In these times of interrupted supply chains and rising nitrogen prices, precision techniques for the application of fertilizer to crops is increasingly important.
In his recently-completed master’s program, Nebraska’s Jackson Stansell — now a doctoral student in agricultural engineering — focused on using crop canopy image data to apply nitrogen fertilizer more efficiently. To scale up the technology he launched a start-up business, Sentinel Fertigation, and conducted testing through the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network. The work confirmed that the system works, with an average boost of 25 percent in efficiency and a savings of 45 pounds of nitrogen per acre — a significant savings as nitrogen costs hover around $1 per acre.
Stansell appeared live on RFD-TV on Feb. 22 to discuss the project. His startup also recently collected $25,000 as the inaugural Husker Venture Fund award recipient. Offered through the College of Business, the fund is managed by University of Nebraska–Lincoln students and created by alumni and donors.
