Satellites measures wheat nitrogen in the field

Scientists have developed an accurate method for using satellite imagery to test nitrogen concentrations in wheat.

Hyperspectral satellite crop analysis has successfully used to test nitrogen concentrations in thousands of wheat samples in the field. The samples were measured by agri-tech start-up Messium and verified by Eurofins Agro Testing.

It is the first time the nitrogen concentration of wheat has been measured in this way, and, to prove our concept, we partnered with Eurofins to validate our solution on a global scale,” said Messium’s Spencer Terry.

Machine learning

Results from the hyperspectral satellite analysis were compared to conventional near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) laboratory tests. There was “demonstrated parity” between the methods, said Mr Terry.

“Test results are confirming our expectations, helping validate our technology and refining our machine learning model. We are confident that we’re on track to reach a 90% accuracy level compared to lab tests, accelerating our commercial readiness,”

Measurements from the tissue samples have been integrated into Messium’s database, allowing its machine learning model to validate satellite insights against the high-fidelity tissue sample measurements.

“With every comparison our system learns more about how the nitrogen concentration and biomass of a sample relate to the satellite imagery, which is helping it to learn, explained Mr Terry.

Benchmark

“Test results from Eurofins are key for the final step in our research and development process, which is validation at scale, following this we will no longer need to benchmark our results with those of a laboratory.”

Using the nitrogen concentration and biomass figures the images can be used to ascertain the health of a wheat crop – and to calculate how much nitrogen has been used, and may be needed, to optimise the crop.

“Our technology provides a precise way to measure crop nitrogen levels and requirements to help farmers apply the right amount, in the right places, at the right time,” said Mr Terry.

Eurofins’ Shane Brewer has been managing the project and processing the thousands of tests. Tests could be run on any crop using a Dumas nitrogen analyser to test the nitrogen concentration of the sample, he said.

“These results represent a very positive outcome for this new technology and validate its accuracy as an alternative way to measure crops in the future,” he says.

New structure for precision services

Agrovista has announced the promotion of Graeme Barrett to National Precision Services and Rural Consultancy Manager.

Graeme managed Agrovista’s Precision services and spearheaded the creation and introduction of Insight, Agrovista’s digital platform for agronomy data, precision mapping tools and farm data management solutions.

Insight also houses the company’s new software for soil and nutrient management plans that account for a large share of Agrovista’s Rural Consultancy business, so Graeme’s move to manage both divisions is seen as a natural fit.

Day-to-day operations of the Precision department will be managed by Rich Dulake, who has been promoted to Precision Services Technical Manager.

Graeme will be joined by Lewis Butlin, who has been promoted to the post of Rural Consultancy Technical Manager. He will guide the consultants and sales teams through farming incentive schemes in England and shortly in Scotland, whilst keeping an eye on developments in Wales.

Better information needed for decision-makers

Lack of clear and information is holding back farmers from investing in anaerobic digestion, conference delegates heard.

This was holding back early stage research and decision making, both for farmers and the wider community. The NNFCC is working with the industry and local and national Government, hoping to address this issue.

Gary Hague (pictured right), from Biolectric, which helped coordinate the conference, said: “All the farmers at the summit who have installed small-scale AD plants declared that the technology is a ‘no-brainer’ for their business and they would do it again.

“We need to give confidence to the wider farming community to adopt this technology and, in turn, create a more circular farming system that builds on-farm resilience and supports the net zero agenda.

“It was fantastic to hear from North Yorkshire Combined Authority, who supported the Askham Bryan College AD plant, about their ambitions in this area and we hope other local authorities will follow their lead.”