Introduction to in-field crop sensors.

1. In-field Crop Sensors
John Nowatzki
Extension Ag Machine Systems Specialist

2. In-field Crop Sensors
In-field Sensors vs. Remote Sensors
Sensor Operation Principles
Commercial Crop Sensors
Applications to Crop Production

3. Crop Sensors
Fact Sheet

4. In-field Sensors vs. Remote Sensors
• Sensors on
Equipment
• Internal Light
Source
• Real-time

5. Sensor Field Operation
• Rate Determination:
• NDVI Value
• Compare NDVI to
Optimum Area
• Growing Degree Days
• Potential Yield
• Activate Rate Controller

6. GreenSeeker – Trimble
• $10,000 - $17,000
• Processor
• 4 sensors
• Cables
• Uses N-Rich Strip

7. OptRx – Ag Leader
• $17,000
• 3 Sensors
• Integra Display
• Direct Command kit
• Uses Virtual Reference Strip

8. CropSpec – Topcon
• $18,000
• Uses N-Rich Strip

9. Crop Circle – Holland Scientific
• $17,500
• 3 sensor system with Integra display and Direct
Command kit
• Uses Virtual Reference Strip

10. GreenSeeker Handheld
• $500
• Uses N-Rich Strip

11. Handheld Crop Sensor
Holland Scientific
C
B
D
A

12. Crop Table
Holland Scientific
Crop %N lbs/
Bu
Maximum yield (bu/ac)
15 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275
Spring Wheat 2.45 60 66.8 134 200 167 334 401 468
Winter Wheat 2.30 60 3.76 62.7 125 188 251 314 376 439
Dryland corn 1.35 56 99.3 132 165 199 232 265 298 331
Irrigated Corn 1.25 56 127 159 191 223 255 286 318 350
Barley 1.70 48 22.3 31.7 74.2 111 148 185 223 260
Triticale 2.10 54 30.9 51.5 103 155 206 258 309 361
Sorghum 1.34 56 102 136 172 205 239 273 307
canola 3.10 50 42.3 70.5 141 211 282
0.30 x 165 = 49.5
1
2
3

13. $100
$50
iPad – iPhone app Android coming soon!

14. Click Tap Read,
Repeat

15. FieldScout App Readout:

16. In-season Variable Rate
• Mount Sensors on side-dress applicator
• N-rich strip in each field
• Applicator will sense the N-rich strip
• Compare each readings with N-rich strip
• Use the difference to determine N to apply

17. Implications for Crop Management
• Real-time Plant Nitrogen Requirements
• Maximize Yield
• Reduce Total N Application
• Save Second Application in Droughts
• Early Yield Prediction
• Precision Desiccant Application

18. Questions - Comments
Office 701-231-8213 Cell 701-261-9842
John.Nowatzki@ndsu.edu
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/agmachinery