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- Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM has developed a compact field-based system that measures nitrous oxide emissions directly on farmland in real time.
- The technology is designed to help farmers optimise fertiliser application, reduce nitrogen waste, and improve precision farming decisions.
- Researchers say the portable device could support efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, particularly nitrous oxide linked to nitrogen fertilisers.
- The innovation comes as farmers face increasing pressure to balance productivity with sustainability amid rising fertiliser costs and tighter environmental regulations.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM has developed a compact, field-ready system to measure nitrous oxide emissions directly on farmland, offering farmers a new tool to optimise fertiliser use and reduce environmental impact.
The system, developed under the ESKILA project, allows real-time detection of nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions at the source, addressing a long-standing challenge in agriculture where measurements typically require costly laboratory analysis and delayed results.
Nitrous oxide is the third most significant greenhouse gas and is largely produced through nitrogen fertilisation, making it a key concern for both productivity and climate impact.
The new Fraunhofer device uses resonant photoacoustic technology to detect gas concentrations by measuring sound waves generated from laser interactions, rather than relying on traditional light absorption methods.
Weighing around 5.5 kilograms and designed in a portable, suitcase-like format, the system enables on-site measurements across different parts of a field, giving farmers and researchers faster insights into how soil responds to fertiliser application.
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According to researchers at Fraunhofer, the goal is to make fertilisation more precise and resource-efficient. “We are developing a compact… system that can quickly measure nitrous oxide emissions from the soil directly in the field,” said Gerrit Stiefvater.
By identifying emission hotspots, the Fraunhofer system could help farmers adjust nitrogen application rates, reducing both input costs and environmental risks such as groundwater contamination and greenhouse gas release.
The development comes as fertiliser prices remain volatile and pressure grows on farmers to balance productivity with sustainability. Researchers say tools like this could support more data-driven decision-making, particularly as agriculture faces tighter environmental regulations and climate targets.
For farmers, the shift toward real-time measurement may mark a step closer to precision agriculture systems that respond directly to field conditions rather than relying on estimates.
