Nitrogen management research and robotics aim to reduce agricultural environmental impact

New research and technological developments are offering pathways for farmers to optimize nitrogen use, aiming to balance agricultural production with environmental protection.

Research led by Dr. Garima Lakhanpal, conducted in Ireland and supported by the University of Waterloo and Teagasc, focuses on nitrogen dynamics in intensive dairy systems. Findings suggest that combining restricted-duration grazing with reduced inorganic and organic nitrogen inputs can reduce nitrogen leaching by 40 per cent and ammonia losses by 24 per cent.

In Canada, agricultural trials are exploring the use of autonomous technology to manage nitrogen. Farmers are testing small, liquid nitrogen microdosing applicators developed by Upside Robotics. These robotic implements are designed to travel through corn rows to dispense liquid UAN throughout the growing season, potentially improving profitability by optimizing nutrient application.