Sensors determine in-season fertilization needs Farmers on the
northern Plains continue to adopt precision agriculture
technology and management practices. In-field crop sensors are
one of the new technologies farmers are using to help manage
nitrogen fertilizer applications, particularly in corn and
wheat. In-field sensors are used to apply variable rates of
fertilizer across fields to maximize yields. “This technology
has the potential to increase yields by increasing nitrogen
efficiency and, at the same time, protecting the environment,”
says John Nowatzki, North Dakota State University Extension
Service agricultural machine systems specialist. “For example,
variable-rate fertilization gives farmers the option of
decreasing nitrogen applications in areas with shallow aquifers,
which reduces the potential for water contamination from
nitrogen leaching.” Crop sensors are mounted directly on the
fertilizer application equipment and then coupled with variable-
rate controllers. This allows farmers to vary ferti