NTech-nically Speaking A look at one company’s efforts to maximize food production to save the world and why some oppose it. David Crossley BAE 4213
Jan 02, 2016
NTech-nically Speaking
A look at one company’s efforts to maximize food production to save the
world and why some oppose it.
David CrossleyBAE 4213
Overview
• Background
• Nitrogen Concerns
• NTech & OSU
• Farmer Feedback
• Conclusions and the
future…
Problem Statement
• Nitrogen being applied ineffciently
• End result is a higher cost for already
struggling farmers
• Environmental impacts
Principal Nitrogen Losses
Denitrification- lack of oxygen for bacteria in soil
Surface Volatilization- lack of moisture, no contact with soil
Leaching- more water than the soil can holdAnhydrous ammonia converts to N the
slowest.
Environmental Impacts
Health problems related to high nitrate levels, especially in rural and well water supplies.
NTech• Patchen Technologies began in 1992
(James Beck)
• Sold to Deere & Co. in 1996
• Purchased in 1998 by Rainbow Ag Services (Mayfield)
• Patent review found similar design technologies in Australia and OSU
• Technology originated from weed control
Variable Rate Nitrogen App.
• RT-500 model
• Sensors measuring
plant NDVI
• Nitrogen applied
based on NDVI
results
• Zone area < 6 m2
Farmer Feedback
Farmer Feedback• How many acres?
• Do you apply N pre-plant & how?
• Do you top-dress in the spring?
• Who performs the top-dress application?
• Would you consider such a system for your own applicator?
• Would you support a COOP owned applicator with such a system?
More Farmer Feedback
• Majority of farmers say that cost is the main issue
• Supportive of COOP sponsored program
• Lack of exposure• More demo machines
need to be implemented
David’s 2 Cents & The Future
• Age of Impatience
• Age of Old Age
• Lack of Knowledge
• RT-200
• Other applications
References
• http://www.ntechindustries.com/
• http://www.dasnr.okstate.edu/precision_ag
• University of Maine Cooperative Ext.
• Ohio State University Extension
• Oklahoma Farmers – Canadian County
• Dr. Solie, Dr Stone, & Dr. Raun
QUESTIONS????
Thank you for your attention.