Tech Reduces Nutrient Pollution

Published on by in Technology

Tech Reduces Nutrient Pollution

New farm technology reducing nutrient pollution

Eight farms in Kent and Queen Anne's counties on Maryland's Eastern Shore are using cutting-edge technology that will reduce nutrient pollution to the Chester River as well as its creeks, streams and groundwater. This technology pinpoints exactly where and how much fertilizer is needed on their crops — a big switch from the typical practice of spreading a uniform amount of fertilizer across fields and one that has the potential to change farming practices that endanger waterways.

The farms are participating in a three-year pilot project launched by the Chester River Association, an environmental non-profit organization, to restore the health of the Chester River by promoting sustainable nutrient management.

The technology, known as GreenSeeker, is a computer program that uses sensors on the fertilizer spreader to "read" plants' needs as the spreader moves through the field. The sensors then adjust the application of fertilizer to match plants' needs in real time.

Applying only the amount of fertilizer that can be used by the crop leaves less fertilizer on the field that can be washed into waterways during rain and storm events.

Newly released results from the project's first year show significant variability in the fertilizer needs of crops, not just from farm to farm, but within a field on the same farm. The first-year results also show comparable or better crop yield when compared to traditional farming practice.

"This technology is an important tool in reducing nutrient pollution and restoring the health of the Chester and the Chesapeake Bay," said Isabel Junkin Hardesty, Chester River Association's Riverkeeper.

Paul Spies, a third-generation farmer and Chester River Association's Agriculture Specialist, said, "This new, but proven technology with wider usage can have a significant impact on water quality not just in our watershed, but in the Chesapeake Bay. This technology is a ‘win-win' in that it will improve water quality and maximize profits for farmers."

"I've been concerned about pollution in the Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay, and GreekSeeker helps my operation grow a profitable crop while improving water quality," said Jonathan Quinn, a farmer in Kent and Cecil counties who used the new technology last year. "It was easier to use than I thought it would be. This works with technology we are currently farming with."

In 2014, six local farmers, working with the Chester River Association, mapped 17,900 acres of farm fields. Technical assistance was provided by CRA and by a precision agriculture computer software company, Agrinetix. Among the findings after the first year:

Mapping showed significant variation in crop nitrogen needs.

Source: MyEasternShore

 

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