Federal Grant Award Summary

Aerodyne Research Inc. received a $174,603 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program (CFDA 10.212), awarded September 30, 2025, with completion scheduled for May 30, 2026. The company is developing a real-time, in situ soil sulfur monitoring system to address sulfur-limitation challenges in crop production. This advanced measurement technology combines multiplexed soil solute extraction with infrared spectroscopy to detect dissolved sulfur levels at millimeter-scale spatial resolution. The system will enable immediate detection of changes in soil sulfur concentrations, converting total sulfur to sulfur dioxide (SO₂) for sensitive infrared detection and quantification.

The deliverable represents a significant innovation for agricultural research and practice, providing researchers and farmers with a tool to monitor total dissolved soil sulfur dynamics in real-time rather than relying on time-consuming, labor-intensive traditional laboratory-based methods. This capability addresses a critical gap in nutrient management, allowing rapid response to sulfur deficiency to prevent crop yield losses and optimize fertilizer usage. The technology supports broader agricultural objectives by enabling better alignment of sulfur fertilizer applications with crop demand and facilitating research into plant nutrient needs and microbial nutrient cycling processes.