JnU researchers develop technology to save 22% nitrogen fertiliser

Researchers from the Departments of Botany and Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at Jagannath University (JnU) have developed a remote sensing-based precision nitrogen management technology, ‘N-FertiSmart’, aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture.

The newly developed technology can help save around 22% of nitrogen fertiliser on average compared to conventional recommendations, according to a press release of university’s Public Relations Office.

The prototype of the technology, developed with support from the ICT Division under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, is currently being showcased at the Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026.

‘N-FertiSmart’ uses satellite and remote sensing data to analyse farmland and determine nitrogen requirements in different parts of a field. It then provides recommendations on the location and amount of fertiliser to be applied.

According to the research findings, the technology can reduce nitrogen application from around 174kg per hectare, as recommended by the Fertiliser Recommendation Guide-2024, to approximately 135.70kg per hectare.

Dr Md Ataul Gani and Dr A M M Golam Adam of the Department of Botany, Professor Dr Mohammad Nasir Uddin of the Department of CSE, and young researchers Biplab Biswas and Md Nazim Sharif were involved in the project.

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The researchers said excessive use of nitrogen fertiliser increases farmers’ production costs and has adverse impacts on soil, water and the environment. By helping farmers apply fertiliser according to the actual requirements of crops and soil, N-FertiSmart is expected to reduce fertiliser wastage, production costs and environmental damage caused by excess nitrogen.

According to them, further development and large-scale deployment of the technology across different agricultural regions of the country could help reduce farmers’ production costs, minimise fertiliser wastage and environmental pollution, and contribute significantly to sustainable agricultural management.