Recipient Organization
REDNOX, INC.
4125 HOPYARD RD, SUITE 225
PLEASANTON,CA 94588
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Non-Technical Summary of the RedNOx ProjectThe RedNOx project addresses the pressing issue of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural soils, which contribute significantly to air pollution and climate change. Nitrogen-based fertilizers, essential for crop growth, often lead to the release of these harmful gases, posing serious environmental and health risks. This issue is critical not only for the agricultural sector but also for the broader community, as it impacts air quality, climate stability, and public health. Reducing these emissions is crucial for promoting sustainable farming practices and protecting our environment.To tackle this problem, the RedNOx team is developing advanced soil probes equipped with highly sensitive sensors that can detect very low levels of NOx and N2O emissions directly from the soil. These sensors will be deployed in agricultural fields to provide real-time data on gas emissions. The collected data will help farmers optimize their use of fertilizers, applying the right amount at the right time to minimize emissions and improve crop efficiency. The project involves extensive field trials to validate the technology under various conditions and ensure its reliability and ease of use for farmers. Educational workshops, training sessions, and field demonstrations will also be conducted to teach farmers and agricultural businesses how to use this new technology effectively.The ultimate goal of the RedNOx project is to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, thereby improving air quality and mitigating climate change. By optimizing fertilizer use, the project also aims to enhance soil health and increase farmers' profitability through cost savings and potential earnings from carbon credits. The societal benefits of this project include a cleaner environment, healthier communities, and more sustainable agricultural practices. If successful, the RedNOx project will represent a major advancement in precision agriculture, providing tools and knowledge that benefit both farmers and the broader public.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
25%
Applied
50%
Developmental
25%
Goals / Objectives
Major Goals of the RedNOx ProjectThe overarching goals of the RedNOx project are focused on addressing critical environmental challenges associated with agricultural practices, specifically targeting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. The primary purpose is to develop and commercialize advanced sensor technology for the precise measurement of subsurface nitrogen oxides (NOx) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural soils. This technology aims to enhance fertilizer management practices, increase nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and support sustainable agriculture.Objectives to Achieve the Major GoalsDevelopment and Optimization of Sensors:N2O Sensor Optimization: Enhance the sensitivity of N2O sensors to achieve detection levels as low as 200 parts per billion (ppb) with minimal interference from other gases such as CO2 and H2O.NOx Sensor Optimization: Improve the NOx sensor to selectively measure concentrations ranging from 50 ppb to 5 ppm, minimizing cross-sensitivity to ammonia.Hardware Modifications:Ruggedization and Weatherproofing: Redesign the sensor device for outdoor deployment in diverse environments, ensuring it is weatherproof and portable with battery operation capabilities.Integration of Advanced Filtering Technology: Refine the filtering system to mitigate cross-sensitivity and ensure accurate measurements under varying field conditions.Data Management and Transmission:User-Friendly Setup and Operation: Develop intuitive software for easy setup, automatic operation, and efficient data collection.Versatile Data Transmission: Implement multiple communication protocols, including LoRaWAN, WiFi, and Bluetooth, for reliable remote data collection and device monitoring.Field Testing and Demonstration:Long-Term Robustness Testing: Conduct extensive field trials to demonstrate the durability and reliability of the RedNOx device throughout the entire growing season.Comparison with Established Instruments: Validate the performance of the RedNOx sensors against established gas analyzers like the Gasmet Terra 5000 FTIR to ensure accuracy.Agricultural Research and Application:Field Studies on Fertilizer Management: Conduct field studies to evaluate the impact of different nitrogen management strategies on NOx and N2O emissions, using microplots and various treatments such as biological N fixers, nitrification inhibitors, and conventional fertilizers.Optimization of Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE): Use sensor data to provide actionable insights for improving NUE and reducing nitrogen losses through better fertilizer application practices.Commercialization and Market Readiness:Catalyze Market Readiness: Utilize Phase II funding to advance the technology towards full market readiness, attracting further investment and establishing industry alliances.Engagement with Industry Partners: Collaborate with leading agricultural and industrial partners to integrate RedNOx sensors into standard farming practices and promote the adoption of sustainable agriculture.Environmental and Economic Impact:Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Demonstrate the potential of RedNOx technology to significantly cut down N2O and NOx emissions from agricultural soils.Economic Benefits for Farmers: Highlight the cost-saving benefits for farmers through optimized fertilizer use and participation in carbon credit markets.
