By Andi Anderson
Iowa Learning Farms, in collaboration with Iowa State University (ISU) and Michigan State University (MSU), will host a free virtual field day on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. CST.
The event will focus on smart agricultural drainage systems, highlighting the role of sensors and robotics in improving nutrient management and environmental sustainability.
The field day will feature experts including Mike Castellano, ISU professor in soil science; Liang Dong, director of ISU’s Microelectronics Research Center; and Xiaobo Tan, MSU research foundation professor.
These experts will discuss the latest developments in drainage systems and the use of technology to monitor tile health and nitrate levels.
Tile drainage systems, which are installed on nearly half of Iowa’s cropland, significantly enhance agricultural productivity. However, they also contribute to nitrate runoff, impacting downstream waterways.
The new project focuses on using robotic sensors to monitor and manage nutrient loss more precisely. These sensors can help farmers identify when and where nutrients are lost from the field, enabling them to improve both field productivity and environmental performance.
“Many farmers don’t know where and when nutrients are being lost,” said Castellano. “By using sensors and robots in drainage systems, farmers can track nutrient loss with high accuracy, improving efficiency and environmental outcomes.”
The virtual field day will also include a Q&A session, allowing participants to engage with the experts. All are welcome to attend, regardless of their background. The event is free, and participants may be eligible for Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) continuing education units (CEUs).
To attend the virtual event, join via Zoom at https://iastate.zoom.us/j/91411984892, or dial in at 646-876-9923 with the meeting ID 914 1198 4892. The session will be recorded and available on the Iowa Learning Farms website for later viewing.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education