MultiMEMS - Multiplex MEMS for a step change in nutrient and pollution monitoring in agricultural environments.

We propose to deliver a mutliplex mass MEMS based sensor (MultiMEMS) for the simultaneous detection of phosphate and nitrate in agricultural environments. MultiMEMS delivers a step-change capability to the agri-food supply chain to maximise crop production, profitability and minimise the negative impacts of modern crop production methods. By reducing the levels of excess fertilisers and pesticides, MultiMEMS not only enables crop farmers to optimise expenditure of chemicals to improve yield, but it simultaneously ensures the minimisation of environmental impact by reducing leaching of nitrates and phosphates into water courses and aquifers. The leaching of agriculture derived compounds into aquatic environments is harmful, not only to fresh water supplies and potable water, but also to aquatic health. MultiMEMS is a versatile and readily deployable continuous monitoring package that enables the minimal use of fertilisers and crop protection whilst enhancing water and soil management techniques by recording and transmitting real-time pollution values reducing the operational expenditure of nutrients required per crop cycle.