Extension Impact: Connecting Researchers to the Field. Building Sensor-Based Solutions for Grower Decision-Making.
go.ncsu.edu/readext?1093090
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Growers in Eastern North Carolina face increasing challenges from issues like excess water, salinity, and saltwater intrusion. Making timely decisions about water management is critical, yet real-time field data is often unavailable. At the same time, researchers at NC State University’s Plant Sciences Initiative (PSI), East Carolina University (ECU), and technology partners like SAS are developing innovative sensor and AI technologies that could provide this data, but connections to on-the-ground application were limited.
In April 2025, the AI 101 for Extension Agents workshop at NC State’s Plant Sciences Building brought together 15 Extension agents from across the state. The training equipped agents with tools and ideas to connect research innovations with grower needs. Hyde County Extension Agent Andrea Gibbs saw an opportunity to link N.C. PSI researchers, ECU researchers, and SAS to begin exploring a sensor-based pilot project. This collaboration focuses on deploying affordable, field-ready sensor systems to measure factors like water depth and salinity, with the ultimate goal of delivering real-time data and alerts to growers through advanced analytics.
NCSU, ECU, and SAS are now working together to develop a pilot project exploring sensor systems, with prototypes being tested in Hyde County and surrounding areas. The project is designed around real challenges—such as water management and salinity—that directly affect farmer decisions. By connecting researchers, technology partners, and growers, Extension played a key role in catalyzing this collaboration and ensuring that academic expertise is applied in practical, farm-level ways. As the project develops, growers will gain access to timely, data-driven tools—powered by sensor networks and advanced analytics—that will help safeguard crops, manage drainage, and respond proactively to saltwater intrusion.
https://www.farmprogress.com/soil-health/new-system-helps-farmers-battle-saltwater-intrusion-problem
https://cals.ncsu.edu/psi/news/extension-agents-explore-ai-for-agriculture/
County: Hyde
Team Members: Andrea Gibbs (Hyde), Rachel Vann (Crop & Soil Sciences)
Objective: Plant Production Systems