In-field Crop Sensors

John NowatzkiExtension Ag Machine Systems Specialist

In-field Crop Sensors

In-field Sensors vs. Remote SensorsSensor Operation PrinciplesCommercial Crop SensorsApplications to Crop Production

Crop SensorsFact Sheet

In-field Sensors vs. Remote Sensors

• Sensors on Equipment

• Internal Light Source

• Real-time

Sensor Field Operation

• Rate Determination:• NDVI Value• Compare NDVI to

Optimum Area • Growing Degree

Days• Potential Yield

• Activate Rate Controller

GreenSeeker – Trimble

• $10,000 - $17,000• Processor• 4 sensors • Cables

• Uses N-Rich Strip

OptRx – Ag Leader

• $17,000• 3 Sensors• Integra Display• Direct Command kit

• Uses Virtual Reference Strip

CropSpec – Topcon

• $18,000• Uses N-Rich Strip

Crop Circle – Holland Scientific

• $17,500• 3 sensor system with Integra display and

Direct Command kit • Uses Virtual Reference Strip

GreenSeeker Handheld

• $500• Uses N-Rich Strip

Handheld Crop Sensor

Holland Scientific

C

B

D

A

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

$100

$50

iPad – iPhone app Android coming soon!

Click Tap Read, Repeat

FieldScout App Readout:

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

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

Questions - Comments

Office 701-231-8213 Cell 701-261-9842

John.Nowatzki@ndsu.edu

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/agmachinery