For the first time, hyperspectral satellite crop analysis has been proven an accurate method of testing nitrogen concentrations in wheat, in season. Eurofins Agro Testing has processed thousands of wheat samples to benchmark samples supplied by Messium, a new agri-tech start up.

“At Messium we are using hyperspectral imaging to measure the biochemistry of crops, starting with nitrogen as the most critical nutrient for influencing yield and quality. It is the first time the nitrogen concentration of wheat has been measured in this way, and, to prove our concept, we partnered with Eurofins to validate our solution on a global scale,” explains Messium’s Spencer Terry.

The results from the hyperspectral satellite analysis have been compared to conventional near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) laboratory tests which have demonstrated parity between the methods.

“The test results are confirming our expectations, helping us validate our technology and refining our machine learning model. We are confident that we’re on track to reach a 90 percent accuracy level compared to lab tests, which is accelerating our commercial readiness,” he says.,” he says.

Measurements from the tissue samples have been integrated into Messium's database, allowing its machine learning model to validate satellite insights against the high-fidelity tissue sample measurements.

“With every comparison our system learns more about how the nitrogen concentration and biomass of a sample relate to the satellite imagery, which is helping it to learn. The test results from Eurofins are key for the final step in our R&D process, which is validation at scale, following this we will no longer need to benchmark our results with those of a laboratory,” he adds.

The laboratory measurements of the samples have been used to compare and validate the accuracy of Messium's hyperspectral satellite imagery. Using the nitrogen concentration and biomass figures the images can be used to ascertain the health of a wheat crop and to calculate how much nitrogen has been used, and may be needed, to optimise the crop.

“The ability to save on nitrogen inputs can help farmers to improve margins and plan more efficiently. Our technology provides a precise way to measure crop nitrogen levels and requirements to help farmers apply the right amount, in the right places, at the right time. The economic benefits of this include savings on nitrogen, increased yield and quality, and minimisation of environmental leaching,” he says.

Eurofins’ Shane Brewer has been managing the project and processing the thousands of tests.

“These tests can be run on any crop using a Dumas nitrogen analyser to test the nitrogen concentration of the sample. These results represent a very positive outcome for this new technology and validate its accuracy as an alternative way to measure crops in the future,” he says.