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Software Management Tool for Variable Source Fertilizer Application

IP Title

VARIABLE PRODUCT AGROCHEMICALS APPLICATION MANAGEMENT

Detailed Technology Description

None

Application Date

Feb 15, 2011

Application No.

8,594,897

Others

*Abstract

Field Management Tool for Agrochemical Application With increasing costs of inputs and rising concerns over environmental contamination, effective management tools are required for the application of fertilizers and other agrochemicals to maximize efficiency and reduce environmental losses. For example, enhanced efficiency fertilizer, such as slow-release fertilizers, can reduce the risks of nutrient loss compared to conventional fertilizers, but at a higher cost. One strategy to overcome in-field differences in potential nutrient loss is to apply the enhanced efficiency fertilizer to the high risk nutrient loss areas of a field while applying conventional fertilizer to the low risk areas. An invention that would assist farmers to identify and map the low and high risk areas of a field and then facilitate the application of multiple agrochemicals in a field based on those identified areas would help to increase profits and lower environmental losses. The current invention developed by researchers at the University of Missouri is a software tool and algorithm to determine and apply different types and amounts of agrochemical sources to predetermined zones within a field. The tool takes into account spatial differences in intrinsic soil properties that affect agrochemical efficiency including soil drainage and water content. It allows for storage of historical data so that better management practices can be achieved and thus increasing productivity while reducing negative environmental impact. POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATIONS- Maps zones vulnerable to agrochemical loss or reduced efficiency based on spatial differences in soil and environmental properties- Field management and control of variable source agrochemical application- Establishes geographically-referenced application historyMAIN ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION- Makes field management easy- Optimizes the use of agrochemical applications- Reduces potential negative environmental impact of agrochemical applicationSTATE OF DEVELOPMENT: Needs to be adapted for target end user audienceLICENSING POTENTIALUniversity seeks licensee with potential to commercializePATENT STATUS: Patent application filedTECHNOLOGY INNOVATORS: Peter P. Motavalli, Kelly A. NelsonTECHNOLOGY MANAGER CONTACTSamuel E. Bish, PhD; bishs@missouri.edu; 573-882-5016

*IP Issue Date

Nov 26, 2013

*IP Publication Date

Apr 5, 2012

*Principal Investigator

Name: Peter Motavalli, Associate Professor of Soil Science

Department:

Name: Kelly Nelson

Department:

Country/Region

USA