Joe Luck, PhD

Joe Luck, PhD

Associate Professor of Biological Systems Engineering, Precision Agriculture Engineer
Associate Director Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

 

Dr. Joe Luck joined the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at UNL in April, 2012 and currently serves as Associate Professor and Extension Specialist for Precision Agriculture and Associate Director for the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center. His current research and extension efforts are focused on demonstrating agricultural data management strategies and technology applications for improving crop production efficiency. He works closely with interdisciplinary teams to evaluate technologies including crop canopy sensors for nitrogen application and advanced pesticide application systems. Joe was raised on a family farm in western Kentucky that produced corn and soybeans and operated a small cattle operation.

Agricultural Technologies for Improving On-Farm Economics, Reducing Environmental Impacts and Enhancing Human Health

Agricultural technologies provide opportunities to enhance crop production systems that are affected by complex issues including economic, environmental, societal and human health considerations. We will share the results of a four-year study documenting the development and evaluation of a new technology, sensor-based fertigation management (SBFM). The SBFM approach has been compared directly to current grower practices in on-farm field studies and has highlighted the opportunity to reduce nitrogen use at the farm level while maintaining current yield levels. Results from post-harvest soil sampling have indicated lower levels of residual nitrate; significantly less than the grower-managed areas and below current EPA drinking water levels.