Autonomous nitrogen robots tested in Ontario maize fields

At the 4,000-acre family operation in Bruce and Grey counties, the first-year trial covers 85 acres. Robots are used on 65 acres, while the farm's conventional fertiliser programme is used on 20 acres. The robots apply smaller amounts of nutrients between maize rows and return to a central station to refill and recharge automatically. The farm's use of fertiliser and compost makes determining how much nitrogen maize needs, and when, an important management issue.

Schaus reports strong root development, healthy foliage and continued growth through the end of the season in the robot-treated areas. He says he has not seen there the signs of nitrogen deficiency observed in some plants under conventional treatment. Yields will be compared at harvest, and starch testing will be conducted because much of the maize is used in cattle rations. Schaus also believes yields could increase by 15–20 bushels per acre where nutrient timing can make a difference.