plant needs. "We can detect other interesting ions beyond nitrates," Dong said.

Dong's research also includes sensors with needles inserted into the soil rather than the plant. The sensors can also measure volatile organic compound emissions.

Dong notes that multiple sensors might not be the best option in an actual commercial operation. "You have to really consider costs," he said.

Author Bio

Joe Naiman, Writer

Joe Naiman has been writing for the Village News since 2001

 

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