2023 Field Trial Results

Plenty Sense deployed, through its various partners, nearly 100 in-soil nitrate sensors for the 2023 growing season in multiple locations throughout the UK. Most of these trials were on wheat and potato, the two primary focus crops for us. In addition, a more limited number of sensors was used on onions and grassland.

We have now reviewed all the data from the various trials with our partners. Again, in all locations we were able to track changes in nitrate levels due to application of nitrogen fertiliser and soil moisture. We were monitoring the uptake of nitrate by the crops at different depths and confirmed the residual nitrate level available at the end of the season. All of these insights will enable us to make recommendations on nitrogen fertiliser applications with the aim of optimising both the timing as well as the amount of fertiliser applied.

In addition, we were able to gain insights into some specifics by comparing drip irrigated potatoes and onions with conventional irrigation and observing the amount of leaching of nitrate in these trials. We observed which set up delivers the best continuous supply of nitrate to plants. Other trials have shown the benefit of different nitrogen fertiliser formulations, including slow release, as well as the action of urease and nitrification inhibitors.

These trials have furthered our understanding of the benefit of different farming methods and fertiliser products. We have already started to deploy sensors for the 2024 season and will deploy a total 300 sensors this year.