4. Mobile App: Synthesizes data and delivers actionable insights and predictions, providing growers with the most up-to-date information and alerts for critical thresholds. Agrology is dedicated to supporting growers with the tools they need to succeed while protecting the planet’s sustainability. Its predictive platform offers real-time monitoring and insights, helping farmers address challenges efficiently. Agrology and its partners received approximately $5 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants for climate-smart agriculture, recognizing their ability to quantify regenerative practices and monitor greenhouse gases and soil carbon respiration in real time. The Bigger Picture: Carbon Capture and Soil Intelligence Removing CO₂ from the atmosphere primarily depends on two things: plants and soil biology. Plants absorb atmospheric CO₂ via photosynthesis and transport that carbon into the soil as the root exudates through the liquid carbon pathway. From there, the soil microbiology digests and processes that carbon into forms that are increasingly difficult to decompose. Eventually, the carbon reaches a state of recalcitrance, meaning that it has entered into long-term storage in the soil. Increasing soil organic matter also increases the labile, and subsequently the recalcitrant carbon fraction. Additionally, increasing the soil carbon content also enhances the productivity and water retention of the soil. Our understanding of soil is crucial. Cutting-edge science and technology are needed to measure and interpret soil properties, known as soil intelligence. This information helps farmers make cost-saving decisions about soil treatments and crop management, maximizing efficiency and sustainability. “Carbon sequestration is a key focus of climate-smart agriculture, but soils that are rich in microbiology and life offer so much more to farmers than just carbon. Healthy, biologically active soils fuel increased nutrient availability, better water infiltration and holding capacity, which help increase profitability by reducing input costs. Just as importantly, a healthy soil microbiome improves crop quality and resilience,” Dubbe explains. "The agriculture industry is uniquely positioned to combat climate change. Farmers, as stewards of the land, are driven to maintain healthy soil, native vegetation and water bodies."
Introducing Nitrous Oxide Sensors: A New Milestone So, what’s next? Agrology has introduced the first-ever Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) sensors for the agriculture industry, marking a significant advancement in greenhouse gas monitoring. Nitrous Oxide is a potent greenhouse gas, and its accurate measurement is crucial for understanding and mitigating agricultural GHG emissions. The Agrology N₂O sensors provide real-time data, enabling growers to track and reduce their emissions effectively. Koeppel explains, “Until now, accurately measuring N₂O emissions at scale has been a formidable challenge, limiting the adoption of practices that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our new Nitrous Oxide sensors are set to change this, enabling precise nitrogen application without sacrificing yield, as well as empowering growers to scale agricultural practices that are proven to lower greenhouse gas emissions.” This new sensor technology is integrated into Agrology’s existing platform, combining the power of IoT, machine learning and AI to offer comprehensive environmental monitoring. By providing precise measurements of N₂O levels, Agrology empowers farmers with the tools needed to implement more sustainable practices and contribute to global climate goals. Agrology continues to innovate and expand its offerings, reinforcing its commitment to supporting farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture. The introduction of N₂O sensors is a testament to its dedication to addressing the challenges of climate change and enhancing the agricultural sector’s resilience and sustainability.
Soil is the brain and stomach of the farm. With this new technology, we can unlock valuable insights, enabling farmers to lead the way in sequestering carbon and combating climate change.
21 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com July | August 2024
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