Practical uses

This is especially the case where organic manures and slurries have been applied either for the current crop or over the past two or three years. Manure's poor spreading characteristics and variable nutrient content increases the difficulty of estimating nutrient release. These manures gradually release Nitrogen and it is difficult to know when and how much of this Nitrogen is available to the crop.

Using the N sensor to establish the Nitrogen requirement of the crop as it passes over the field has been successful in identifying where the crop has taken up Nitrogen from past organic manure applications. The N Sensor has been able to reduce Nitrogen application accordingly. 

Even Grain Quality

By applying the crop's optimum Nitrogen requirement in all areas of the field, the N Sensor has the effect of helping to reduce the variability in yield and grain quality over the field. Results from Yara trials in crops grown to reach milling standard the variability in protein quality was reduced by 33% where N Sensor was used.

Improved Combine Performance

Greater crop evenness achieved by using the N Sensor also results in more even ripening enabling quicker harvesting and reduced drying costs.

Independent trials in 2001/02 confirmed the improvements in combine output that came from the more even crop produced by N Sensor applications. Output increased from 12 to 20% across the series of trials with an average of 15.7% reducing harvest days required, and possibilities of reducing combine capacity requirements.

Lodging Reduction

Reducing the area of over application also helps to reduce lodging which can have severe effects on the profitability of the crop in the form of reduced quality, loss of yield, increased harvesting time and higher drying costs. Aerial photography of trial sites have shown a reduction in lodging where N Sensor was used.