FarmTech: Precision Technology Targets Nutrient Efficiency

Nano-Yield founder Clark Bell says drones and robots could help farmers target nutrient deficiencies.

SANDY, Utah (RFD News) — Nano-Yield founder Clark Bell says technologies that improve nutrient efficiency could play a key role in agriculture in the coming years.

Bell told AgInfo.net that more precise nutrient applications could allow farmers to target specific areas of a field rather than treating entire acres.

“I think precise application of nutrients is going to be a name of the game moving forward. I think we’re going to see not just drones applying crop protection products. We’re going to see drones applying high-efficiency fertilizers and fertilizer technologies.

Bell said developers working on new agricultural technologies also need to make sure their systems are economical and keep farmers’ bottom lines at the top of the list.

“I think that’s going to be a very big part of what we’re doing. We’re going to be having robots scan crops, and they’re going to showcase where there’s zinc deficiencies, and then these drones are going to go apply where that zinc deficiency is on an acre instead of on a myriad of acres. I think that’s going to be a game changer.”

Related Stories
University of Missouri researchers developed Field-Vision to process agricultural imagery faster.
Local leaders are being urged to set clear expectations before approving new data centers.
Farmers could soon search USDA statistics by voice instead of digging through traditional reports.
European farmers seek crop traits that boost productivity, improve nutrient use, and increase resilience while reducing costs, according to Dr. Peter Beetham of Cibus.
Data center growth is increasing demand for power and water, raising questions about utilities, on-site generation, and impacts on rural communities.
NASA is working with Kansas farmers to make Earth observation data more useful on the farm.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Idaho Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt says where the funding is invested will be critical.
Texas A&M AgriLife says the pest can cause severe damage to grasses used for hay.
The Renewable Fuels Association says emergency waivers do not provide retailers with long-term certainty.
Jael Cruikshank says her agricultural background continues to shape how she serves FFA members.
Pearl Carpenter turned a small garden into a growing farm business that brings visitors closer to agriculture.
The variety ranked among Washington’s top five apples last year as consumer demand continues to grow.
Agriculture Shows
Agriculture is the most important industry in the world, and Ag PhD Daily brings you the information you need to best manage your business only on RFD-TV and RFD+
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.