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AI-Powered Agronutriscan Revolutionizes Crop Nutrition in Chile, boosting Yields and Reducing Environmental Impact
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A groundbreaking initiative is poised to transform agricultural practices in Chile, offering farmers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution for optimizing crop nutrition. The Agronutriscan project, developed by researchers at INIA quilamapu, leverages the power of artificial intelligence to provide real-time insights into the nutritional needs of corn and blueberry crops.
The recently awarded project, funded by the Fund for the Promotion of Scientific and Technological Growth (FONDEF IDEA), aims to address critical inefficiencies in fertilizer application.According to the project’s lead researcher, Paula Vargas, Agronutriscan functions as a “virtual assistant for foliar analysis and generate predictions of nutritional needs in cornfields and blueberry orchards, promoting the efficient use of fertilizers.”
Addressing a Critical need for Precision in Agriculture
Customary methods of determining plant nutritional status frequently enough involve costly and time-consuming laboratory analysis. This lack of precise information leads to widespread inefficiencies, with farmers frequently over- or under-applying fertilizers. Vargas estimates that thes inefficient applications contribute to productivity losses reaching 20%, alongside significant negative environmental consequences.
the economic burden of fertilizers is considerable. Official figures indicate that fertilizers currently represent between 20 and 30% of total agricultural production costs in Chile, amounting to an average national consumption of 138 kilotons annually. Prices have also seen a 0.5% increase in the last six years. Beyond the financial implications, the production of fertilizers, notably nitrogen-based varieties, is a major energy consumer and a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
“This reality, together with the costs involved, affects the economic viability of many farmers,” Vargas explained, adding that concerns extend to public health, as the World Health Organization (WHO) has linked high nitrate consumption to serious health complications.
Agronutriscan: A Smartphone-Based Solution
Agronutriscan offers a disruptive solution by enabling farmers to perform foliar nutritional diagnoses directly from their smartphones. This innovative approach reduces analysis costs by up to 80% compared to conventional methods. The technology provides guidance on fertilizer application, optimizing resource utilization and minimizing environmental impact.
The system operates as a digital nutritional assistant, utilizing artificial intelligence to monitor the nutritional status of crops in real-time through digital foliar analysis.Personalized fertilization recommendations are generated based on crop type, climate, and soil nutrient levels. This democratization of access to advanced technologies is particularly beneficial for rural and underserved communities.
A Portable Digital Kit for On-site Analysis
Central to the Agronutriscan project is the development of a portable digital kit featuring a near-infrared (NIR) sensor.This device allows for rapid, non-destructive foliar analysis directly in the field, eliminating the need for laboratory sample submissions and providing immediate results to producers.
The NIR sensor connects to a digital platform developed by INIA quilamapu, which integrates field data and presents it in a user-pleasant format. Farmers can utilize this platform to monitor crop nutrition, receive tailored fertilization suggestions, and track their analysis history. The system is designed for both online and offline functionality, ensuring accessibility even in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Agronutriscan represents a significant step towards more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices in Chile, promising increased productivity
