GreenSeekerTM Sensor/Applicator For Variable Rate Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer

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GreenSeekerTM Sensor/ApplicatorForVariable Rate
Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer

• A Project of Oklahoma State University
• And
• NTech Industries, Inc

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GreenSeekerTM N-Fertilizer Sensor/Applicator

• Active lighting optical sensor based variable
  rate fertilizer applicator
• Optically measures crop yield potential/total
  nitrogen in the crop at high resolution
• Computes N fertilizer application rate based on
  crop yield potential and predicted response to
  fertilizer
• Applies liquid fertilizer at 7 discrete rates or
  continuously variable application rate

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Project Participants

• Oklahoma State University
• Procedures to determine N fertilizer rates
• Designed and built N fertilizer sensors, computer
  network, software, and application system
• NTech Industries, Inc. (Patchen, Inc.)
• Patented active lighting and optics
• WeedSeeker technologies
• Manufacturing and marketing
• Ukiah, CA and Stillwater, OK

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Financial Support
Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
United States Department of Agriculture
Oklahoma Wheat Research Foundation
Soil Fertility Research and Education Advisory
Board
National Aeronautics Space Administration
Oklahoma Turf Research Foundation
Phosphate Potash Institute
Oklahoma Wheat Commission
John Deere Co.
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Variability in Stand
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Variability in SoilsAFB Core4 Conference Field
Plots, Waco, TX
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Temporal Variability in Grain Yield and Response
to N Fertilizer
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Nitrogen Use Efficiency

• World wide estimate for cereal grains is 33
  (Raun and Johnson)
• Observed values in Oklahoma are 25 to 30
• Lower efficiencies occur in regions of highest N
  rates
• NUE of other crops is similar

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Diminishing Efficiency with Increasing N
Fertilizer

• Rule of Thumb 2 lb N for every bu of expected
  yield

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Small-Scale Variability

• Research at Oklahoma State University in 1996
  showed that soil nutrients vary within 3 feet
• Economic analysis indicates nutrients should be
  managed at 3 ft by 3 ft areas for best returns

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Mean Surface Soil Test P and Fertilizer P
RecommendationsBermuda grass pasture,
Burneyville, OK
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Map Based Precision Farming
Aerial and Satellite Images
GPS Constellations
Management
Yield Map
Computer
GIS - Precision Farming Software
GPS Referenced Soil Samples
Fertilizer Prescription
Soils Maps, Elevation Maps, etc.
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Sensor-BasedNitrogen Management
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GreenSeekerTM Sensor Light Detection and Filtering
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Sensor Function
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GREENSEEKERTM Applicator

• Sense and treat each 2 ft by 2 ft area
• Apply one of seven fertilizer rates based on the
  crops yield potential
• Accomplish this while driving 15 mph
• Operate day or night
• Provide the capability to detect and treat other
  plant problems
• Record and georeference sensor data for GIS
  analysis
• Sense and spot spray weeds (current Patchen
  technology)

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Tri-valve Set for Varying Rate

• 8 Stepped rates
• OFF to 7x
• Treats 24x 24 area applying the target rate on
  85 of that area

Valve Valve Valve Rate
1x 2x 4x Total
0 0 0 0
1 0 0 1
0 2 0 2
1 2 0 3
0 0 4 4
1 0 4 5
0 2 4 6
1 2 4 7
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User Interface/Central Computer
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(No Transcript)
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(No Transcript)
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Normalized Difference Vegetative Index - NDVI

• Calculated from the red and near-infrared bands
• Equivalent to a plant physical examination
• Correlated with
• Plant biomass
• Crop yield
• Plant nitrogen
• Plant chlorophyll
• Water stress
• Plant diseases
• Insect damage

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WINTERWHEAT
NDVI at F5

INSEY
Days from planting to sensing
Good predictor of grain yield Requires only
one sensor reading Works over different
regions/biotypes
Units N Uptake, kg-1 ha-1 day Where GDDgt0
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NRich Strip

• Strip with nutrient applied at rate high enough
  to guarantee sufficiency
• Determines Response to additional nutrient
• Determines maximum potential grain yield

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NRich Strip for Determining Benefit of Added
Fertilizer
NRich Strip
Field Rate
Sensor data mapped and satellite images
vectorized with SST Toolbox GIS software
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In-Season Response Index (RINDVI)
Farmer Check
Non-N Limiting
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IKONIS Satellite Image of a Wheat Field Near
Covington, Oklahoma
NDVI Image of the NRich Strip
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NDVI Cassidy, OK - Wheat P Strip and 2 NRich
Strips
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What does the Nutrient Rich Strip Tell Us?

