Kansas State University researchers received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop advanced soil sensors using nanoscale technology. These sensors will measure nutrients, chemical compounds, soil microbiomes, and greenhouse gases in real-time, supporting precision agriculture and sustainable practices.

The project, led by Suprem Das, focuses on sensors made from atomically thin carbon sheets, enabling highly accurate measurements at the nanoscale. This technology could help farmers better monitor nitrogen levels, a critical nutrient for crop growth, and align with national goals to reduce nitrogen waste by 2050.

The team, which includes experts in various scientific fields and business, will begin testing the sensors at K-State’s North Farm before expanding to sites in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. They also plan to establish a Global Center to train students in interdisciplinary research. While the sensors’ widespread use is years away, the project represents significant progress in agricultural innovation. Development funding starts in January 2025.