Project Methods
Methods for the RedNOx ProjectThe RedNOx project employs a combination of advanced scientific methods and innovative approaches to achieve its goals of improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in agriculture and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Below is a detailed description of the methods used in the project, including the efforts to deliver knowledge to the target audience and the evaluation plan for measuring the success of the project.Scientific MethodsSensor Development and Testing:N2O Sensor Development: Utilizes non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas analysis to achieve high precision and minimal cross-sensitivity for measuring nitrous oxide (N2O) concentrations as low as 200 parts per billion (ppb)?.NOx Sensor Development: Employs solid-state electrochemical techniques to selectively measure nitrogen oxides (NOx) at concentrations ranging from 125 ppb to 5 parts per million (ppm)?.Prototype Integration: Combines the developed N2O and NOx sensors into a single soil probe capable of in-situ measurements. The sensors are housed in a 3D-printed durable chamber that allows for accurate subsurface gas assessment .Field Testing and Data Collection:Field Trials: Conducted at The Ohio State University and other agricultural sites to test the robustness and accuracy of the RedNOx device under varied environmental conditions. This involves continuous monitoring of NOx and N2O emissions before and after fertilizer application, as well as collecting soil and crop data for correlation?.Use of Microplots: Experiments with different nitrogen management strategies (biological N fixers, nitrification inhibitors, and conventional fertilizers) in microplots to evaluate the impact on NUE and emissions?.Remote Data Transmission: Utilizes LoRaWAN, WiFi, and Bluetooth for wireless data collection, enabling real-time remote monitoring and analysis of soil gas emissions .Data Analysis and Model Integration:DNDC Model Calibration: Enhances the Denitrification-Decomposition (DNDC) model using high-temporal emission data from RedNOx sensors. The model is calibrated and validated with site-specific data to improve predictions of greenhouse gas emissions and inform conservation practices .Comparative Analysis: Validates RedNOx sensor data against established gas analyzers like the Gasmet Terra 5000 FTIR to ensure accuracy and reliability .Efforts to Cause ChangeEducational Programs and Outreach:Workshops and Training Sessions: Conducts hands-on workshops and training sessions for farmers, extension agents, and educators to teach the use of RedNOx technology and interpretation of data .Field Demonstrations: Establishes demonstration sites and pilot programs to showcase the effectiveness of RedNOx sensors in real-world agricultural settings .Development of Educational Materials:Curriculum Development: Creates educational curricula for agricultural science programs, integrating RedNOx technology into teaching and research .Publications and Presentations: Publishes research findings in scientific journals and presents at conferences to disseminate new knowledge and advancements made possible by the RedNOx project .Consulting and Support Services:Consulting Services: Provides consulting to agricultural businesses on optimizing fertilizer usage and reducing greenhouse gas emissions using RedNOx sensors .Data Reporting Services: Offers detailed reports on soil nitrogen oxide emissions to assist farmers in making data-driven decisions .Evaluation PlanKey Performance Indicators (KPIs):Sensor Accuracy and Reliability: Regularly compare RedNOx sensor data with established analyzers to ensure precision and reliability. This includes evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of sensors in detecting NOx and N2O at low concentrations .Adoption Rates: Track the number of farmers and agricultural businesses adopting RedNOx technology and integrating it into their practices. Surveys and feedback forms will be used to assess satisfaction and areas for improvement .Reduction in Emissions: Measure the decrease in NOx and N2O emissions from agricultural fields using RedNOx sensors. This includes quantifying the impact of different nitrogen management strategies on emission levels?.Economic Benefits: Evaluate the cost savings and increased profits for farmers through optimized fertilizer use and potential earnings from carbon credits. This involves analyzing financial data and conducting interviews with farmers to assess economic impacts .Milestones and Indicators of Success:Completion of Sensor Development: Successful fabrication and testing of high-sensitivity N2O and NOx sensors by the end of the first year?.Field Testing and Data Collection: Deployment and validation of RedNOx devices in multiple agricultural fields, with continuous data collection over growing seasons?.Educational Outreach: Conducting a minimum of 10 workshops and training sessions per year, reaching at least 500 participants annually .Publications and Research: Publishing at least 5 peer-reviewed papers and presenting findings at major agricultural and environmental conferences each year .By implementing these methods and evaluation strategies, the RedNOx project aims to achieve significant advancements in sustainable agriculture, reduce environmental impact, and provide valuable economic benefits to the farming community. The continuous monitoring and data-driven insights provided by RedNOx sensors will facilitate better nitrogen management practices, contributing to the broader goals of climate change mitigation and improved agricultural productivity.