Innovative sensorGROW technology from controlled environment agriculture specialists, Light Science Technologies, has been chosen to support an important research project into growing potatoes more sustainably.
The TRIP (Transformative Reduced Input in Potatoes) project is a 3-year research programme to develop methods to grow potatoes with fewer inputs of inorganic nutrients, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and energy.
The aim is to reduce resulting emissions of greenhouse gases, including CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) and N2O (Nitrous Oxide).
To meet the needs of the TRIP project, Light Science Technologies have enhanced their sensorGROW platform to measure N2O emission from the soil in which the test plants are grown.
“We’re naturally delighted to be included in this very important research project. Potatoes are a staple of world food and reducing the inputs required to grow them will benefit consumers, growers and climate change” says Craig Price, Operations Director of Light Science Technologies.
Potatoes are the world’s third most important food crop, with more than a billion people consuming them on a regular basis. Global production exceeds 300 million tonnes every year.
Potato production is also one of the most intensive production processes in terms of soil disturbance, with a number of intensive actions required by tractors and other agricultural machinery.
Light Science Technologies sensorGROW system is used by growers to gather real-time data on light, temperature, humidity, CO2 and pressure, which enable growers to make more informed decisions to optimise yields.
For the TRIP project, the sensorGROW is principally measuring N2O emissions which are a major contributor to global warming and often result from extensive use of manmade fertilisers.
“Our system is the first fully portable in-situ device which can help provide a wider view of N2O measurements. In addition, it enables light, CO2, air temperature, pressure and humidity measurements to be taken with a single device” adds Craig.
The TRIP project is being delivered by a partnership of organisations, including Bangor University, James Hutton Institute and Dyson Farming Research, as well as Light Science Technologies.
The aim of the programme is to identify scalable farming techniques to grow potatoes with fewer CO2 and N2O emissions, combine techniques to optimise yield and quality and provide data on soil-carbon sequestration.
Established in 2019, Light Science Technologies primarily produce technology which provides crops grown under glass with the perfect ‘recipe’ of light. Their lighting systems are used within commercial greenhouses, polytunnels and for vertical farming and medical plants.
As well as installing the technology in commercial structures, the company’s horticulture research laboratory also helps test differing ‘recipes’ of light in controlled conditions to identify which is most beneficial for crop growth.
“To improve yields and minimise environmental impact, accurate and timely data is absolutely key. We’re very proud to be involved in such major project to make the much-loved potato a more sustainable food for generations to come” concludes Craig.
More information about the TRIP Trial project can be found at: https://www.triptrials.co.uk/
More information can be found at https://lightsciencetech.com/
