ARLINGTON, Va. — Delaware farmers now have access to cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology that can measure how much nitrogen their cover crops provide, thanks to a major new conservation initiative.
The Nature Conservancy is leading this groundbreaking program, which brings together farmers, conservation organizations, agricultural businesses, universities, and government agencies to tackle a significant challenge in farming: understanding exactly how much nitrogen cover crops contribute to soil.
The organization anticipates this initiative will help farmers reduce their nitrogen fertilizer purchases by 3 million pounds that would otherwise be applied to agricultural land.
The technology works through a system called PlantMap3D, created by North Carolina State University. Agricultural service companies Willard Agri-Service and GROWMARK FS are installing specialized cameras on spray equipment that capture detailed photographs of cover crops when farmers apply herbicides in spring. Artificial intelligence software then examines these images to identify different cover crop species.
This process creates detailed field maps that show farmers precisely where nitrogen from cover crops is present, enabling them to adjust their fertilizer applications and only add nutrients where actually needed.
“AI-powered camera systems are how we can finally bring precision and sustainable agriculture together,” explained Chris Reberg-Horton, a North Carolina State University professor working on the initiative. “We hope this program will help farmers reduce their costs while also improving environmental outcomes.”
The four-year conservation effort plans to encompass 150,000 acres throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including 37,500 acres in Delaware, 92,500 acres in Maryland, and 20,000 acres in Pennsylvania. Implementation begins this spring growing season.
Federal funding totaling $16 million comes from the USDA through the USDA-NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program, while partner organizations contributed an additional $11.3 million.
According to The Nature Conservancy, the program seeks to help agricultural producers better understand their actual nitrogen requirements while maintaining crop yields, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing soil and water quality throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
“Knowledge is power, and this program arms TNC and our agricultural partners with unparalleled data that will boost biodiversity, water quality and farmers’ bottom lines in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, a globally important conservation landscape,” stated Amy Jacobs, Chesapeake Bay Director at The Nature Conservancy. “We are thrilled to be working with partners that are leaders in their field to deploy this new technology to support farmers with solutions that are both good for the environment and their businesses.”
Delaware farmers interested in joining this program can submit applications through February 28. Requirements and application details include:
• Geographic eligibility: All Delaware counties qualify (New Castle, Kent, Sussex); Maryland participants must farm in Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Talbot, Queen Anne’s or Wicomico counties; Pennsylvania farmers must operate in Adams, Cumberland or York counties.
• Operations must currently utilize multi-species cover crops containing legumes, with plans for spring termination (Spring 2026).
• Applications should be directed to Amanda Bunn, Applied Agricultural Conservationist at The Nature Conservancy, at [email protected].
Part of the program’s funding will assist Pennsylvania farmers in establishing mixed-species cover crops, since Pennsylvania lacks the centralized cover crop programs that Maryland and Delaware have developed, where cover crop adoption is more widespread.
“In partnership with the Pennsylvania and Delaware Maryland 4R Alliances, TNC, agribusinesses, and government agencies have been working to ensure that every application of fertilizer is guided by the 4Rs of nutrient management: using the right source, at the right time, in the right place, and applying the right amount,” Jacobs added.
