By Andi Anderson
Grain processing has long been prone to dust explosions, but safety standards introduced in 1988 significantly reduced incidents. However, grain-handling facilities in the U.S. still experience an average of 8.4 explosions each year, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and financial losses.
Kingsly Ambrose, an agricultural and biological engineering professor, focuses on particle science applications to enhance grain safety, improve fertilizers, and minimize grain damage. His work, supported by organizations like the USDA, CNH Industrial, and Bayer, aims to make farming safer and more efficient.
Ambrose has developed innovations to reduce grain dust explosions, including a patented process that measures airborne dust levels in real time. This technology allows grain operators to monitor and manage dust accumulation effectively. He has also introduced an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to adjust for different types and amounts of dust, improving accuracy in monitoring systems.
Beyond safety, Ambrose’s research addresses grain damage, which affects up to 10% of harvested grains, reducing quality and value. By analyzing the forces at work during harvesting and handling, his models help optimize machinery to prevent excessive grain breakage.
His work extends to fertilizer improvements, particularly in urea-based fertilizers. Traditional urea dissolves too quickly when exposed to moisture, limiting its effectiveness. Ambrose has pioneered a method to slow its release naturally, without chemical additives, reducing nutrient loss and environmental pollution. His approach involves modifying urea's structure and combining it with eco-friendly materials to enhance efficiency.
His collaborations include researchers from Purdue University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service, working to further refine slow-release fertilizers. Ambrose also leads a laboratory at Purdue’s Center for Particulate Products and Processes, where interdisciplinary teams explore applications of particle science in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food production.
Recognized for his contributions, Ambrose was named a 2024 Fellow of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineering. His research continues to shape agricultural practices, making them safer, more sustainable, and more efficient.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
Categories: Indiana, Education