Hi-tech system measures crop nitrogen from space
© GNP An innovative system that uses cutting-edge satellite imaging to precisely measure crop nitrogen could be a game changer for fertiliser planning on farms after promising results in 2024 trials.
The Messium nitrogen estimator uses a network of hyperspectral satellites to measure the nitrogen concentration within plants at a high spatial resolution, after which sophisticated computer modelling and artificial intelligence (AI) generates accurate nitrogen recommendations for growers.
This modelling takes into account factors such as nitrogen response curves, crop requirements at different growth stages, and the weather.
Messium chief executive George Marangos-Gilks, who was speaking at the Hutchinsons and AgriTech-E Connected Farming Conference, said unlike other satellite systems that focus on crop biomass – normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) – measuring nitrogen concentration is a far more effective way of preventing under- or over-fertilising crops.
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Hutchinsons and AgriTech-E Connected Farming Conference © Siafu-Comms
As part of 2024 trials, 1,000 physical crop samples from 47 farms across Europe were tested for nitrogen and biomass. This revealed half of the fields were over-fertilised by an average of 40%, and 39% were under-fertilised by an average of 28%.
“Globally, we’ve collected over 13,000 samples for lab analysis of biomass and nitrogen concentration, said George.
“Each sample has a unique GPS pin, which allows the data to be matched to the satellite image. The more times we do that, the more accurate and powerful our AI model becomes.
“In the future, we want to be able to give N recommendations without the need for sampling.”
Hyperspectral satellites offered greater accuracy than tractor-mounted sensors and were more cost-effective than drone-based imaging over large areas, he added.
Also, with a network of 15 hyperspectral satellites due to be operational in 2025, he said there was a greater chance of capturing a successful image on clear days than with most NDVI imaging, which typically used 2-4 satellites.
On-farm benefits
Last season, Messium conducted trials on 14 UK farms, with a clear benefit seen on 10 of those.
One farm that took part was the Helix East Anglia demonstration in Suffolk, hosted by Tom Jewers, where nitrogen response trials saw eight different rates examined, ranging from 0 to 250kg N/ha.
“Sampling of the Messium strip found it had luxury nitrogen, so we asked Tom to apply nitrogen to that strip 12 days later than the rest of the field,” George explained.
“This reduced the luxury nitrogen, so the crop was far more able to take up subsequent nitrogen applied.”
That was reflected in final yields. The Messium strip, which received 227kg N/ha in total, yielded 11.88t/ha – 0.5t/ha more than the next best, which did 11.3t/ha from 225kg N/ha. The farm standard plot of 200kg N/ha came in at 11t/ha.
Tom was impressed with the result, although recognised it was only one year’s data. If similar results were to be repeated in future seasons, it could be a game changer for fertiliser recommendations, he said.
Tom Jewers (left) and with his Hutchinsons’ agronomist Mike Greener © Hutchinsons
Farmers wanted for trials
Messium would like to expand its farm trials next season, and is looking for farmers who are willing to vary nitrogen rates in the most over- and under-fertilised areas of fields at different times through the season, and collect yield data.
Messium will provide:
- Nitrogen heat maps of the farm to help pinpoint areas with the greatest over- and under-fertilisation
- Independent sampling of 30-50 samples, three or four times throughout the season to ensure imaging data and model recommendations are accurate
- Timing and quantity recommendations for growers
- An end-of-season assessment of benefits for the entire farm.
“We’re asking farmers to make a small contribution towards the costs of running the trial, typically £300-£600,” George said.
“In return, we’re offering a £1,000 discount on using Messium in the future and also guarantee the Messium strip will deliver a 7% net improvement compared with the adjacent strip.
“If we don’t achieve that, we’ll refund the money.”
