Crops show typical reflection characteristics. These are essentially influenced by the supply of nitrogen. Plants that have a low supply of nitrogen show a lighter green colouring than those that are well-supplied with nitrogen.

The YARA N-Sensor® is an optical measurement system. With the help of spectral measurements, the differences described can be recorded during the field crossing. The YARA N-Sensor® scans the crops to the right and left of the driving lane. With a working width of 24 m, for example, roughly 33 % of the entire crop will be recorded. The information gathered flows then directly to the service software Precision Farming Box. This calculates the N recommendation.

YARA N-Sensor® and YARA N-Sensor® ALS

The YARA N-Sensor® is available in two variations. The main difference between the two systems lies in their possible times of use. Whilst the passive YARA N-Sensor® requires daylight, farmers can use the active system YARA N-Sensor® ALS (active light source) both day and night. This is made possible by its own radiation source.

The spectrum of use as well as the available service software are the same for both systems. Both sensors work according to the same agronomic regulation functions.

At the beginning of the work on the field the YARA N-Sensor® is adjusted using an agronomic calibration: the type of crop, the development stage of the plants, the nutrient content of the fertiliser as well as upper and lower limits of the permitted control range in which the fertiliser to be applied may vary. The calibration is then carried out in the field. The YARA N-Sensor® scans the crop along 10 to 15 m of the driving lane and then links the result with the amount of nitrogen to be applied.