Samson analyses manure using MRI technology

At Agritechnica 2019, Samson Agro presents a preview of its new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensor system – the same technology that is used in MRI scanners – for precise real time measurements of nutrients in natural fertiliser.

NPK sensor

The NPK sensor (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) will be available through a mobile system integrated in Samson PG II slurry tankers that takes out representative slurry samples for analysis real time.

According to Samson, the new NPK sensor unit analyses the content in natural fertiliser with a precision never seen before outside laboratory conditions. This is to take precision farming with regards to distribution of natural fertilisers to the next level, including new possibilities for precise documentation, crop optimised variable distribution and trade in natural fertiliser.

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Samson says that with the introduction of the NPK sensor it is now possible to plan and optimise the usage of natural fertiliser and utilise the full potential of smart farming applications in connection with slurry applications. – Photo: Samson Agro

“Today, the amount of NPK nutrients delivered to the fields through application of animal slurry is mainly determined on the basis of standard values based on general information on animal and housing type, without accurate knowledge of the potential fertiliser value or environmental impact. We are very proud to show this new precision sensor as an alternative to already available measuring systems” says Torben Larsen, Head of sales by Samson Agro A/S.

Measure at atomic level

Samson developed the technology with Danish company NanoNord. “Powered by 1 – 70 MHz multi frequency magnetic resonance technology, this sensor technique is able to reliably measure the concentration of species at the atomic level – the accuracy and reliability of the measurements are superior to other in-line measuring technologies and compatible with tedious laboratory measurements”, says developer of the Tveskaeg NMR sensor Ole Jensen, CEO NanoNord A/S.

Samson says that with the introduction of the NPK sensor it is now possible to plan and optimise the usage of natural fertiliser and utilise the full potential of smart farming applications in connection with slurry applications.

Direct measurements of NPK in all types of natural fertiliser

“Previous extensive research in monitoring of nutrient values in natural fertiliser has mainly led to methods relying on measurements of electric conductivity or near-infrared spectroscopy. Opposed these techniques, our new NPK sensor unit offers direct measurements of NPK in all types of natural fertiliser distributed with a Samson slurry tanker, without the use of natural fertiliser databases for sensor correction and without user calibration.” Torben Larsen ends.