Utilizing Existing Sensor Technology to Predict Spring Wheat Grain Nitrogen Concentration

Abstract

Optimum grain nitrogen (N) concentration and yield in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) can be problematic without proper N fertilizer management. Sensor-based technologies have been used for application of fertilizers and also to predict yield in wheat, although little has been done in the prediction of grain N. Field studies were conducted in South Dakota in 2006 (Gettysburg, Bath, and Cresbard) and 2007 (Gettysburg, Aurora, Leola, and Artas). There were five N treatments (0, 56, 112, 168, and 224 kg N ha⁻¹) applied pre-plant with a second N application applied foliar at anthesis. Sensor readings were taken at growth stages Feekes 10, anthesis, and postfoliar application using the GreenSeeker Hand Held optical sensor. Grain samples were taken at maturity and analyzed for total N. Using similar information collected in 2003 and 2005, a critical normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) value was determined using the Cate–Nelson procedure. The critical NDVI value needed to ensure optimum grain N was 0.70. In 2006 and 2007, the plots that received an application of N at anthesis had higher grain N than the plots not receiving N. There was also a significant response between applied N and grain yield. The results show that with further studies, the Greenseeker could be used to apply N to maximize yield and grain N in a precise and accurate manner.

Keywords:

• Nitrogen
• precision agriculture
• remote sensing