SupraSensor Technologies LLC, spun out of the University of Oregon, was founded to develop direct molecular identification technologies relating to the field of Supramolecular chemistry, with a focus on the measurement of in-soil nutrient levels. As the study of the interactions between molecules, Supramolecular chemistry provides insight into the processes dictating the spontaneous assembly of discrete molecules in to well-ordered structures. The firm is developing technology that makes use of Natureâs ability to assemble molecules into simple yet elegant complexes, the formation of which can be tapped as a source of information about the environment on a molecular level. SupraSensor Technologies is currently focused on providing in-soil sensors for wireless monitoring of nitrate fertilizers in precision agriculture. These sensors are completely wireless, autonomous and provide real-time information about fertilizer levels at any depth in a growing field, allowing growers to resist over-fertilization and save input dollars while reducing the environmental footprint. The Field Nutrient Sensor approach allows for a snapshot of the current nitrate levels in a field and works in tandem with current soil moisture probes. N-measurement modules are able to communicate wirelessly with the existing network and report nitrate-N up to 200 times a day for the duration of the growing season. Autonomous measurement of field-moist soil avoids the need for expensive and time-consuming soil sample collection and enables data-guided fertigation
