Method and apparatus for real-time determination and application of nitrogen fertilizer using rapid, non-destructive crop canopy measurements
US6393927B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 8, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01C21/007
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the real time determination and application of optimum amounts of nitrogen fertilizer to corn and other arable crops such as cotton, sugar beats, wheat, etc. by the use of rapid, non-destructive sensors and various fertilizer application methods. In a first embodiment, optical reflectance measurements of the crop canopy and a reference strip at the fertilizer response plateau are taken by sensors carried by a center pivot irrigation system. A sensor controller receives, stores and analyzes the sensor data as well as position data received from a center pivot controller. The sensor controller then sends commands to the center pivot controller to order fertilizer application, as necessary, through the irrigation system.A second embodiment of the invention utilizes a tractor drawn fertilizer applicator with the sensors mounted on the application booms. As in the first embodiment, a sensor controller receives, stores and analyzes reference strip and crop canopy reflectance data and sends commands to the tractor fertilizer controller to order fertilizer application. This second embodiment may also utilize the Global Positioning System to provide tractor positi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.