Sensors for Measuring Subsurface Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) from Agricultural Production Systems

CO-PD : Prof Manbir Rakkar Two major anthropogenic events need immediate attention. First is climate change triggered by increased emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) including carbon dioxide (CO ) nitrous oxide 2 (N O) and methane (CH ). The second is increased air pollution from particulate matter and ozone 2 4 catalyzed by nitrogen oxides NO (NO =NO+NO ). Agricultural practices play a major role in x x 2 exacerbating both problems. Fertilizers based on ammonium compounds and nitrates are essential for growing crops that feed humanity but their use leads to the formation and release of N O and 2 NO . In Phase I of a USDA SBIR project scientists and engineers from RedNOx and Ohio State x have developed a device which consists of an integrated soil immersion probe with inexpensive N O and NO sensors for subsurface gas measurements. We have demonstrated that the device can 2 x measure nitrogen oxides generated within the soil subsurface including after fertilization/irrigation event. In the Phase II part of this SBIR program we will make further hardware modifications to the soil probe and the sensors develop user-friendly software for data transmission demonstrate the long-term robustness of the device in field measurements and prove that the device can be used for meaningful agricultural research and practice by focusing on field studies with different fertilizer management practices. RedNOx technology offers potential savings of millions in operating costs and significantly cutting down greenhouse gas emissions. Phase II funding from the USDA will catalyze RedNOx's journey towards full market readiness and serve as a powerful endorsement to attract further investment and industry alliances.