Project overview

Nutrient management is one of the largest costs in cotton production. The Handheld NIR and NutriLOGIC Validation project tested new technologies that give growers rapid, in-field assessments of soil and plant nutrition, helping them make smarter fertiliser decisions. 

The project evaluated handheld Near Infrared (NIR) devices developed by HoneAg and validated results against laboratory benchmarks and CSIRO’s NutriLOGIC tool. Trials across several regions measured accuracy, speed, and practicality under real field conditions. 

This work evaluated how portable sensors could complement existing tools, reducing turnaround time for nutrient data and supporting more responsive, sustainable fertiliser management across Australian cotton systems. 

Outcomes and achievements

• Tested and validated the HoneAg handheld NIR device for cotton soil and tissue analysis.  A focus was on developing an appropriate technique to sample and test petioles 
• Compared NIR results with traditional lab data to assess accuracy and calibration needs
• Integrated learnings into CSIRO’s NutriLOGIC platform for nutrient decision support
• Identified potential for real-time, in-field nutrition monitoring across variable soil types. The use of NutriLOGIC avoided the need for additional N fertilizer thus saving costs highlighting the value of the NutriLOGIC platform for N management
• Provided recommendations for future technology adoption and extension. 

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Project status

Handheld NIR and NutriLOGIC Validation project was completed in 2023.

Resources

Report – Validating NIR in NutriLOGIC model