• Measure response to additional nutrient
• Determines nutrient sufficiency
• Determines the fertilizer response index
• Does not provide information on excess nutrients

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Procedure to Calculate N Rate
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Covington, OK N Rich Strip IKONIS Imagery 2002
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GreenSeeker NDVI Map and IKONIS False Color Image
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OSU GreenSeeker Sensor Applicator RedRock, OK
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NDVI 4 Weeks After Application
NDVI At Application Hennessey, OK
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Summary of Results - 10 Field Trials
GreenSeekerTM Field Sprayer 2002
Treatment Pre-Trt. N, lb/ac Trt. N, lb/ac Total N, lb/ac Yield, bu/ac Net Rtn, /ac
N-Rich Strip 94 0 94 44.6 110
Var. Rate 56 23 79 39.8 100
Fixed Rate A 56 35 91 37.3 91
Fixed Rate B 58 24 82 35.4 85
Field Rate 73 20 92 34.6 82
SED 3.1 9.5


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Method of Application and Resolution Tipton, OK
2004
Treatment PrePlant N Topdress N Grain Yield N Use Efficiency
lb/ac lb/ac bu/ac
Check 0 0 50.5 ---
Fixed Rate 1 90 0 69.8 30
Fixed Rate 2 0 90 70.3 31
Var. Rate 3 x3 ft 0 30 63.5 60
Var. Rate 6 x 12 ft 0 33 63.5 55
Var. Rate 12 x 24 0 31 60.9 47
Average check sensor CV 17.2 with Average NDVI 0.61 at Feekes 5 Average check sensor CV 17.2 with Average NDVI 0.61 at Feekes 5 Average check sensor CV 17.2 with Average NDVI 0.61 at Feekes 5 Average check sensor CV 17.2 with Average NDVI 0.61 at Feekes 5 Average check sensor CV 17.2 with Average NDVI 0.61 at Feekes 5
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Method of Application and Resolution Chickasha,
OK - 2004
Treatment PrePlant N Topdress N Grain Yield N Use Efficiency
lb/ac lb/ac bu/ac
Check 0 0 18.1 ---
Fixed Rate 1 90 0 25.2 11
Fixed Rate 2 0 90 26.5 13
Var. Rate 3 x3 ft 0 30 24.2 24
Var. Rate 6 x 12 ft 0 33 25.4 23
Var. Rate 12 x 24 0 31 26.0 27
Average check sensor CV 12.1 with Average NDVI 0.28 at Feekes 5 Average check sensor CV 12.1 with Average NDVI 0.28 at Feekes 5 Average check sensor CV 12.1 with Average NDVI 0.28 at Feekes 5 Average check sensor CV 12.1 with Average NDVI 0.28 at Feekes 5 Average check sensor CV 12.1 with Average NDVI 0.28 at Feekes 5
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GreenSeekerTM vs Conventional Treatments
Stillwater, OK 2004
Treatment Preplant N Rate Topdress N Rate Total N Applied Wheat Yield NUE Gross Rev. Add. Return
Lb/ac Lb/ac Lb/ac Bu/ac /ac /ac
Check 0 0 0 31.3 ---- 109.00
All N Pre 120 0 120 40.4 11 111.00
Var NFOA 0 22 22 40.8 60 137.00 24.00
Var. NFOA 45 8 53 40.1 23 127.00
Flat NFOA 0 30 30 38.5 34 127.00
Flat NFOA 45 14 59 40.5 22 127.00
NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm
Sensor CV at F5 16, NDVI 0.4 Sensor CV at F5 16, NDVI 0.4 Sensor CV at F5 16, NDVI 0.4 Sensor CV at F5 16, NDVI 0.4 Sensor CV at F5 16, NDVI 0.4 Sensor CV at F5 16, NDVI 0.4 Sensor CV at F5 16, NDVI 0.4 Sensor CV at F5 16, NDVI 0.4
Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu
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GreenSeekerTM vs Conventional Treatments
Chickasha, OK 2004
Treatment Preplant N Rate Topdress N Rate Total N Applied Wheat Yield NUE Gross Rev. Add. Return
Lb/ac Lb/ac Lb/ac Bu/ac /ac /ac
Check 0 0 0 22.5 ---- 79.00
All N Pre 120 0 120 34.7 20 107.00
Var NFOA 0 24 24 32.0 57 106.00
Var NFOA 45 11 55 35.4 32 110.00
Flat NFOA 0 26 26 27.6 28 90.00
Flat NFOA 45 12 57 39.4 42 123.00 16.00
NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm
Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu
Sensor CV at F5 12 and NDVI 0.3 Sensor CV at F5 12 and NDVI 0.3 Sensor CV at F5 12 and NDVI 0.3 Sensor CV at F5 12 and NDVI 0.3 Sensor CV at F5 12 and NDVI 0.3 Sensor CV at F5 12 and NDVI 0.3 Sensor CV at F5 12 and NDVI 0.3 Sensor CV at F5 12 and NDVI 0.3
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GreenSeekerTM vs Conventional Treatments Orlando,
OK 2004
Treatment Preplant N Rate Topdress N Rate Total N Applied Wheat Yield NUE Gross Rev. Add. Return
Lb/ac Lb/ac Lb/ac Bu/ac /ac /ac
Check 0 0 0 49.1 ---- 172.00
All N Pre 120 0 120 60.5 13 181.00
Var NFOA 0 13 13 54.3 57 186.00
Var. NFOA 45 10 55 61.8 33 202.00 21.00
Flat NFOA 0 20 20 52.4 26 178.00
Flat NFOA 45 13 13 62.7 33 205.00 24.00
NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm NFOA OSU Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization Alogrithm
Sensor CV at F5 22 and Average NDVI 0.5 Sensor CV at F5 22 and Average NDVI 0.5 Sensor CV at F5 22 and Average NDVI 0.5 Sensor CV at F5 22 and Average NDVI 0.5 Sensor CV at F5 22 and Average NDVI 0.5 Sensor CV at F5 22 and Average NDVI 0.5 Sensor CV at F5 22 and Average NDVI 0.5 Sensor CV at F5 22 and Average NDVI 0.5
Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu Revenue computed with wheat priced at 3.50/bu
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GreenSeeker RT200 6 Sensor on boom and using
existing sprayer controller
GreenSeeker RT500 Sensor and Valves Spaced 2 ft
Apart
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RT200 and RT 500 Specifications

