AquaSpy’s Crophesy LS-N system supports academic research, first published paper
AquaSpy Inc. is pleased to announce the first academic research publication reporting results from agricultural field investigations conducted with AquaSpy Crophesy LS-N.
AquaSpy is first to market with a novel in situ wireless, below-ground continuous moisture, air and nitrate monitoring probe. Layer by layer nitrate (NO3-N PPM) and ORP (Redox mV) sensors are part of a unique AquaStrip™ integrated with field-proven moisture, salinity (EC) and temperature data in a compact, slim wireless device.
Research conducted by Dr. Ali T. Mohammed, Assistant Professor at the School of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona showed that Crophesy LS-N is an effective tool for near real-time monitoring of nitrate-N and soil moisture readings at 3-inch intervals down to 24 inches. Lettuce was planted in two research fields using commercial and organic production systems. Sensors were installed by the research team in accordance with AquaSpy recommendations. The system automatically acquired measurement data every 15 minutes and transmitted those data hourly to AquaSpy’s data management platform.
Results correlated well with results from concurrently drawn soil cores analyzed using lab tests. The system was responsive to mid-season nutrient addition (side-dress) and very responsive to irrigation events, indicative of the mobility of nitrate in wet soil.
Dynamic full-season data provided by Crophesy LS-N can bring a new level of relevance to Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) monitoring. While standard practice for lettuce farming in Yuma and many other cropping systems is to apply a large dose of pre-emergent nitrogen, studies have shown that many crops uptake little nitrogen early in the crop cycle, deferring the greatest rate of uptake to the vegetative development phase. The static nature of soil lab testing makes this method problematic for monitoring the relationship of nutrient concentration to growth phase for purposes of establishing NUE. With Crophesy LS-N, nutrient use can be carefully regulated, thus avoiding loss from leaching and denitrification.
AquaSpy supports the funded work of dedicated scientists investigating soil health monitoring and regenerative practices.
For questions about Crophesy LS-N, contact AquaSpy.
Performance Evaluation of Nitrate-Nitrogen Sensing Technologies in Organic and Conventional Iceberg Lettuce Systems under Subsurface Drip Irrigation
Publisher: College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
Abstract
Efficient nitrogen management in arid agricultural regions such as Yuma County, Arizona requires close coordination of irrigation and fertilizer applications because water movement within the soil profile directly affects nitrogen dynamics and plant uptake efficiency. This study evaluated near-real-time nitrate-N sensing technology under organic and conventional iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa) production systems using subsurface drip irrigation. Field trials were conducted during the Fall 2024–Spring 2025 growing season at the University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center on a Gila silt loam soil.
Biography
Dr. Ali Mohammed is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in the School of Plant Sciences at the University of Arizona, based at the Yuma Agricultural Center. His work focuses on advancing sustainable organic agricultural practices in arid desert regions and holds statewide responsibility for Extension and research programs.
Dr. Mohammed earned his Master of Science in Mechanized Systems Management and his Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His research focused on evaluating irrigation and nitrogen management strategies across center pivot, subsurface drip, and furrow irrigation systems, with an emphasis on maize evapotranspiration, crop water productivity, soil-water dynamics, and physiological responses such as stomatal resistance. This work contributed to advancements in precision agriculture and limited irrigation management.
He gained expertise in the strategic implementation of cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance smart-precision irrigation and nitrogen management. These include the adept utilization of wireless sensor networks, AI-driven CropCAM imaging sensors, Eddy Covariance, and the Bowen Ratio Energy Balance System. These systems play a crucial role in measuring greenhouse gas fluxes between ecosystems and the atmosphere, aiding in the understanding of carbon and water cycles.
Degrees
- Ph.D. Biological Engineering/Agricultural Engineering
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
- Maize growth, yield, water productivity, and evapotranspiration response to different irrigation methods and amounts and different timing and methods of nitrogen applications.
- M.S. Mechanized Systems Management
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
- Yield and crop water use efficiency response of drought-tolerant and conventional maize hybrids under different irrigation regimes, plant populations and climate gradients.
- B.S. Agricultural Mechanization
- University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
Work Experience
- University of Arizona/Yuma Ag Center (2024 – Ongoing)
- Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute-Biological Systems Eng. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2023 – 2024)
- Biological Systems Eng. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2020 – 2023)
- Biological Systems Eng. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2015 – 2020)
- Biological Systems Eng. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2014 – 2015)
- Biological Systems Eng. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2011 – 2013)

