Oneplanet develops photonic sensor to keep tabs on farm emissions

Wageningen-based Oneplanet Research Center has unveiled an integrated photonics-based sensor system to measure nitrogen and methane emissions from farms. The results from a preliminary trial suggest that large-scale deployment on the barn level should be possible within two years; expanding to farm and area scale will take longer. Based on data generated by these sensors, farmers can determine which measures are effective in reducing emissions.

“The first prototypes of Imec’s photonic chip are promising. Reliable measurement of low concentrations of multiple gases simultaneously is within reach. To be deployed in time to realize nitrogen and climate goals, further development, validation and readiness for production are needed simultaneously. This requires guts and investment. Indeed, for individual tech/sensor companies, the investment risk is still too high,” comments Remco Suer, program manager Environmental Sensing at Oneplanet.

“Unfortunately, the current national nitrogen plans still don’t earmark much money for the next step in this sensor technology. We therefore hope that the Schoof administration will actively pursue this. The longer we wait, the longer it will take before affordable goal-oriented steering is possible at the farm and area level,” notes Gelderland province deputy Helga Witjes. Next to being Oneplanet’s provincial home base, Gelderland has a high density of agricultural activity as well as plenty of nitrogen-sensitive ecosystems.

The Eindhoven-based startup Spectrik is also developing an integrated photonics-based sensor for livestock emissions, focusing on higher concentrations inside the barn. Oneplanet eyes measurement of lower concentrations outside.