High-Clearance, Variable-Rate Nitrogen Applications Based on Corn
Color
Contacts: Peter Scharf,
Daniel Ess, Ken Sudduth, Newell Kitchen, and Glenn Davis
MU Agronomy Extension, USDA-Agricultural Research Service and MU Ag
Engineering
Objectives: Development of precision management systems for nitrogen fertilizers has been hindered by the complexity of nitrogen interactions in the soil-air-water matrix. Relatively rapid N transformations seriously impair a soil-test-based approach to site-specific nitrogen management for both pre- and in-season applications. A sensor-based system for nitrogen fertilizer has the potential to reduce input costs, improve yields, and reduce N loss to the environment.
Real-time sensing systems have been developed for wheat to measure crop color and translate such measurements into nitrogen application prescriptions. Our goals is to develop a similar system for corn. The objectives in this project are to expand the capabilities of our Cropscan radiometer to make whole-field, on-the-go, GPS-referenced measures of corn color; to develop and test a high-clearance, variable-rate N applicator; and to integrate the radiometer with the applicator.
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