Innovation at Work: Creating plant sensors to determine fertilizer needs

Apr 18, 2023

Iowa State researchers have developed an innovative sensor that can measure the uptake of nutrients directly in plants without destroying the plants. The sensor takes readings of nitrogen levels that the plant is absorbing from the soil, and it works in just a few seconds. Since fertilizer is one of the highest costs for farmers, these sensors can help producers manage fertilizer application. The researchers launched EnGeniousAg to further develop the technology, which will also include a sensor that can be left in the plant for continuous monitoring.