Soil sensor developed in Ireland may cut chemical fertiliser use and save farmers money

Professor Alan O’Riordan, a member of Tyndall’s nanotechnology group, said: 'This a very exciting emerging technology that does not exist elsewhere in the world'

(Left to right) Professor Alan O’Riordan, Dr Han Shao, and Tarun Narayan, the team from the Tyndall National Institute, based at University College Cork, that has developed the soil sensor.

Researchers in Ireland have developed a groundbreaking soil sensor that could allow farmers to reduce their use of chemical fertilisers and save money.

The team at the Tyndall National Institute, based at University College Cork (UCC), say as well as delivering significant cost savings for farmers, the new device will reduce the harmful environmental impacts of fertilisers, which can cause nitrogen and phosphorous contamination, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable food supply chain.