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.