Photonic chips give farmers more control over nitrogen emissions

Target-Based Regulation

Target-based regulation is a widely discussed method in the nitrogen debate. Rather than prescribing specific measures to reduce emissions, this approach sets a maximum allowable emission level, leaving it up to farmers to decide how they meet that target. This enables farmers to fully utilise their expertise and craftsmanship.

Sensor systems that provide continuous measurements offer farmers immediate insight into their emissions. They can see whether certain adjustments or measures are having an effect, and they can then make informed changes. Until now, there have been no affordable and reliable measuring systems available to make this possible for different types of livestock housing. This is particularly challenging for open barns, where the concentrations to be measured are lower.

Target-Based Regulation Using Photonic Chips

Using the latest photonic chip technology from research centre imec, OnePlanet – with support from the National Growth Fund PhotonDelta and the Province of Gelderland – is developing sensor systems to reliably measure low nitrogen concentrations. This brings target-based regulation a step closer. Photonics is a proven measurement technique. Photonic chips use light, rather than electrons, to transmit information. This allows devices to become smaller, more energy-efficient, and more affordable. Most reference equipment is also based on light (photonic), but it tends to be too expensive and bulky to deploy in every barn or on every farm. Thanks to miniaturisation on a chip, OnePlanet is making this technology affordable and scalable.

Beyond Measuring Nitrogen Alone

An initial trial at De Marke (a WUR experimental farm) has already demonstrated the technology’s potential for measuring nitrogen (ammonia) and greenhouse gases (methane). From a technical perspective, it will be possible to carry out measurements for most types of livestock housing within the next two years, with further development enabling measurements at both farm and regional levels. In addition to nitrogen and methane, other climate-relevant greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide and CO₂, as well as odours and nitrate in water, could also be monitored. This means that, in the near future, farmers will be able to perform multiple measurements with a single sensor system, view the data directly, and link their emissions to their actions.

Gelderland Leading the Way

Forty-two percent of nitrogen-sensitive nature in the Netherlands is located in Gelderland. It is therefore no surprise that this research began in the province. Thanks in part to the support of the Province of Gelderland, OnePlanet has been able to make significant investments in recent years in researching the application of photonic sensors for the agricultural sector. Gelderland was the first province to invest in improved measurement systems to help address the nitrogen issue. Now, it is important that a national investment impulse follows to accelerate the rollout of these measuring systems and support the shift to target-based regulation.

According to Gelderland provincial deputies Helga Witjes and Harold Zoet, the technology is now nearly ready to be applied to the nitrogen issue in the Netherlands. Harold Zoet said: “This development shows that Gelderland is leading the way in innovation. Unfortunately, the current national nitrogen plans still reserve little funding for the next step in this sensor technology. We therefore hope the Schoof Commission will actively pursue this. The longer we wait, the longer it will take before affordable target-based regulation becomes a reality at both farm and regional levels.”