Detecting nitrogen in crops from space is the subject of a webinar planned for January 29th.
Covering cutting-edge technology, it will explore the potential opportunities of hyperspectral satellite imaging for optimising fertiliser use. Farmers involved in a commercial pilot have seen an average 29% improvement in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).
As the only satellite technology able to detect the specific wavelengths required for remote crop nitrogen analysis, hyperspectral imaging has ‘game-changing potential’ believes UK agri-tech start-up Messium, which is co-hosting the webinar with The British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN).
“Previous generations of satellites couldn’t detect nitrogen in the crop – only biomass,” notes Messium CEO George Marangos-Gilks. “Hyperspectral satellites are able to do both making this a game changer for farmers wanting to make best use of nitrogen applications.
“What’s more, commercial hyperspectral satellites are now available at scale, meaning that the value is there for farmers now.”
Integrating this data with leading crop growth models and real-time weather information, gives farmers actionable insights to improve the NUE of their crops, he explains.
The virtual event will explain the science behind the technology and optimal fertiliser use. Attendees will also hear from one of the forty farmers involved in Messium’s 2024 commercial pilot. “This led to an average uplift in profit of 7%, where the technology was correcting under-fertilisation, and 12% where cropped areas had previously been over-fertilised,” adds George.
Tom Allen-Stevens, Founder of BOFIN said: “It’s essential that farmers can make best use of the latest technology if they are to increase productivity and sustainability in 2025 and beyond. Satellite technology has become part of the toolkit for UK farmers seeking precision application, so hyperspectral imaging should be of huge interest to those wanting to take their production to the next level.”
To register or for more information visit www.tinyurl.com/messiumwebinar
