In Greece, improper use of nitrogen fertilizers can result in water pollution. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for wheat, ensuring both high yields (due to an increase in the number of ears per unit area), the number of grains per ear, and the specific weight of grains. An effective solution involves assessing available nitrogen levels in the soil to ensure precise fertilizer application for wheat crops. The Kjeldahl Method is pivotal in this determination by extracting and quantifying the "plant available" nitrogen in soil samples. This method involves three phases: converting nitrogen into nitric acid through organic material digestion, distilling released ammonia onto an absorbing medium, and volumetrically analyzing the resulting ammonia. The measured nitrogen content allows for the creation of a soil map that can be integrated into smart tractor systems equipped with specialized software. This integration enables accurate fertilizer dosing for wheat crops based on the soil's nitrogen levels. This practice mitigates environmental impacts from excessive soil use and enhances resource efficiency, including optimized fertilizer and water use.
Wheat Nitrogen fertilization strategy in Greece
Content Author: AUA