Smart soil sensors could reduce environmental damage from fertilizers

The agricultural industry is a hotbed of scientific and technological innovation. Modern farms and other agricultural operations are very different from those of the past.
Professionals in this industry are often willing to adopt new technologies for a variety of reasons. Technology can help make operations more efficient, allowing farmers to do more in less time.
As the population grows, food production continues to increase, all of which depends on chemical fertilizers.
The ultimate goal is for farmers to limit the amount of fertilizer they use while maximizing yields.
Keep in mind that some plants require more fertilizer, such as wheat.

Fertilizer is any substance added to soil to stimulate plant growth and has become an integral part of agricultural production, especially with industrialization. There are many types of fertilizers, including mineral, organic and industrial fertilizers. Most contain three essential nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Unfortunately, not all nitrogen reaches the crops themselves. In fact, only 50% of the nitrogen in fertilizers is used by plants on farmland.
Nitrogen loss is an environmental problem as it enters the atmosphere and bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, streams and oceans. It is also worth noting that in modern agriculture, nitrogen fertilizers are most often used.
Some microorganisms in soil can convert nitrogen into other nitrogen-containing gases called greenhouse gases (GHGs). Increasing levels of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere lead to global warming and, ultimately, climate change. In addition, nitrous oxide (a greenhouse gas) is more effective than carbon dioxide.
All these factors can have a negative impact on the environment. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are a double-edged sword: they are essential for plant growth, but excess nitrogen can be released into the air and cause a number of adverse effects on human and animal life.
As more consumers adopt greener lifestyles, companies across all industries are looking to adopt more sustainable practices to make a positive impact on the environment.
Farmers will be able to reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers used in crop production without affecting the yield.
Growers can adjust their fertilization methods based on the specific needs of their crops and the results they want to achieve.