Plant measuring with CROP SENSOR

Productivity and efficiency are the buzzwords in modern farming. Only those who farm successfully with these principles in mind will survive in a climate of fluctuating markets and uncertain political conditions to create a sustainable foundation for future generations.

Plant measuring with CROP SENSOR

Productivity and efficiency are the buzzwords in modern farming. Only those who farm successfully with these principles in mind will survive in a climate of fluctuating markets and uncertain political conditions to create a sustainable foundation for future generations.

Variable-rate drilling. As much as necessary, as little as possible.

Even when drilling, it is sensible to take account of the varying conditions within a field. Different drilling rates are advisable because there may be variations in germination conditions and yield potential. Most farmers already change the drilling rate for individual fields. Drilling maps can now be used to respond to these variations. These maps are created on the basis of information such as soil maps or EM 38 measurements and automatically adjust the drilling rate of the drill according to the position in the field.

Advantages and benefits.

  • Consistent crops
  • Achieve the full yield potential
  • Makes harvesting easier

Basic fertilisation and liming.

The results of soil analyses in conjunction with appropriate zoning provide the underlying data for site-specific basic fertiliser application and liming. Technical implementation is straightforward and the economic benefit is related to the characteristics of the site: the greater the differences in nutrient supply, the greater the potential savings. CLAAS software makes it easy for anyone to create the maps.

The complete solution from planning to application maps: nutrient maps and pH values show where the ground is defficient in nutrients. Targeting measures to combat this and applying fertilisers or lime only where needed to ensure an optimum supply for the plants saves valuable money – essential in times of rising fertiliser prices!

The aim is for all nutrients at each site in the field to be in nutrient content class C.

  • Advantages and benefits.
    • Optimum nutrient supply to the crop
    • Prevents nutrient accumulation
    • Increased yields
    • Application maps are transferred to the implement
    • Data are recorded and fed back into the field map
    • Good nutrient balance
    • Targeted liming and fertiliser application improves the soil nutrient supply
    • Saves resources

Variable-rate N application. For better growth.

Four eyes see more than two.

Farm managers need a complete, well-rounded product package which offers them plenty of options but still allows them full freedom of choice.

The components – all from CLAAS:

  • Online sensor system
  • ISOBUS terminal for control and documentation
  • Optional: yield potential maps
  • Advantages and benefits.

    The benefit is clear: too much nitrogen damages soils and watercourses and increases operating costs. Too little nitrogen reduces yields. But how much do you really need? Previously the same amount was applied across the whole field, but the optical sensor with active light source can now detect differences which are invisible to the human eye. The readings are directly translated into variable amounts of fertiliser, fungicide or growth regulator. Depending on the chosen strategy, the result is clear savings on inputs or optimised redistribution of fertilisers. The ultimate aim is to fully utilise yield potential which has not previously been exploited.

    The CROP SENSOR measures the biomass and nitrogen supply in the crop using two different vegetation indices. The results are used to derive target values which are automatically transferred to the spreader or sprayer, so the application rate is adjusted to changing conditions within the crop. Naturally, the farm manager's local knowledge also plays an essential role in agronomic decision-making.

  • Cost-effectiveness of sensor use.

    N application with a sensor in comparison to whole-field fertiliser application:

    • Savings in the region of 5-10%
    • Typical increase in yield: approx. 2%
    • Protein content often increases
    • Proven improvement in N efficiency
    • Good nutrient balance
    • Noticeable reduction in lodging
    • Significantly higher threshing output
    • Higher, more consistent harvest quality

    CROP SENSOR features:

    • Active optical sensor
    • Measures approx. 3.0 m from the tramline in a representative crop
    • ISOBUS sensor, easy to connect and simple documentation
    • Two different indices for maximum reliability
    • Suitable for use in any crop
    • Free calibration with full freedom of choice for the farm manager, or calibration-free expert systems
    • Optional use of yield potential maps allows inclusion of soil information and yield data
    • No follow-up costs, no additional licence costs during operation
    • First AEF-certified online sensor on the market

Variable-rate spraying.

Although site-specific management was once confined to N application, there is now a growing interest in site-specific spraying. Its main use at present is the application of growth regulators. Like N fertilisers, it makes sense to apply these to the field in line with requirements using an optical crop sensor, with rates adjusted according to the biomass index. The principle is that less growth regulator is applied to weaker crops, which have a lower biomass index, than to the average crop. Application of the average amount to weaker crops would make them too short, with a negative impact on yield. However, a higher rate should be applied to stronger crops which have a higher tendency to lodging in order to minimise this risk.

It also makes sense to use an online sensor for fungicide application because here, too, the target areas differ depending on the density of the crop. However, in this case particular attention must be paid to the legal requirements and the instructions for use specified by the product manufacturer with regard to maximum and minimum application rates.