• Estimated Price 60,000 for 60 ft applicator
• Senses and treats each 2 ft by 2 ft area
• Uses NTech high speed and resolution controller
  and valves
• Sense and Treat strategy
• Reaction time lt 0.1 s

• Estimated Price 15,000 for 60 ft applicator
• Senses and treats boom width by 20 to 30 feet
• Utilizes existing variable rate sprayer
  controllers and valves
• Combination Sense and Treat, and Sense, Predict,
  and Treat strategies
• Reaction time limited by existing controller and
  valves

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Sensing and Treatment Scale and Strategy
30 ft by 60 ft
RT500
RT200
High Resolution Sense and Treat Strategy
Sensed Area
Treated Area
2 ft by 2 ft
Sense, Predict, and Treat Strategy
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Sensing and Treatment Scale
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RT200 and RT 500 Specifications

• 30 sensor on 6 ft boom
• Existing dry fertilizer applicators cannot be
  used with this system
• System custom installed on each manufacturers
  sprayer /boom
• Can detect and spray weeds in fallow/no-till as
  well as apply fertilizer
• System can be used for other crops and materials
• Spot spray weeds

• 6 sensors on 60 ft boom
• Can readily be mated with existing dry fertilizer
  and anhydrous ammonia applicators
• Fast installation with minimal modifications
• System intended for fertilizer only
• System can be used for other crops and materials
  

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Minnesota Sugar Beets Sensed While Topping with
the NTech RT100 Mapper
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NTech Handheld Sensorand OSU Web Based N Rate
Calculator For determining field average N Rate
http//www.soiltesting.okstate.edu/Sensor_Based_N/
index.php
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GreenSeekerTM Sensorson Hagie Sprayer
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Cotton NDVI and Yield Map
Yield Surface
NDVI Surface
Courtesy of Tim Sharp Jackson State C.C.
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Sense and Treat Weeds
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Questions