Digital Fertilization

One of the powerful tools for precision fertilization is a special multispectral sensor that can be attached to the tractor. Image: Uli Benz / TUM Algorithms and sensors for sustainable and future-proof agriculture - European Union Directives stipulate a reduction in nitrate levels in groundwater. Digital techniques developed by researchers at the TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan under the aegis of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have proved useful in achieving this goal. Up until now, farmers have calculated the amount of fertilizer per field on the basis of average yield and average soil quality. However, soil properties, yield potential and fertilizer needs may vary within limited areas, even within a single field. In places that deviate from the field's mean, plants therefore receive too much or too little fertilizer. Excess nitrogen remains in the soil, accumulating over the years and eventually escaping into the environment, for example into the groundwater.