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The N-Sensor ALS (Active Light Source) works in a similar way to the classic N-Sensor to determine a crops Nitrogen demand by measuring the crops light reflectance. The major difference between the two N-Sensors is that the ALS Sensor has its own built in light source.
Instead of accounting for differences in light conditions during operation the N-Sensor ALS is constantly beaming its own source of light at the crop using Xenon flash lamps and recording the reflectance. This therefore enables variable rate fertilizer application irrespective of ambient light conditions, i.e. 24 hours a day.
It is generally advised that the N-Sensor is used between 8am and 6pm, depending on the day, as the sensor measuring the light intensity may become affected if the sun is positioned too low in the sky. This has only become a problem in the past on some of the larger arable farms, where timeliness is crucial. In 2006 Yara launched the new N Sensor ALS, which has overcome this problem.
Although both sensors work in a very similar way, the ability of the new N-Sensor ALS to work 24 hours a day means that there are no limitations on when it can be used. By increasing the application window for variably applying nitrogen, a larger area can be covered in a single day, which will increase the total area that can be covered during one season. Therefore as well as not being restricted with its use, it also means that the investment costs per hectare are reduced.
The N-Sensor ALS also has the ability to take separate measurements on the left and right side, which would then be able to adjust the left and right sides of the spreader independently to react to the individual measurements being taken. However, this is still at the development stage with spreader manufacturers.
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